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

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: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 8th, 2010 9:10pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

McNabb in Denver, really?...

A recent story posted on Bleacher report suggests that ESPN is reporting the Broncos have had multiple discussions with the Eagles inquiring about their 33-year old quarterback; they among two other teams. Clearly there is some concern about Kyle Orton being the long term answer in Denver, but for now this is no more TMZ-type speculation than anything else. It would be a huge shock to see Eagles head coach Andy Reid part with his quarterback (McNabb) that has taken him to five NFC Championships.

Brees and Saints: Can they make it two in a row?....

There's no reason to think that the New Orleans Saints don't have the right ingredients to make it back to the big dance again. Since head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees have teamed up, the Saints offense has been a fantasy football heaven. If they Saints can manage to keep a lot of what they have already intact, there's no reason to think that Brees won't lead the NFL's number offense again in 2010. This season the Saints were number one in scoring and yards. Who Dat say back-to-back?

Fantasy Notes

Westbrook likely to fall deep next season....

Despite the inconsistent play of Eagles rookie running back LeSean McCoy it’s highly unlikely that Brian Westbrook would return to the backfield as a featured runner. Too many injuries over the past couple of seasons have seemingly caught up with the 30-year old running back. With a couple of concussions this past season Westbrook's career could be in question, but if he does return for his 9th season, he's likely to fall deep down the fantasy depth chart. In 2009 he only played eight games finished with 274 yards rushing and just two touchdowns; his worst numbers since his rookie season.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 8th, 2010 - 4:25pm PST

[afternoon edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

The Last Dance: A Dream Fulfilled

The final dance was not over-billed or super-hyped, but it was everything most football fans hoped for; entertaining and thrilling!

The Saints delivered a long awaited championship to a city that was overdue for a celebration. Rising from the ashes of disaster in the city of New Orleans, the Saints completed a magical ride that started back in 2005 following the wake of hurricane Katrina.

Katrina brought much disaster and despair to the southeast region of Louisiana, but what she could not do was destroy the hope and faith of those that believed the city could and would one day rebound. An unlikely face in this movement took on the shape and form of an NFL team; the New Orleans Saints.

A young head coach (Sean Payton) and a cast-away quarterback (Drew Brees) stepped to the forefront of this cause, to bring hope, a new day of promise, and a championship to a city that only a few years ago had little and none.

Brees' journey began when he left San Diego in 2006 and signed with New Orleans; around the same time the residents of New Orleans were trying to get out of the devastated area and wondering if they'd ever return. Brees took on the fight with his new team, to not only help rebuild, but to help the folks return to their home, and to bring the team back New Orleans.

During the rebuilding process, the Saints would play their home games in San Antonio throughout the 2005 season. It would not be until 2006 on Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons that the Saints would make their triumphant return to the Superdome.

Like all fairy-tales, this story does have a happy ending, but it was not a short story, but a long journey. The Saints and Drew Brees had their ups and downs, but like the people of New Orleans and southeast Louisiana, perseverance paid great dividends in the end.

The Saints started out the 2009 season as one of the two hottest teams in the NFL winning their first 13 games. Despite losing their final three regular season, the team and a city would not be denied their destiny.

The Saints defeated a pair of potential hall-of-fame quarterbacks (Warner-Favre) in the playoffs to arrive in South Florida to square off with another (Manning) in the big dance. Like two prize fighters feeling out one another early, the game took on a slow pace unlike what many had expected.

It wasn't until the second quarter that Brees and company found their rhythm and would then realize their dream. Brees started shaky, but from the second quarter on he was masterful, completing 32 of 39 passes for the game, passing for 288 yards and throwing two touchdowns to bring to the city of New Orleans its first Super Bowl title.

Brees led the NFC's best team with a 13-3 record to an emotional and well deserved Super Bowl victory, but more than that he led many others (survivors from Katrina) and a country in many ways to a higher place, a promised land, for a brief moment to a world where dreams can come true if you believe.

Not only did the city rebuild, not only did folks return, not only did the Saints return to New Orleans, but they also brought with them a championship. Like the Saints returning what their Super Bowl title means, it returns the hope, faith, and belief that great things can happen, even in the wake of such devastation and disaster.

Together great people (like Brees, the Saints, the folks of New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana) can accomplish great things, as great as anyone's imagination!

By David Ortega

Quick Notes:

The Saints quarterback Drew Brees (32) and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (31) combined for 63 completions, most ever in a Super Bowl.

Both Dallas Clark (9) and Reggie Wayne (11) were targeted often on Sunday, but a costly drop by Wayne in the closing moments of the 4th quarter ended any chance for a Colts comeback.

The Colts running back Joseph Addai played extremely well averaging nearly six yards a carry against the Saints defense. Addai would finish with 77 yards on the ground, including a touchdown. He would also add seven receptions for another 58 yards receiving.

Drew Brees spread the ball around effectively against the Colts secondary finding eight different receivers. Leading the way for the Saints passing game were Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, each with seven receptions.

Super Bowl XLIV set a record as the most watched Super Bowl ever with an estimated 153.4 million viewers enjoying the Sunday spectacle.

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

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 22nd, 2009 9:07pm PST

12 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: New Orleans Saints....
The Saints will enter the 2009 draft with the 14th pick overall and if all the stars align on Saturday, all signs would point towards Head Coach Sean Payton selecting the first running back in this year's class of freshman. While the Saints do have the electric Reggie Bush (844-yards, 9-total touchdowns), the loss of an effective Deuce McAllister creates a hole in their running game.

Last season the team struggled at the position (ranked 28th in the NFL) often rotating players in and out trying to find a winning formula. At 5'11" Pierre Thomas was the team's biggest and most consistent runner averaging 4.8-yards per carry and leading the team with 625-yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Thomas appears hardnosed, but undersized it's hard to imagine he could withstand the season-long punishment. Like Bush, Thomas is versatile and a better fit in open spaces as part of the short passing game.

With the 14th pick and their next not due until the fourth round (116th overall), it would make sense for the team to look at running back early. The team has many holes on defense, but with such a well-oiled machine on offense just needing a bit of tinkering, it would make sense for Payton to look for that missing piece.

While some are project the Saints to go running back at 14, there seems to be an even divide as to who they take. With Thomas and Bush considered small at the position, it's only logical to look for more size and bulk to compliment. At 6'1' and 235-lbs, Chris Wells (Ohio State) would seem to be the perfect fit in New Orleans.

(Photo by Al Tielemans/SI.com)

Wells has size, strength, power, and for his frame very good speed. In 31 career games, Wells rushed for 2,804-yards and scored 26 touchdowns. Although he's not a great receiver, he won't need to be playing in the same type of role as Deuce did and he won't need him to be an every down back either sharing carries with Bush and Thomas. Wells will give Payton and company an inside runner who can also bounce it outside.

There are a lot of places the Saints could go with their 14th pick, but this is likely their best stop for a team hoping to return to the post-season in 2009.

Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"