FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

October 1st, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

NFL Sunday week 4 is set to start in a couple of hours. I’ve got my coffee poured, the TV tubes are fired up, watching the game in London, and I am combing over the day’s slate of games.

There are some great divisional matchups today with some potential fireworks in the forecast. We’ve got the Phins traveling north to face the Bills, the Ravens will enter the Dawg Pound today, and it’s always fun to watch the Raiders & Chargers in an AFC West clash.

The fridge is full, I’ve got my eggs on the skillet, and I am getting ready for my second cup of coffee. While I am looking over today’s docket, here are the Top-10 things on my mind as I await the kickoff to NFL Sunday Week 4;

1. “Will the Bears score 70” - Last week was not good for the Broncos defense and the only good thing they have going today is the Bears are not the Dolphins. However the Broncos are going to miss a few key players on the defensive side and may be without safety Justin Simmons. Both defenses entering this contest have been bad, so this could end up being more of a higher scoring affair than advertised. The Bears quarterback Justin Fields will provide all sorts of problems for the defense and could keep the chains moving and on the other side, I expect to see the Broncos offense take some shots downfield with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Marvin Mims Jr.

2. “Will Allen and Company Shine” - This matchup is the Marquee matchup of the day. The Bills have been on a roll, but no offense has been as hot as the Dolphins. But of course in this matchup, it’s not the Broncos defense, the game will be played in Buffalo, and Josh Allen has been a little better than Russell Wilson recently. I am expecting a shootout of sorts, start all your Bills and Dolphins, and if you have space in the flex spot, start the Waterboy.

3. “Is it time to Bench Najee” - If Najee doesn’t show-out today, he may not get another chance this season. He’s been a disappointment for fantasy owners the first three weeks and he has running back Jaylen Warren nipping at his heels. Harris is going to need his quarterback to help him out in order to open some running lanes or he could be looking at another long day. I am not holding my breath. It could be time to see more Warren and less Harris.

4. “Can anyone stop JJ” - There’s not a lot to say other than Justin Jefferson has been fantasy gold Know for fantasy owners. In ppr format through three games he has scored no less than 24 fantasy points. Getting off the bus JJ already has a couple of catches in his pocket. He’s getting heavily targeted (12+ targets per game) and he is producing at an Elite ++ level with 9 receptions and 150 yards + per outing. I can’t imagine the Panthers slowing him down today, expect more of the ridiculous same.

5. “Unleash the Zack Attack” - Over the past two weeks, it’s been the Zack Moss show as he is averaging 27 touches per game. With the Rams rolling into town, I would expect much of the same, even with the return of quarterback Anthony Richardson. I am expecting the Colts to once again feature Moss and he should again finish in the neighborhood of 20+ touches.

6. “Start of Sit Mike Evans” - After his fast start this season, fantasy WR6 through three weeks, Evans is a must start. But today presents a challenge that is likely to frustrate fantasy owners. Evans has not been historically great against the Saints, it seems Marshon Lattimore and the Saints have had his number. Evans has to be in lineups today, but owners need to temper their expectations, it could be a long afternoon.

7. “Another Swift Sunday” - This will actually be Swift’s first Sunday, since taking over the lead role in the Eagles backfield. Swift has been great in the lead spot the last two games and behind the Eagles offensive line, he’s a good bet to keep the wheel spinning in week 4. He’s currently fantasy RB18 and trending his way to the top. He’s a must-start.

8. “The Return of Joe Cool” - It’s been a slow start for Joe Burrow and the Bengals passing game, but if ever there was a game to get right, this matchup in Tennessee could be it. The Titans rank 30th versus the pass and the Bengals pass game finally showed signs of life last Monday. Today sets up to be a great opportunity and weather should not play a factor. Fire up Joe Cool and the Bengals pass catchers.

9. “Don’t forget Josh Jacobs” -.No Jimmy G today, what do fantasy owners do with Davante Adams, start him of course. But don’t forget the Raiders also have Josh Jacobs. Adams will get his, but the Raiders offense may lean a little more today on Jacobs as they should. The Chargers are in the bottom 3rd of yards and fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Today should be a good day for Jacobs owners.

10. “CMC for MVP” - The Niners running back Christian McCaffrey has been spectacular this season leading the NFL with 353 rushing yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He is also the number two fantasy running back, so he’s making a lot of fantasy owners smile. Today should just be another day at the office for CMC.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEK 4 STARTS

September 30th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 3

Start’Ems

My Week 4 Starts

Every week fantasy owners deal with and tackle the question of, who to sit and who to start. For some of us or maybe many of us, we follow the rule, start your starters. There are certain players you targeted in your draft and took in the early rounds and they should be started. Fantasy owners need not overthink this.

When it comes to those mid-round picks or later, this is where you might look at your bench and the waiver wire for favorable options. When I look at NFL Sunday, Week 4 these are the players that should be started and in your lineups.

QB-Russell Wilson (Broncos)

It’s been nothing less than a bad rollercoaster ride for Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense this season. Through the first three games we’ve seen some good, but we’ve also seen a lot of inconsistencies.

Wilson is currently the fantasy QB9, although it doesn’t seem like it. This season he’s throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns per game, completing better than 65% of his passes and he’s added 57 yards rushing. While the numbers sound good, the team hasn’t looked good and they are 0-3, coming off the embarrassing 70-20 loss to Miami.

Wilson will have a chance at redemption for the team this week in Chicago. A big key for Wilson’s success facing the Bears 28th ranked pass defense, will be the lack of pressure. In three games this season the Bears defense is last in the league with one sack and has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. 

There’s not a lot of confidence in the Broncos team, but I have confidence in Wilson and head coach Sean Payton, tomorrow will be a better output for the offense and passing game. Start Wilson.

RB-Zack Moss (Colts)

The Colts running back has been fantastic as the team’s lead back. In two games this season Moss has been delivering as an elite RB-1 (currently the fantasy RB5) averaging 4.4 yards per carry, 27 touches and 126 scrimmage yards per game. He contributes in the pass game with 6 catches for 42 yards and a score in his two appearances.

With the Colts playing host to the Rams this week, Moss will be in line for another full workload, against a Rams defense that is allowing 4.6 yards per carry. This feels like a game where Moss should see enough volume to produce RB-1 numbers for the week.

In each of the two weeks Moss has seen at least 22 touches, totaled more than 100 yards of offense in each game, finishing in the top-10 for rushing each week. His floor is high enough that he’s a safe bet and should be in your lineup. Start Moss

WR-Brandon Aiyuk (49ers)

The Niners wide receiver returns after missing one game and with the possibility of no Deebo or a less than a 100% Samuel, Aiyuk is a strong start this week. Aiyuk has blossomed into a trustworthy and dependable weapon in the pass game.

He has 11 receptions for 172 yards receiving this season, with two touchdowns. If the 49ers are without Deebo, Aiyuk could be featured even more and provide a repeat of his week one performance (fantasy WR2).

Although the Cardinals defense has played well this season, the Niners are a well-balanced and well-oiled machine on offense and will present a myriad of problems for the D. Aiyuk could see a bump in his target share, making him a strong play on Sunday. Start Aiyuk

If you are in a deep league looking for some help in the flex spot, the Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr could be a sneaky play. I already like Wilson to continue with even greater success and we’ve already seen these two connect a couple of times this season. Mims provides the deep threat for the Broncos passing game and has shown the ability to take the lid off the top of the defense.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

September 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

We’ve completed three weeks of action and there’s plenty of data to unsort and players to consider for adding this week. If you were impacted by the unfortunate loss of Williams (Chargers) in Los Angeles this week or have been trying to navigate without Aaron Jones or Christian Watson, it’s that time of the week again. Waiver wire time.

Week 4 Waiver wire options;

QB-CJ Stroud (Texans) - In case you haven’t paid attention, through the first three weeks of the season, the Texans rookie quarterback is fantasy QB12. He’s coming off two straight weeks inside the Top-12 and has looked good doing so. He definitely looks like a worthy streaming option and bye week filler. He’s worth the add, if you can make room.

QB-Jordan Love (Packers) - The Packers signal caller sits at the fantasy QB4 spot and while the numbers look great, his inaccuracy (53.1% completion) is concerning. Last week Love showed some of his character and ability to handle adversity. I’m not ready to call him an every-week starter, but he needs to be owned.

QB-Russell Wilson (Broncos) - While the Broncos in general look like a mess, at least the offense and Wilson appear to be better than last year. Through the first three weeks Wilson is the No.9 fantasy quarterback. It hasn’t looked pretty at times, because the defense has been a disaster, but Wilson is completing over 65% of his passes and has thrown for 791 yards and 6 touchdowns. Wilson looks improved this season and should be considered a safe add and streaming option.

RB-Zach Moss (Colts) - He should be owned in every fantasy league and in your starting lineups. He looks the part (averaging 27 touches per game) and is currently producing like a fantasy RB1. Moss is the fantasy RB6 in his two weeks on the field and this past week against a pretty good Ravens defense he finished the week at fantasy RB5. If he’s still available go get him and use 85-90% of your FAAB to get him. 

RB-De’Von Achane (Dolphins) - The Dolphins rookie running back made a huge splash in his debut, breaking out and running all over the Broncos in week 3. Achane was on fire getting into the end zone four times and rushing for over 200 yards. It’s hard to predict his usage going forward at this moment, but with so much talent you have to believe the Phins will work him into the rotation. He should be owned and flex consideration.

WR-Tank Dell (Texans) - The Texans rookie receiver has been brilliant this season. Through the first three games he is the fantasy WR14, tied with Chris Olave. After a slow start in week one, his past two games have been Top-20 finishes. He’s averaging 7 targets per game, enough usage to keep him in the flex mix. He needs to be added.

WR-Joshua Palmer (Chargers) - There’s little doubt Palmer is going to be one of the hot adds this week. With Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (ACL) going down this week, Palmer is the next man up. Palmer is a capable receiver in his own right and when he has been asked to step up in the past, he has delivered. He should be added and inserted into your lineup.

WR-Courtland Sutton (Broncos) - The Broncos receiver had a rough week 3, fumbling twice, but still finished as the fantasy WR13. With the improved Wilson this season, Sutton has been good enough to be a starting fantasy receiver. For the moment he warrants flex consideration and can be added.

TE-Gerald Everett (Chargers) - Everett is the fantasy TE19 through three weeks, but with the absence of Mike Williams he should see a bump in usage. His appeal and numbers should improve going forward, now would be the time to nab him before his stock rises.

A few more players that should be kept an eye on include the following players, (WR) Michael Gallup, (TE) Luke Musgrave, (WR) Quentin Johnson, (WR) Marvin Mims Jr. These are players that at some point could become viable streaming options and bye week fills.

Check your leagues for availability and good luck in week 3.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL WHIFFS

September 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Morning Edition

Fantasy Football Whiffs!

(NFL Week 2)

I am going to have good picks and I’m going to have some bad ones too. It’s just the nature of this game, so here are my week 2 picks where I whiffed.

I just didn’t love Pickens on Monday Night

George Pickens (WR) – Without a doubt, this was my biggest whiff. Don’t get me wrong, I love Pickens this season, I believe he’s the real number one in Pittsburgh. With another tough matchup against the Browns, following the disastrous start in week one, I was expecting much. To put his MNF performance into context, without the 71-yard TD catch, his line looked likes; 3/56/0 on 9 targets. Sometimes it just takes one.

I thought Mooney was money.

Darnell Mooney (WR) - I’m not really sure what happened here with Mooney. He did leave the game early in the second half with a knee injury, but in over 30 minutes of football he did not have a single target and he was only on the field for 15 snaps (seems low). 

I thought Trautman would score.

Adam Trautman (TE) - So much for the injury to the Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich, meant nothing towards Trautman’s workload in the passing game. With Dulcich out (placed on IR), Trautman recorded just one lone target. Bust.

I expected another strong game.

Travis Etienne Jr (RB) - The Jaguars running back was completely held in check on Sunday, just rushing for 40 yards on 12 carries. This was not the expected outcome in week 2 after finishing as the No.6 fantasy running back in week 1

With a home game I thought he would play well.

Trevor Lawrence (QB) -.Much like the whole Jaguars offense on Sunday, Lawrence pretty much laid an egg at home against the Chiefs. After a strong week one showing Lawrence only completed 53.8% of his passes with zero touchdowns in week 2. He was the No.27 fantasy quarterback.

I figured he’d fall flat facing a ferocious pass rush.

Russell Wilson (QB) - I didn’t expect to see this on Sunday, Wilson finishing as the No.3 fantasy quarterback. At times it wasn’t pretty and throughout it was rough. Wilson was sacked 7 times on the afternoon, but when he wasn’t on the ground he posted 308 yards passing with 3 touchdowns and added 56 rushing yards. It was a nice stat line, but greatly overshadowed by the stunning week two loss at home.

I thought it would be all Jeudy.

Courtland Sutton (WR) - His numbers on Sunday don’t jump off the paper, 5 grabs for 66 yards, but his double-digit fantasy points output (ppr) fared much better than expected.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WEEK 2 FF SIT'EMS

September 16th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 2

Sit’Ems

My week 2 Sits for Sunday and Monday.

QB-Russell Wilson (Broncos) - Wilson was very efficient in week 1 versus the Raiders, completing 27 of 34 passes (79.4% completion), but faced only a little pressure on the day being sacked just twice. This could be a very different story on Sunday facing the Commanders. Washington recorded three sacks in week one, two with Top-15 fastest sack times. Their defense also only allowed 3.8 yards per pass attempt, 5th best in the league in week one. Wilson and the Broncos pass game could struggle in week two.

RB-Cam Akers (Rams) - I’m not expecting much from Akers in week 2, this is in part to his lackluster production in week one (29 yards rushing on 22 carries), but mostly his matchup against a Niners defense that allowed only 37 yards rushing to opposing running backs in week one. I am avoiding Akers this week.

WR-George Pickens (Steelers) - Week one was rough treading for Pickens and the Steelers passing game with a tough matchup with the Niners. Pickens finished week one with 5 catches, but for just 36 yards. With another tough matchup in week 2 against a Browns secondary that allowed the 3rd fewest receptions to opposing receivers in week one, I am avoiding Pickens.

WR-Courtland Sutton (Broncos) - With a tough matchup on the slate for Wilson and company, Sutton may be the one receiver most affected. With the return of Jerry Jeudy this week, Sutton is likely to see some of the attention on offense shift away from his direction, in what could become a quiet week 2.

TE-Pat Freiermuth (Steelers) - Freiermuth was able to salvage his day last Sunday with a 3-yard touchdown grab. He may not be so lucky this week against a Browns defense that held the opposing tight ends to 3 catches for 17 yards. I will look elsewhere for help at the tight end spot.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 28th, 2023

Monday Evening Edition

Fantasy Sleepers: Diamonds in the Rough

One of the secrets to success in fantasy football is not only drafting your studs, and avoiding injuries (usually an impossibility), but finding hidden value in your drafts and throughout the season. During the season, injuries are going to happen, so work the Waiver-wire every week.

But right now, it’s Draft season, so what we are looking for are those sleepers or Diamonds in the Rough.

In Kansas City, with the departure of Tyreek Hill in 2022 (to Miami), the Chiefs had to put together a makeshift receiving core with a lot of names and different faces. One name and one face that will be returning in 2023 is 2nd year wideout, Skyy Moore. Last season Moore barely saw any airtime in the Chiefs high octane offense, but 2023 presents a huge opportunity for the young receiver. The 2022 Second round pick will have a great shot at a completely different outlook in 2023. Listed as the team’s number two wideout, Moore is poised to take huge strides forward this season and with a 10th round ADP, he’s got tremendous value as a sleeper with high return.

An even deeper sleeper I will be eyeing beyond the 12th round with a current ADP of 13.04, is the Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs. The off-season changes in Green Bay may have many looking elsewhere for fantasy impact, but last season Doubs did display a little something to catch the eye of fantasy owners. This preseason he has been sharp and with a 3rd year quarterback who looks primed for a nice season himself, Doubs and (Jordan) Love are already showing some nice chemistry. Doubs is not going to blow off the doors, but he was second leading wide receiver on the team with 42 receptions (and 67 targets). With Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb now in New York, there are over 140 targets available. Doubs has lots of flex appeal in 2023.

Last season in Denver there was so much disappointment with how the team performed, in particular the offense. The Russell Wilson led passing attack was mediocre at best and none of their wide receivers finished in the Top-20. While that was bad, one good thing that came out of last season was the arrival of tight end Greg Dulcich. Dulcich missed the first five games due to injury, but from week 6 on he played in 10 games, finishing as the No.17 fantasy tight end with 33 receptions, 411 yards receiving, and 2 touchdowns. His scoring line is hardly anything to get excited about, but there’s great potential. Dulcich is a highly skilled and athletic pass catcher and with the arrival of head coach Sean Payton, his skill figure to get utilized. His average ADP at 14.02, puts him at an early TE2 and late enough to draft a late round stash. In Payton’s offense Dulcich should have a chance at being a solid TE1. 

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition
September 29th 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

Week 4 matchups

The Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (QB4 according Fantasy Data) has been solid this season with the league’s 2nd highest passer rating 127.9 (minimum 2 starts), behind only Patrick Mahomes. His week 4 matchup pits him against the Saints defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Lock Dak up for another solid start in Week 4.

Through the first three weeks of the 2019 season, the Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (QB5 according to Fantasy Data) has been on a tear, averaging 300 yards passing and over 70 percent completions. His foe on Sunday is the Arizona Cardinals whose defense has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Wilson is a fantasy Road Warrior, start him.

The Chiefs will be bringing their Big Top Show to the Motor City this week and running LeSean “Shady” McCoy (RB19 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) will have a great matchup against a Lions defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. McCoy is still nursing an ankle injury, but appears ready to go and should be a safe RB2 for Week 4.

The Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (RB22 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) should be a featured focal point of the offense on Sunday when the Chiefs roll into town. The Chiefs defense has allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and Lions should be trying to play keep-away with Johnson. Through the first three weeks, Johnson is averaging 17.6 touches per game; he’s likely to see that total finish north of 20, start him.

The Redskins rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin (WR11 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) leads the team with 24 targets through the first three weeks of the 2019 season. This weeks he’ll get his shot at the Giants secondary that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. As the team’s primary receiving threat, McLaurin should see plenty of opportunities on Sunday; he’s a WR2 play this week.

The Chargers are on the road this Sunday to take on the Dolphins in a matchup that could go south for the Phins early. The Dolphins rookie wide receiver Preston Williams (WR51 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) has been seeing a health share of targets (23) through the first three weeks of the season. If the Dolphins can stay competitive, Williams should be heavily involved and even if this one gets away, he could see a lot of garbage time points (they still count). He’s a bye-week plug or flex play this week.

The Lions rookie tight end TJ Hockenson (TE15 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) started out the 2019 season as a nice fantasy play with a monster opener in week one, but the past couple of weeks he’s been a bit of a disappointment. This week Hockenson draws the Chiefs defense that has allowed the 5th most points to opposing tight ends. The Chiefs have also allowed the most receptions to opposing tight ends which should afford Hockenson plenty of opportunities to produce. He’s a borderline TE1-TE2 this week.

The Broncos offense is need of a kickstart this week and their rookie tight end Noah Fant (TE25 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) could be the one to provide the spark. Fant will face a Jaguars defense that has allowed the 6th most receiving yards to opposing tight ends. Fant’s 11 yards per reception, ranks him 12th amongst tight ends with minimum 10 targets this season. He’s a week 4 sleeper.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 1st 2017

Wednesday Late Night Edition

On The Cover This Week

They Call Him Mister Wilson

After a huge week 8 performance and exciting come from behind win over the Texans, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has officially entered the MVP conversation.

Basically flying under the radar for most of this first half of the season, don't look now, but the Seahawks and Wilson are now 5-2. Back in the middle of the NFC race, Wilson has led the charge for the Seahawks with a solid first half of the season campaign.

Through 8 weeks Russell Wilson is the No.5 fantasy quarterback in fantasy scoring. Wilson has passed for 2,008 yards, ranked 6th in league and has throw 15 touchdown passes, 3rd most this season. Wilson is versatile and mobile with 194 yards rushing this season, which ranks 4th amongst quarterbacks.

Wilson is playing sensational this season and looks great, especially after Sunday's epic win over Houston. With the addition of a top notch left tackle, Wilson and Seahawks look poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Seahawks defense may not be the same old Legion of Boom, but opponents will quickly learn why they call him Mister Wilson.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 11th 2017

Wednesday Night Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

(Week 6)

Five weeks into the NFL season and fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief, there's still plenty of talent available on the Waiver Wire. At the quarterback position owners of Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott looking for a streaming option may find their needs filled with Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The 2nd year back up finished as the No.10 fantasy quarterback last week (314 passing yards, rushing touchdown) and after starting 4 games Brissett is currently the No.19 fantasy QB. This week Brissett is on the road facing a Titans defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. With the return of Andrew Luck looming, Brissett won't be anyone's fantasy savior, but he is a nice fill-in for week 6.

The Packers appear to have found themselves a gem in running back Aaron Jones, and most fantasy owners will find him available on the Waiver Wire this week. Jones impressed last week rushing for 125 yards and a score, following a week 4 appearance when he gained 49 yards on 13 carries. He's got a tough matchup with the Vikings this Sunday, but with Ty Montgomery (ribs) still iffy this week Jones has done enough to earn a role in the offense beyond week 6. He's a tough play for Week 6, but he's worth the grab now.

With injuries shaking up the backfield and changes to the rotation, the Ravens may have just land on Javorius "Buck" Allen. Primarily used as the pass-catching back in the offense, Allen (20 receptions this season) saw 21 carries on Sunday; this was the 2nd time this season he's reached that number. Through 5 weeks Allen has moved up to the 15th fantasy RB spot, he's definitely a waiver target this week in PPR formats.

Last Sunday Niner's wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had a breakout game catching 5 of 11 targets for 116 yards, good enough for the 14th fantasy WR in PPR for the week. Goodwin is the team's deep threat; but his 11 targets this past week make him an interesting boom or bust option. In deeper leagues, Goodwin may be worth the risky add. Goodwin has had a slow start this season (prior to Sunday) like his quarterback (Brian Hoyer). The two showed some nice chemistry in the preseason and this past week may just be a hint of what is to come.

With the change at quarterback in Chicago, going with the rookie Mitchell Trubisky, tight end Zach Miller immediately looks like nice add this week. On Monday night Miller totaled 39 yards receiving, 3 catches on 7 targets and a score (13th ranked fantasy TE in PPR for the week). With a rookie quarterback, the 7 targets are a good indicator of what to expect. Miller looks to be a borderline TE1/TE2 this week facing a Ravens defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 6th 2017

Friday evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Five

5 Things to Watch This Week

Week 4 was an exciting week filled with brilliant performances (Deshaun Watson’s 5 touchdowns), more disappointment (DeMarco Murray just 31 yards rushing and Dolphins offense zero touchdowns), lots of big plays (Bilal Powell’s 75-yards scamper for six), and plenty of excitement to catch your attention and have you looking forward to Week 5. Here are the 5 things to watch this Week;

Deshaun versus the Chiefs defense.

The Texans rookie quarterback has been brilliant the last three weeks averaging over 23.0 fantasy points per game (the No.3 fantasy QB during this stretch) and leading the Texans to two wins. In his three starts Watson has accounted for 8 total touchdowns; 6 pass, 2 rush. The Chiefs defense has been pretty good, but a stat to note and something to watch on Sunday, Watson’s mobility and ability to run. Watson leads all quarterbacks with 148 yards rushing and the Chiefs have allowed 93, 3rd most to opposing quarterbacks. The Chiefs will need to be careful when in coverage, because Watson has the ability to pull the ball down and take off.

Jay Cutler and Dolphins offense.

After a dismal week 4 performance it’s going to be real interesting for fantasy owners to see what the Dolphins do this week. With players like Jarvis Landry, Devante Parker, Jay Ajayi, and Julius Thomas, you expect quarterback Jay Cutler and company to product more than zero points. Well there matchup could not have been dialed up any better with Tennessee coming to town. Last week the Titans defense was toasted for 57 points allowed and 445 yards of offense. Landry, Parker, and Ajayi and fantasy household names, so owners will be watching to see if their players can cash in on a reeling defense.

LeSean McCoy and the Bills on the road this week.

The Bills have been on a roll this season, winning three of their first four games, including wins over the Broncos and Falcons. When you think of the Bills, you immediately think Shady and his running prowess. The funny thing is Shady has been doing it more with his hands, than his legs. His rushing numbers are down at the moment (16th ranked fantasy RB in PPR), but he’s elevated his receiving game this season with 21 receptions through 4 weeks (on a pace for 80+ catches). McCoy’s career high in catches is 78 back in 2010. Shady has a tough matchup against a stingy Bengals defense, but could once again have success as a receiver out of the backfield against a defense that has allowed the 10th most receptions to opposing running backs.

Rams-Seahawks matchup will be telling.

This game is going to be a good one to follow this Sunday. The fact it’s a divisional matchup is enough to capture interest, but the direction these two teams have been taking of late is the catalyst that will have many looking in with great interest. The Rams are 3-1 and through 4 weeks, their offense has looked leaps and bounds ahead of last season. On the other side, the Seahawks seem to be in scramble mode pasting and patching things together on the offense side. Poor line play, a struggling running game, and injuries to key skill positions have forced Wilson (the No.3 fantasy QB) to carry the load (41 pass attempts through 4 games). Can Wilson continue to be the offense for Seattle and can the Rams quarterback Jared Goff and his offense prove they are legit. A strong performance on both sides would prove their cases.

Sam Bradford’s return under center.

Quite simply, with Bradford calling the signals in week one, the Vikings offense looked formidable. Since then, the offense and receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen at times have been a mere shell of themselves. The reports are indicating that Bradford is on track to start Monday night. It’s a divisional matchup with the Bears on the road, so you know it’s not going to be a cakewalk at Soldier Field. The Bears will present a respectable challenge, but with Bradford back under center fantasy owners can feel better about their chances rolling out Diggs, Thielen, and tight end Kyle Rudolph.

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