FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 25th, 2016
Sunday Edition

Sleeper Spotlight

With Donte Moncrief out, the speedy Colts wide out Phillip Dorsett with get his shots opposite T.Y. Hilton. Dorsett will also have his starting quarterback Andrew Luck under center, so he should see plenty of targets especially downfield. Like Hilton, I like Dorsett as a big play receiver and he'll get in the end zone today against the Chargers.

The Giants will be without running back Rashad Jennings today, but that's good news for Shane Vereen fantasy owners. Vereen is a very capable runner and exceptional in the passing game. He's a borderline flex-RB2 today especially in PPR formats. I say play him with confidence.

Those are a couple of my takes for Sleepers in week 3.

My Daily DFS

If you are like me you can never get enough fantasy. I enjoy the season long leagues very much, but I am definitely hooked on the daily fantasy sports as well. Here's my week 3 Draft Kings line-up in one of the smaller contests;

QB-Philip Rivers ...still has plenty left in tank
RB-CJ Anderson ...has been solid this season
RB-DeMarco Murray ...looks like the feature back
WR-Travis Benjamin ...doubling down with Rivers
WR-Kenny Britt ...looking for value here.
WR-Amari Cooper ...could be a breakout Sunday
TE-Dwayne Allen ...one of Luck's faves in Red Zone
Flex-Victor Cruz ...should find end zone today
DST-Broncos ...defense looks solid!


That's my take,

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 17th, 2016
Saturday

Week 2 Four Horsemen

After quickly glancing at this week's matchups on Sunday, here are a few names that jump off the board as possible fantasy stud plays for Week 2. 

Here are my Four Horsemen for NFL Sunday Week 2.

QB-Philip Rivers (Chargers)
The Chargers lost a tough one in week one letting an 18 point half-time lead slip away and again it was a tale of two tapes. Against a tough Chiefs defense quarterback Philip Rivers started fast completing 16 of 20 passes for 151 yards and a score. In the second half along with the offense is where Rivers struggled. This week look for the savvy vet to rebound and finish strong at home on Sunday. Rivers lost a big weapon with wide receiver Keenan Allen going down, but he'll still have plenty of targets with Travis Benjamin, Antonio Gates, and Danny Woodhead. Rivers will be facing a Jaguars defense that allowed 199 yards passing and two scores in week one to the Packers. If Rivers is afforded the time, he'll pick apart the secondary and should post some strong week 2 fantasy numbers; 22 of 29 passes, 277 yards passing, three touchdown passes!

RB-Rashad Jennings (Giants)
Week one was anything but blistering for the Giants running back Rashad Jennings, but for fantasy owners his 19 touches were a big positive. This week the Giants offense will match up with Saints defense that was obliterated for 486 yards of offense in week one, including 169 yards on the ground. Jennings has some success in week one with 75 yards on the ground, but he should definitely improve on his totals and 4.2 yards per carry average against a run defense that allowed 6.4 yards per carry and three scores. This Sunday Jennings should be a top 10 fantasy play; 19 carries, 95 yards, two rushing touchdowns!

WR-Golden Tate (Lions)
The Lions slot man, Golden Tate was perfect in week one, catching 7 passes on 7 targets. This week he could feast even more against a visiting Titans secondary. The match up is not necessarily a fantasy frenzy, the Lions just have a lot of weapons and will present a lot of match up problems for Tennessee. And back in week one, the Titans struggled to keep up with Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs; Tate owners take note. With his seven targets last week, Tate is a big part of the passing game and Stafford looked sharp a week ago; expect similar production with an added score; 6 receptions, 90 yards receiving, and a touchdown. 

TE-Delanie Walker (Titans)
Here's a match up fantasy owners should be all-in on. In week one the Lions pass defense allowed 7 receptions (on 10 targets) for 88 yards receiving, and three touchdowns to the tight end position. This week tight end Delanie Walker and the Titans come to town. Walker has been a rising star at the TE position the past couple of seasons and after a slow start in week one, 3 receptions (on five targets) for 42 yards, expect the Titans to get him going early and often. Last season Walker posted career numbers (94 receptions, 1,088 yards receiving, 6 touchdowns) with rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota under center, this season the duo will be looking to improve. Fantasy owners can expect a good start this Sunday; 7 receptions, 85 yards receiving, 1 touchdown.

That's my take

~David Ortega

MY TOP PPR RUNNING BACKS TO TARGET

August 27th, 2015
Thursday

MY TOP PPR RUNNING BACKS TO TARGET

With my next fantasy draft coming up in a couple of days, the emphasis in this next draft is PPR and no position will be more important than my backfield. 

As many of may be hearing and seeing, even with the recent onslaught of injuries and suspensions the wide receiver still seems to be the deepest it's ever been. Quite simply fantasy owners can not escape the fact that the running back is by far the highest contact skill position, providing the biggest risk; drafting depth always is and will once again be a premium in PPR or standard leagues.

With my upcoming draft, I am focusing on production yes, but just as important in my thought process is opportunity. In fantasy, opportunity is the prelude to utilization and production.

What I am looking for in my top targets, touches, targets, and production. With this criteria in mind as I prepare for my draft, here are my top running backs to target;

2014 numbers:
Jamaal Charles, KC - 206 carries, 40 receptions, 59 targets (265 chances)
Le'Veon Bell, PIT - 290 carries, 83 receptions, 105 targets (395 chances)
Arian Foster, HOU - 260 carries, 38 receptions, 59 targets (319 chances)
Mark Ingram, NO - 226 carries, 29 receptions, 36 targets (262 chances)
Lamar Miller, MIA - 216 carries, 38 receptions, 52 targets (268 chances)
Justin Forsett, BAL - 235 carries, 44 receptions, 59 targets (294 chances)
Andre Ellington, ARI - 201 carries, 46 receptions, 64 targets (265 chances)


Last season was a bit of a down season for Charles and based on his total chances in 2014, I only see that number increasing a lot.

Bell was a fantasy stud in 2014 and despite the two game suspension to start this season, he should be able to improve upon these numbers from a year ago.

Foster is someone I am looking at trying to steal early. His numbers may taper back a bit this season due to the early injury, but once he's healthy he'll see volume and produce.

Ingram is someone I think I am likely to value higher than most. I believe he can be a bell-cow in New Orleans and with no Immy Graham, the Saints offense will have a more conservative look this season.

Playing in what should be an improved offense, behind a rising star quarterback I can only see Miller continuing his ascent as one of the more reliable runners in the league.

Forsett is another one of those backs I may be valuing higher than most. I watched a lot of his games last season and I am a believer in his skills. He may lose some goal line touches to a bigger back, but he's still going to see plenty of work in the pass game.

I don't really like chasing sleepers and I am not sure that these backs would be considered, but Doug Martin  (missed 5 games last season) in Tampa and Rashad Jennings (208 chances in 11 games) are a pair that I will target in mid-rounds to add depth.

Just my take.

~David G

FSH NOTEBOOK: SFFL WEEK 10

Saturday Edition
November 10th, 2012  

Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 10

After a big week in fantasy last Sunday, my week 9 lineup did some big damage and moved me back inside the top 20. My team finished the week with 131 points led by a couple of fantastic fantasy performances. 

The Lions running back Mikel Leshoure posted 25 fantasy points behind a three touchdown effort last week. The Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall was also huge with three scores, adding 9 grabs for 122 yards receiving on his way to 39 fantasy points. These were the anchors of my huge week 9 run.

With my team on the move, there’s no time to let up!

My Line-up 

Quarterback:
It’s not exactly what you would call an ideal matchup for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, but he’s had a hot hand of late and playing in dome this week he may as well be at home. Stafford has been throwing up some nice fantasy numbers over the last couple of weeks and he looks to be in a groove. Inside a dome this Sunday, I like him to have a big game.

Running Backs:
I am already down a running back this week with Rashad Jennings starting on Thursday, and he did not play very well. I liked his matchup at home against a Colts team not historically a good run defensive team, but Thursday night they kept Jennings under wraps.

My other ball carrier this week is Frank Gore. The Niners ball of thunder will face the Rams 13th ranked run defense this week. Yards are going to be tough this week, but at home I like Gore’s chances of punching a couple in this week against his divisional rival. While the Rams do a decent job of slowing the ground game, they have allowed 8 rushing touchdowns this season.

Wide Receivers:
My good hands folks for this week are the Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd and the Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline. 

Starting with Floyd, he’s facing the Bucs secondary that is ranked last in the league versus the pass. The Bucs allow well over 300 yards in the air this season and have surrendered 13 touchdowns. The Buccaneers are also allowing the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers.

On the other side, Hartline has a little more challenging matchup facing the Titans 27th ranked pass defense; just a little. Hartline has been the Dolphins best receiver this season (41 receptions, 662 yards receiving) and quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s go-to-guy. Facing the Titans this week could be Hartline’s ticket to a return trip to the end zone. Hartline has only one touchdown this season and that came back in week 4. The Titans secondary has allowed 20 touchdowns this season and give up the 11th most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Tight End:
Quite simply the Patriots surrender the 5th most fantasy points to tight ends and the Bills tight end Scott Chandler has been one of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s best scoring threats with 4 touchdowns this season. Back in week 4 against the Patriots, Chandler recorded 4 catches for 62 yards and scored twice. He’s a good be to at least cash one catch in for six this Sunday.

Place Kicker:
The Seahawks should have an easy time moving the ball down the field against the Jets, but could sputter in the red zone with a shaky passing game. Place kicker Steven Hauschka could see lots of opportunities at some short kicks this week.

Team Defense:
I am just playing the numbers here. The Titans offense gives up the 5th most fantasy points to opposing defenses and with their week-10 matchup on the road, I like the Dolphins defense. Cameron Wake and company should be all over quarterback Jake Locker this week and could get a few sacks and possibly cause a few turnovers.


These are my picks for week 10.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY'S TAKES

Thursday Edition
November 8th, 2012  

Thursdays Take

Notes

Tonight’s quick takes include quite a few names for a matchup lacking marquee appeal. Starting with the obvious wide receiver Reggie Wayne leads the league in targets this season with 101. You can bet he’s going to be on the radar throughout the evening and should be very productive against the Jaguars 24th ranked pass defense.

Throwing passes all night to Wayne will be rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. He’s a gamer and it will be tough to pass on starting him tonight unless you are carrying one of the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks. The Jaguars defense allows the 17th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, but last week the Lions Matthew Stafford torched them for over 300 yards without a touchdown pass (although there were many chances). Luck should see many opportunities, but expect him to capitalize.

On the other side, the Jaguars offense will be facing a Colts defense that has struggled to shut down folks. Running back Rashad Jennings is going to see a heavy load and facing a Colts defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, he’s going to play well. Jennings is only a flex option in most leagues, but could be considered a low end RB2 in much deeper leagues.

The one to watch this evening is going to be the Colts number two receiver Donnie Avery. The speedy wide out has shown flashes this season and last week was starting to come on with a big effort before injury shut him down. Avery finishes last week with 5 grabs for 108 yards. Tonight against the Jaguars, who will also have to worry about Wayne and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, Avery could be poised for a big evening. Expect Luck to take a few shots and Avery to cash at least one in. I am really high on this guy and believe a big game is coming; could it be tonight?


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

Wednesday Edition

October 24th, 2012 

Watercooler Chat

“Just Talking Fantasy”

This Weeks Waiver Wire Wonders

With the injury to Maurice Jones-Drew, running back Rashad Jennings is one of the hot pickups this week off the waiver wire. Jennings will take over the starting duties while MJD is sidelined and could see quite the workload, but if you are not an MJD owner don’t expect him to be a permanent fix to fill any big holes in your lineup. Jennings is averaging just 2.6 yards per carry this season and the Jaguars don’t exactly have the easiest schedule with the Packers (17th against the run) and Lions (16th against the run) up next on the schedule.

The Steelers backfield is a jumbled mess with running back Rashard Mendenhall and Issac Redman still sidelined after missing practice on Wednesday. After his strong 122-yard showing in week 7 running back, Jonathan Dwyer looks like the hot commodity off the wire this week, if both Mendenhall and Redman miss action in week 8, but at the moment that still remains an sticky situation.

The Rams seem to have found themselves a new deep threat and playmaker in wide receiver Chris Givens. If the bye weeks are playing havoc with your lineup and you’re looking for help, the speedy receiver could offer some temporary relief this week when the Rams play host to the Patriots (ranked 29^th against the pass) in London. Givens has posted better than 50 yards receiving in four straight games and has gradually become more and more a part of the team’s passing attack. He’s nothing more than a flex option at best, but through the bye weeks he could be a nice fill and big surprise.

The Jets offense has been in a quagmire all season, but one bright spot for quarterback Mark Sanchez has been the emergence of wide receiver Jeremy Kerley. The second year wideout has hardly lit the world on fire, but he’s slowly making his way up the fantasy ranks; at least some of us know who he is. Better than that, Kerley has turned in some nice efforts on Sunday and Sanchez appears to be looking his way more often; 26 targets over the past three weeks. Kerley won’t offer any big prizes just yet, but he could work his way in as a flex option for some owners.

Trending This Week

The Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has not scored a touchdown in his past three starts, but he’s still a favorite in the passing game with 28 targets over the same span. The Steelers host the Redskins (ranked 32nd against the pass) on Sunday and Brown could finally breakout of his scoring slump.

The Cardinals passing game has not had much to speak about this season other than Larry Fitzgerald, but with opposing teams really focusing on taking Fitz out third year receiving Andre Roberts is starting to make noise. This past Sunday Roberts turned in his second 100-yard receiving game this season. His numbers have not been consistent this season, but in his past three games he has been targeted 25 times. With the quarterbacks continuing to look his direction, better numbers seem likely in the future.

With Mohamed Massaquoi sidelined, rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon is suddenly emerging as the Browns leading scoring threat in the pass game. Gordon has scored at least one touchdown in his last three games and has been targeted 22 times. Gordon’s quickly showing his ability to produce and if rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden continues to look in his direction, he looks like a promising candidate to sustain his level of fantasy production.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

December 26th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Today’s injury notes

The Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez practiced Friday and is expected to start today against the Bears according to ESPN. Sanchez is dealing with a sore shoulder, but did not suffer any setbacks this week; he is clear to play and will start.

The Patriots are likely to go after their 13th win and a chance to clinch a division title today without rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez. He has been downgraded to doubtful with a hip injury and is not expected to play today, according to the Patriots Twitter feed.

The Jaguars are not expecting running back Maurice Jones-Drew to be available today against the Redskins. MJD missed practice all week and looks doubtful for today’s matchup. Running back Rashard Jennings would get the start if MJD is unable to go.

The Packers will have quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning to the lineup today against the Giants. Rodgers, recovering from a concussion was cleared earlier in the week to return to the field and practiced well all week with the team this week. He is expected to start.

Before they signs indicated this game could be postponed, the Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was looking doubtful for Sunday night. If the game gets moved, you’d better check back on Favre’s status.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texan’s are likely to be without wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle). The Texan’s wideout is listed as doubtful for Sunday, but Johnson will test the ankle during warm-ups; the Texan’s play a late game today.

The Bengals will not have Chad Ochocinco (foot) available today against the visiting Chargers. The team has declared the wide receiver inactive. Rookie receiver Jordan Shipley and Andre Caldwell and expected to start for the injured TO and Ochocinco.

Today’s Matchup

Weather conditions should have little effect on Philip Rivers today, expect to the see the Bolts’ quarterbacks do what he does so well; throw the ball. He should have a big day as one of the top rated quarterbacks in the league.

Rodgers will be a risk and reward play today against the Giants. As long as he is protected he’ll be able to torch the Giants’ secondary, but expect the G-men to come after him with lots of blitzes and pressure. As long as he is standing he’s due for a big passing day.

Rashard Jennings is expected to start in place of the injured MJD, but he is not MJD. The Redskins are however the 27th ranked run defense. Jennings should be productive (90+ total yards), but not likely to have a huge game.

With Andre Johnson ailing, tight end Owen Daniels could become more of a focal point in the pass game against an awful Broncos secondary. Daniels should see plenty of targets today and has a good chance at scoring Sunday.

The Jaguars defense ranks 18th against the run, so expect to see a heavy does of Redskin’s running back Ryan Torain. With Grossman making his second start on Sunday the Redskins would like to get Torain rolling early and see a more balanced attack. Torain leads the team with 616 yards rushing and three touchdowns this season.

By David Ortega