FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

November 22nd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Fantasy notes for Week 12.

Over his last three games, the Texans rookie quarterback CJ Stroud is completing 69.2% of his passes, while averaging 387.3 yards passing per game this season. Stroud is a low-end QB-1 against the Jaguars in Week 12.

Over his last three starts the 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is completing 77.8% of his passes, while averaging 331.3 yards passing per game this season. On the road this Thursday, Purdy is a QB-1 in Week 12 versus the Seahawks.

In his last four starts the Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been on a tear tossing 13 touchdowns and adding one rushing score, while averaging 317.8 yards passing per game. With a Week 12 Thanksgiving day matchup against the Commanders, Prescott will be a top-end QB-1.

The Texans running back Devin Singletary has averaged 26 carries over his last two games, while averaging 131 yards rushing and 5.0 yards per carry. With the potential return of running back Dameon Pierce, Singletary should be considered a back-end RB2/flex option this week.

The Bills running back James Cook ranks 5th among running backs with 269 yards rushing over the last 4 weeks and he's averaging 5.5 yards per carry during this stretch. With a Week 12 showdown matchup on Sunday against the Eagles, Cook figures in as a low RB2. 

Since week 8, the Ravens running Gus Edwards leads the NFL with 8 rushing touchdowns while rushing for 218 yards. Edwards will slot in this week as a strong RB2 play against the Chargers on Sunday night.

Since Week 8, the Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (fantasy RB11) has been targeted 21 times and leads all running backs with 19 receptions. Effective in the pass game, White should be considered a strong RB2 this week against the Colts.

Since Week 7, the Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs (fantasy RB6) has been targeted 26 times, registering 23 receptions and 189 yards receiving (ranks 4th among RBs during this stretch). Gibbs is locked in as a borderline RB1/RB2.

In Week 11, the Giants running back Saquon Barkley (fantasy RB9) turned 5 targets into 4 receptions, 57 yards receiving, with two touchdown catches. Barkley has 27 receptions for 162 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns this season. With a Week 12 tilt on Sunday against the Patriots, Barkley is locked in as an RB1.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES WEEK 11

November 21st, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

NFL Sunday Week 11

Sunday’s Heroes

While there were many outstanding performances on Sunday Week 11, these notable players were not only productive, but their performance played a huge part in their teamm's success and ultimate victories.

Jordan Love, QB (Packers) After hearing weeks of scrutiny and criticism of his play on radio and otherwise, the Packers signal caller had the last word. Love was very good, finishing the week as the fantasy QB9, it was his highest fantasy scoring total since week 3. Love finished the week completing 67.5% of his passes, while throwing for 322 yards and two scores.

Saquon Barkley, RB (Giants) The Giants offense has not made much noise in weeks, including their running back, but on Sunday Barkley spoke loud. The Giants ball carrier was sensational, turning in the best game of the week for running backs, finishing as the fantasy RB1 for the week. Barkley carried the ball 14 times for 83 yards and caught 4 passes for another 57 yards and two touchdowns.

Calvin Ridley, WR (Jaguars) Following several weeks of being dormant, the Jaguars wide receiver finally came to life with a big performance, his best since a week 5 100-yards receiving performance. On Sunday Ridley showcased what had Jaguars fans excited in the preseason, collecting 7 passes (on 9 targets) for 103 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. Ridley was the top fantasy receiving dawg for Week 11.

Dallas Cowboys, DTS - The Cowboys defense turned in a stellar performance on road in Week 11 against the Panthers. The Cowboys recorded 7 sacks on the day, hitting the opposing quarterback 11 times, adding 2 takeaways, with a pick six on the menu. The Defense allowed just 10 points, finishing the week as the second best DST.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY WATERCOOLER

November 18th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

The Wednesday  Saturday Watercooler

Still working our way through the NFL byes with four teams out (Atlanta, Indianapolis, New Orleans, and New England), just some helpful numbers for the DFS gamers and the seasonal players setting their lineups for Week 11.

Here are the target leaders through 10 weeks.

WR-Top 10 Targets

1. Stefon Diggs - 102

2. Ja’Marr Chase - 99

3. Michael Pittman Jr - 98

4. Davante Adams - 98

5. Tyreek Hill - 97

6. Keenan Allen - 97

7. Puk Nacua - 96

8. Garrett Wilson - 95

9. Chris Olave - 94

10.AJ Brown - 92

CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) There has not been a hotter receiver over the past three weeks than CeeDee Lamb. He has been heavily targeted (44 targets) registering 34 receptions for 500 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Consider Lamb and Top-10 candidate this week against the Panthers.

Amon-Ra St.Brown (Lions) The Lions receiver has been one of the most consistent pass catchers this season. Over his last three games St.Brown has been targeted 37 times, hauling in 27 passes, for 366 yards and a score. He’s locked in as a WR-1 this week against the Bears.

TE-Top 10 Targets

1. TJ Hockenson - 95

2. Travis Kelce - 72

3. Evan Engram - 68

4. Sam LaPorta - 64

5. Mark Andrews - 59

6. Kyle Pitts - 58

7. Cole Kmet - 57

8. Dalton Schultz - 56

9. David Njoku - 54

10.Dallas Goedert - 52

Dalton Schultz (Texans) Over his last two games the Texans tight end has been highly productive and efficient. Schultz has been targeted 17 times, turning in 14 receptions, for 201 yards receiving and a score. He ranks as a mid-to-low TE-1 in Week 11, even versus a Cardinals defense that has pretty good versus opposing tight ends.

RB-Top 10 Targets

1. Alvin Kamara - 56

2. Christian McCaffrey - 47

3. Josh Jacobs - 45

4. Rhamondre Stevenson - 45

5. Bijan Robinson - 43

6. Travis Etienne Jr - 39

7. Jaylen Warren - 39

8. Jamyr Gibbs - 38

9. Rachaad White - 37

10.Alexander Mattison - 36

Austin Ekeler (Chargers) Since returning to action in Week 6, it seems every week Ekeler is getting healthier and more productive. Over his last three games Ekeler is averaging 20.3 touches per game resulting in 143 yards rushing, 13 receptions (on 22 targets), 165 yards receiving, and 4 touchdowns. With an excellent Week 11 matchup with the Packers, Ekeler is a Top-10 lock.

RB-Top 10 Touches

1. Josh Jacobs - 216

2. Christian McCaffrey -191

3. Travis Etienne Jr - 189

4. Derrick Henry - 167

5. Rachaad White - 167

6. D’Andre Swift - 165

7. Tony Pollard - 164

8. Joe Mixon - 163

9. Saquon Barkley - 162

10.Kenneth Walker III - 161

Saquon Barkley (Giants) Despite the struggling Giants offense, Barkley continues to see just enough volume to stay relevant. Barkley is averaging 24 touches over his last three games, resulting in 302 total yards with no touchdowns. As long as the offense struggles Barkley will linger in the low RB-2/flex range.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF SOMETHING WORTH NOTING (WK10)

November 13th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Monday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football: Something Worth Noting

(Week 10 Takeaways)

The Giants offense is bad.

Not only are the G-men the lowest scoring team in the league, but they also have the fewest passing yards per game and only the Jets have fewer passing touchdowns. The Giants continue to set new lows and other than running back Saquon Barkley (fantasy RB24), no other G-man is in the top 100 of fantasy.

The Lions offense is fantasy gold.

Not only is Goff playing his way into a fantasy starter for the back stretch of the season, the offense has at least four other fantasy starters in Amon-Ra St.Brown (fantasy WR6), Jahmyr Gibbs (fantasy RB8), David Montgomery (fantasy RB9), and Sam LaPorta (fantasy TE4).

Other notable takeaways from Week 10.

The Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (fantasy QB4) has averaged 360.7 yards passing while completing 73% of his passes with 11 touchdowns over his last three games.

The Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (fantasy QB9) has thrown 17 touchdowns this season, including 8 in his last three games.

The Lions running back David Montgomery (fantasy RB9) who has 501 yards rushing, has rushed for over 100 yards in a game three times this season.

The Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs (fantasy RB8) has cashed in with 4 rushing touchdowns this season to go along with his 476 yards rushing and 200 receiving yards.

With his 11 catches on Sunday, the Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (fantasy WR2) now leads the NFL with 73 receptions this season through 9 games.

The Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (fantasy WR4) has been on a tear of late, totaling  41 receptions for 617 yards receiving with three touchdowns over his last four games.

With his 11 grabs on Sunday, the Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson (fantasy TE2) has hauled in 71 passes this season to lead all tight ends.

The 49ers tight end George Kittle (fantasy TE4) has totaled 35 receptions for 559 yards receiving and averaged 16 yards per reception this season.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FRIDAY NIGHT (FF) WATERCOOLER

November 3rd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Friday Late-Evening Edition

The Wednesday Friday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

Looking ahead to the weekend for the insight and information to help you set your fantasy football lineups. This is a list of the top targeted receivers out wide, from the backfield, and at tight end for Week 8.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 8

Top 10 WR

1. CeeDee Lamb - 14

2. Diontae Johnson - 14

3. DK Metcalf - 14

4. Tyreek Hill - 13

5. Garrett Wilson - 13

6. Michael Pittman Jr - 13

7. Jaylen Waddle - 12

8. Ja’Marr Chase - 12

9. Gabe Davis - 12

10. Terry McLaurin – 12

11. Stefon Diggs - 12

The Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (fantasy WR22) remains fantasy relevant averaging over 9 targets per game. A Week 9 matchup with the Chargers on Monday night looks like a promising outcome for Wilson and company. The Chargers secondary has allowed the third most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receiver this season.

Week 8

Top 10 TE

1. Trey McBride - 14

2. George Kittle - 11

3. Sam LaPorta - 10

4. Cole Kmet - 10

5. Evan Engram - 10

6. TJ Hockenson - 9

7. Travis Kelce - 9

8. David Njoku - 8

9. Logan Thomas - 8

10. Dalton Kincaid - 7

11. Tyler Higbee - 7

12. Dallas Goedert - 7

The Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (fantasy TE1) has looked unrecoverable and unstoppable all season and his target share shows, quarterback Patrick Mahomes agrees. Kelce is averaging over 9 targets per game and has a 79.4% success catch rate this season. With 54 receptions, 583 yards, and 4 touchdowns he’s locked in every week.

Week 8

Top 10 RB

1. Breece Hall - 9

2. Austin Ekeler - 8

3. Christian McCaffrey - 7

4. Rachaad White - 7

5. Travis Etienne Jr - 6

6. Jahmyr Gibbs - 5

7. Alvin Kamara - 5

8. Saquon Barkley - 5

9. Bijan Robinson - 5

10. 6 more players tied with - 5

The Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been fantasy gold in ppr formats since returning to action in Week 4. Kamara has been targeted 44 times (8.8 per game) this season, most of any running back in the NFL recording 39 receptions and 228 yards receiving. He’s locked into lineups every week and is a DFS favorite this week.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running backs success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 8

Top 10 RB

1. Saquon Barkley - 39

2. Jahmyr Gibbs - 31

3. Javonte Williams - 30

4. Travis Etienne Jr - 27

5. Derrick Henry - 26

6. Austin Ekeler - 22

7. Alvin Kamara - 21

8. Gus Edwards - 21

9. Emari Demercado - 20

10. Joe Mixon - 19

For consecutive weeks now, Saquon Barkley has led all backfields with the most touches for the week. Heading out west this week to face the Raiders, Barkley figures to be prominent once again. He may not reach the 30 carry plateau this Sunday, but he looks like a strong bet to reach 20+ touches.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

October 22nd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

We are getting closer to the season’s mid-point and the Byes are flexing this week with six teams out. Despite the fewer games, this week should provide plenty of fireworks, lots of scoring, and fantasy points much to the delight of fantasy managers. As we look over the slate of games today, what’s has your attention?

Here are the 10 quick questions or things on my mind.

1. Is this the Josh Jacobs Breakout game?

The Raiders running back certainly looks primed to breakout. He’s averaging the second most touches of all running backs over the last three weeks, including the most carries (20+) and second most receptions with 5 per game. The production has yet to catch up, but the workload certainly appears to be there. It’s a good matchup today and a chance for Jacobs to have a big day.

2. Can Diggs do it again?

I say yes. The Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been on quite a heater of late. He’s managed to record at least 100 yards receiving in four straight games with at least 6 catches. For the season Diggs has hit the century mark 5 of 6 games and scored 19 or more fantasy points in those contests. Last year Diggs, in two games, averaged 7.0 receptions, 98.0 yards receiving, and 1.0 touchdowns. Someone queue the Brittany Spears jam.

3. Is Barkley healthy and ready to roll?

Last week against the Bills on Sunday night, down the stretch Barkley showed some flash with a couple nifty runs. He looked a lot like the Week 2 Barkley we saw earlier this season. I believe he’s ready to roll and could have success today against the Commanders who allow better than 4.5 yards per carry this season.

4. Can Mayfield Shake n Bake on Sunday?

This is more of a hunch than anything else. I like the home matchup against the Falcons defense, who have recorded the 5th fewest sacks and allowed the 5th most passing touchdowns. I am thinking Baker to Evans for six in this one.

5. Will Flowers bloom on Sunday?

We are getting closer to the winter season, but that shouldn’t matter for the Ravens rookie receiver. Over the past two weeks his targets per game at Top-12, so he should see plenty of opportunities today to put up decent numbers. Continue to trust the bloom of Flowers.

6. Is the third game a charm for Kupp?

The Rams receiver has looked great in his return totaling 15 receptions for 266 yards receiving and a touchdown. I love this matchup this week against the Steelers (ranked 25th against the pass) and expect Kupp to have another big game. Third time is always a charm.

7. Can Walker make it 5 in a row?

I say Kenneth Walker can score a rushing touchdown today to make it 5 straight games. He’s not compiling huge yardage numbers, but his 6 rushing scores this season have him elevated to the No.8 fantasy RB slot. Facing the Cardinals 24th ranked run defense Walker will have a chance to improve his rushing numbers (345 yards this season) as well as his touchdowns.

8. Is Sunday time for the Hollywood Shuffle?

The Cardinals primary receiver has been targeted heavily (31 times) the last three weeks heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Seahawks. The Seahawks rank 28th against the pass and allow the most fantasy points to opposing receivers. This one is lining up to be a big day for Hollywood Brown.

9. Can Aaron Jones run wild against the Broncos?

The Packers running back says he feels good and should be ready to go against the Broncos. The Mile High defense has been absent all season allowing the most yards on the ground and yards per carry this season. Jones is a dual threat out of the backfield and could be in for a big day leading the Packers backfield.

10. Can Swift shine on Sunday night?

After his blow up performance in Week 2, the Eagles running back has steadily been returning to earth. His fantasy numbers (No.12 fantasy RB for the season) are still very good, but today’s matchup with the Dolphins, offers a great opportunity. The Phins have allowed the 9th most rushing yards to running backs and those numbers should climb even more today.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega 

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

October 20th, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Late-Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 7: Best Matchups/Plays)

With an exciting Thursday night game just concluded, could this be a preclude of what is to come this weekend? Fantasy managers can only hope for it as we all try to navigate our fantasy lineups through a heavy dose of byes this week. 

The Thursday night matchup did bring a little relief for many as there were plenty of fantasy winning plays last night. If you had Alvin Kamara (29.3 fantasy points), Travis Etienne Jr (22.7 fantasy points), and Christian Kirk (19 fantasy points), you had to be happy with their outcomes. Even both quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence and Derek Carr, were serviceable along with the Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13.2 points) and the Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (9.5 points).

Looking forward to this weekend, which players will bring fantasy delight to our lineups? These are some of the plays that I believe will bring more solace to our Week 7 fantasy matchups. They can also work for your DFS plays.

Geno Smith (Seahawks-QB) It’s been a bit of an up and down season for Smith and the Seahawks, but a home tilt should bring some good home cooking and strong play. The Cardinals defense is allowing the 5th most fantasy points and 4th most passing yards to quarterbacks and this could be just what the fantasy doctor ordered.

Kenneth Walker (Seahawks-RB) The Seahawks running back has been on a roll, scoring at least one rushing touchdown in four straight games. He’ll have a great shot at number five facing a Cardinals defense that’s allowing over 5 yards per carry for the last four weeks. Expect another solid outing for Walker this week.

Aaron Jones (Packers-RB) Coming off the bye, Aaron Jones could finally be healthy enough to return to the Week 1 form when he totaled 127 yards and scored twice. The timing could not be any better, in a Week 7 road tilt facing a Broncos defense that has been the worst against the run and has allowed 8 rushing touchdowns. Expect a score or two for Jones on Sunday.

Rashee Rice (Chiefs-WR) The rookie receiver seems to be trending more and more towards becoming a reliable receiving option in the Chiefs passing game. Rice has averaged 4.5 targets, 4 receptions, 52.5 yards receiving, and .5 touchdowns the past two weeks and has seen a 46% or more snap share in 3 of his last four games. In Week 6 Rice finished third among the Chiefs receivers with 35 snaps. Facing the Chargers this week, this one feels like a breakout game. 

Curtis Samuel (Commanders-WR) The Commanders wide receiver has been steady the last three weeks, he’s the fantasy WR12, with 17 catches, 15 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. Up next for Samuel is the Giants secondary that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers over the past 4 weeks.

Tyler Lockett (Seahawks-WR) The Seahawks receiver is off the injury report and ready to take advantage of the Cardinals defense that has allowed the 4th most fantasy points and 2nd most reception to opposing receivers the last 4 weeks.

Kyle Pitts (Falcons-TE) The Falcons 3rd year tight end has been starting to come alive the past couple of weeks. In his last two games Pitts has caught 11 passes for 130 yards receiving, and one score. His recent production has him flirting with fantasy starter status. Pitts feels like a safe play in this one, being featured as much as he has, 17 targets over the past two weeks.

Saquon Barkley (Giants-RB) After seeing Barkley (28 touches) finish up the Sunday night game against the Bills in Week 6, his health is trending in the right direction as he faces a familiar foe he’s had past success against. Barkley should see a full workload once again and could be in for a highly productive afternoon.

Seahawks (DST) This Seahawks defense has been one of the better scoring defenses (2nd) the past four weeks, with 19 sacks and 7 takeaways. At home this week, this defense is a safe play.

Strong plays to consider for DFS as well.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

October 13th, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 6: Best Matchups/Plays)

The Books are closed on wWeek 5 and we are already one game into Week 6. It’s time to look ahead to the weekend and dig deep into a number of the matchups. As I look over the football horizon into the depths of the Gridiron gladiators set to take the battlefield for Week 6, these are some of the best matchups I like.

QB-Matthew Stafford (Rams) - After a tough matchup against the Eagles in Week 5 for the Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (fantasy QB20), I am seeing a bounce back game in Week 6. With the Cardinals up next for Stafford, he’ll face a secondary that has allowed the 6th most completions, the 4th most passing yards, and the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. With Cooper Kupp back in the lineup and his newest toy (Puka Nacua), this one sets up for a big Sunday at Sofi Stadium.

RB-Raheem Mostert (Dolphins) - The Dolphins will be without rookie running back De’Von Achane, but that’s okay, they still have Raheem Mostert (fantasy RB5). Mostert is averaging 5.4 yards per carry, has rushed for 314 yards, and scored 8 times (7 run, 1 rec) this season. Facing the Panthers this week, Mostert will have a chance for number 9 against a defense that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns, the third most rushing yards, and over 5.0 yards per carry to opposing running backs.

RB-James Cook (Bills) - The Bills running back James Cook (fantasy RB21) has been quiet of late coming off his worst statistical output in Week 5. With just 8 touches and 21 total yards it was a dud. Cook will have a chance to right his ship this week against a Giants defense that has allowed the 2nd most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, along with over 5.0 yards per carry. This sets up to be a get right game for Cook.

WR-DJ Moore (Bears) - The Bears receiver DJ Moore (fantasy WR5) has been on fire the last several weeks. Since week 2, Moore has either tallied more than 100 yards or receiving or scored a touchdown, and in two games both. His numbers during this stretch, 32 targets, 25 receptions, 506 yards receiving, and 5 receiving touchdowns. The outlook for Moore to continue his sizzle this Sunday is good. He’ll face a Vikings defense that has allowed the most receptions, receiving yards, and 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

WR-Christian Kirk (Jaguars) - After a slow start in week one, the Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk has been very consistent. He’s scored in double digits fantasy points for four straight weeks, with a floor of 14.4 points and a ceiling over 21. Kirk is currently the fantasy WR24 through five weeks and has a great chance at moving up the board this week. Facing a Colts defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing receivers, including the 7th most receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.

TE-Logan Thomas (Commanders) - The Commanders tight end Logan Thomas (fantasy TE6) is coming off his best game of the season in week 5 where he caught 9 passes for 77 yards and a score. With that strong performance a week ago, Thomas is looking at a great matchup in week 6 against a Falcons defense that has really struggled against opposing tight ends. Over the past two weeks the Falcons defense has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends which includes surrendering 17 receptions for 156 yards and a score.

Flex-Saquon Barkley (Giants) - The Giants running back has a chance to return this week, although if he does, he’s likely to be limited in some fashion. Barkley hasn’t played since week 2, but could make his return Sunday night. Even if he’s limited in some capacity, the opposing running backs numbers against the Bills (allow the most yards per carry) this season have been so good, Barkley could still post flex worthy numbers.

These players may be in your lineup or they may not, but if they are sitting on your bench and you are facing a start’em dilemma this week consider these plays for Week 6. I guarantee nothing and offer much less, these are just my best guesses for their respective week 6 matchups. 

Strong plays to consider for DFS as well.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

September 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

With two full weeks in the books, it’s time again to take a look at those rosters and check out the Waiver wire. With several significant injuries this past week and your championship hopes on the verge of being derailed, it might be time to work the wire and make the magic happen.

Week 3 Waiver wire options;

RB-Matt Breida (Giants) - With Saquon going down in week 2 and expected (although not ruled out yet) to miss Thursday night, running back Matt Breida looks to be the next man up. Breida is a career 4.8 yards per carry guy should fill the role fine in the short term. He may not be featured like Saquon, but he could be a low-end RB2/Flex option for the time being. Barkley isn’t expected to be out too long, so go get Breida if you have the need.

RB-Jerome Ford (Browns) - Following the very unfortunate season ending injury to Nick Chubb, Ford stepped in and did more than a commendable job. Ford carried the ball 16 times on Monday night for 106 yards and added 3 catches for another 25 yards. He also added a receiving touchdown finishing the week as RB6 (ppr). Odds are he won’t finish that high by season end, but he certainly looks like a guy he could be a borderline RB1/RB2.

RB-Jaylen Warren (Steelers) - This pickup, if Warren is available in your league, harbors on the fact that running back Najee Harris has just been ineffective the first two weeks of the season (74 rushing yards in two games). As Harris continues to lumber, Warren will continue to see his workload increase (10 touches on Monday night).

WR-DeVante Parker (Patriots) - Right now Parker is a fix for the flex spot in deeper leagues, but he should be owned. He has the talent to be a solid WR2 if he can stay healthy (11 games missed the past two seasons). Parker was targeted 8 times on Sunday night and pulled in six passes for 57 yards.

WR-Tutu Atwell (Rams) - With all the talk deservedly surrounding Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, quietly Atwell has made a case himself to be owned in fantasy leagues. After a week one stat line of 6 receptions for 119 yards, he followed that up with 7 catches for 77 yards this past Sunday. Atwell has been targeted 17 times over the first two weeks of the season. With that kind of volume he remains in the flex mix every week.

TE-Zach Ertz (Cardinals) - The fantasy tight end position can look like a wasteland at times, when you are checking weekly results. It becomes a tough spot to find production. But everyone knows before you have production, you must have that volume of opportunity. Over the past two weeks Ertz has been targeted 18 times. He’s also on the field plenty (72.4% snap share) for those opportunities. If you are streaming tight ends, it’s time to grab Ertz (11 receptions for 77 yards in 2023 - currently fantasy TE9.

A few more notables to consider and at the very least should be on your bench, if not already owned include, (WR) Josh Reynolds, (WR) Tank Dell, (WR) Jayden Reed, (RB) Zack Moss, (WR) Marvin Mims Jr, and (RB) Tony Jones Jr. These players could become steady contributors down the stretch. 

Others that could be in the cards down the road to provide some depth relief for the coming bye weeks and are worth watching now include (RB) Damien Harris, (RB) Roschon Johnson, and (WR) Chase Claypool.

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

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 6th, 2023

Wednesday Late-Evening Edition

Fantasy Outlook: Opportunity (RBs)

We are beyond the fantasy draft now for most (there are still some late drafters on the clock), so it’s time to start talking about the upcoming season and time to start looking at probabilities, tendencies, and trends. It’s time to look at the numbers.

Top 10 in 2022

Total Touches (carries + catches)

1. Josh Jacobs / 340 + 53 = 393

2. Derrick Henry / 349 + 33 = 382

3. Saquon Barkley / 295 + 57 = 353

4. Christian McCaffrey / 244 + 85 = 329

5. Nick Chubb / 302 + 27 = 329

6. Najee Harris / 272 + 41 = 313

7. Austin Ekeler / 204 + 107 = 311

8. Dalvin Cook / 264 + 39 = 303

9. Alvin Kamara / 223 + 57 = 280

10. Rhamondre Stevenson / 210 + 69 = 279

Because of his heavy usage in the passing game, the Chargers running back Austin Ekeler checks in at number 7. It’s easy to see why he’s being drafted early in the 1st round of most drafts, especially in PPR formats.

Just like Ekeler, McCaffrey’s contributions in the pass game elevate his usage to top 5 and make him a high value target in fantasy drafts. His ADP has him positioned as the Number one fantasy runner in 2023 and for good reason – No.2 fantasy running back right behind Ekeler.

This is just a look at the numbers heading into the 2023 NFL season. Good luck Ballers.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 31st, 2023

Thursday Late-Evening Edition

My Top 10 Fantasy Football 

RB Rankings for 2023

With the signal-callers out of the way, it’s time to look at the workhorses in the backfield. Here are my Top-10 for the start of the 2023 season.

The Top-10

1. Christian McCaffrey

2. Austin Ekeler

3. Nick Chubb

4. Saquon Barkley

5. Bijan Robinson

6. Tony Pollard

7. Derrick Henry

8. Josh Jacobs

9. Rhamondre Stevenson

10. Najee Harris

With running back Kareem Hunt no longer in Cleveland, this paves the way for running back Nick Chubb to improve upon his No.7 fantasy scoring (points-per-game) finish in 2022. Last season the Browns running back posted 1,525 yards rushing (career high) and 12 rushing touchdowns (tying-career high). Chubb will be running behind one of the best O-lines in the game this season and at the youthful age of 27, he’s primed for a big year.

The Giants running back Saquon Barkley is coming off a bounce back year in 2022 (finished as the No.5 fantasy running back) after his disappointing 2021 season (finished as No.29), minimum of 10 games played. Last season Barkley set a career high with 1,312 yards rushing while posting 10 rushing scores (2nd most in his career). More than a full season removed from his ACL tear that cut his 2021 season, Barkley is a Top-10 fantasy running back heading into the 2023 season with Top-5 tendencies.

The Steelers running back Najee Harris rounds out the Top-10, coming in at number 10. Harris was disappointing in 2022 for fantasy owners finishing as the No.19 fantasy scoring running back (minimum 10 games). Harris took a step back in 2022, rushing for over 160 yards less than the previous season and catching 33 fewer balls. It’s no secret Harris played with an injury last season which could have played a big role in his regression. The Steelers offense looks a bit different this preseason (improved) and could be set up to take some big steps forward when the regular season starts. Now healthy, Harris figures to again lead the ground attack and should benefit greatly.

The Next 10.

11. Breece Hall

12. Travis Etienne Jr.

13. Aaron Jones

14. Joe Mixon

15. Dameon Pierce

16. Jahmyr Gibbs

17. Kenneth Walker

18. Alexander Matison

19. JK Dobbins

20. Alvin Kamara

The Texans running back Dameon Pierce slots in at number 15 in my rankings. He’s coming off a shortened 2022 season where he finished as the No.20 fantasy scoring running back. Pierce totaled over 1,000 yards with 5 touchdowns in his rookie campaign. Pierce has the talent and ability to improve upon last season’s numbers and if he plays a larger role in the offense than originally thought, he’s got a chance at finishing as a borderline RB1/RB2.

Notably missing is running back Jonathan Taylor. In a 12-Team format, I am not willing to risk the draft capital with an early round pick. I’d rather sit on him and get him as my third RB or pass altogether.

Another notable back absent from my Top-20 is Miles Sanders, just missing the cut. Last season he finished as the RB22 in fantasy scoring, so I am pretty comfortable where I have him. 

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega