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: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition
November 30th 2019

FSH: Quick Takes

The Seahawks rookie wide receiver DK Metcalf has not seen fewer than 5 targets in each of his games since week 6 and has 25 total in his last three starts. His numbers have been modest to quiet his past two starts, but he could be in line to bounce back on Monday night against the Vikings.

Over the past four weeks, the Vikings secondary has been toasted allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing receivers, including 727 receiving yards (3rd most), and four receiving touchdowns. On the season, the Vikings defense has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wideouts, including 15 touchdowns (tied for 3rd most). 

This could be just the matchup Metcalf needs to repeat his breakout performance from week 9, when he turned in a line of 6/123/1.

That’s My Take
~David 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 DAILY DIGEST

January 14th, 2017
Saturday morning Edition

Fantasy Five for Saturday

Back in Week 6 the Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan ($8,300 DFS salary) torched the Seahawks secondary completing 27 of 42 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns. Ryan has been brilliant throughout his 2016 campaign, passing for nearly 5,000 yards and tossing 38 touchdowns (2nd in the league). Despite the success the Seahawks defense has had against opposing quarterbacks, I believe Ryan is in for another big day on Saturday against the Seahawks.

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones ($8,300 DFS salary)  is just a beast and in the earlier matchup this season with the Seahawks he just did his thing; 7 receptions, 139 yards, and a touchdown. The Seahawks will definitely focus on trying to stop Jones, but Falcons will have OC Kyle Shanahan on the case and ready to show the NFL teams that passed on him why they made a mistake. Expect the Falcons to move Jones around and make a concerted effort to get the ball in his hands; no fewer than 10 targets for the receiving monster today, plenty of opportunities to post safe numbers.

With the Falcons offense rolling on Saturday, my expectation is this game will take on the shape of a good old fashioned shootout. I am sure the Hawks would prefer to stay with the ground game, but with quarterback Russell Wilson ($8,200 DFS salary) under center, they won’t shy from taking it to the air. Wilson has the ability to rise and play big and that’s what I would expect from the former Badger out of Wisconsin.

The Texans-Patriots matchup has the feel of a defensive battle, rather than shootout. The Patriots are always tough at home, the Texans offense is questionable on the road in this one, and the Texans defense is one of the best in the league. I am not expecting many fireworks in this one, but I do like Patriots running back Dion Lewis ($5,400 DFS salary) to heavily involved, especially in the passing game. Lewis averaged better than 16 touches per game over the last three weeks of the season. I would expect similar numbers in this one, but look for more involvement in the short passing game from Lewis.

As I speculate, the Texans-Patriots matchup will be more about the defense and one key factor will be place-kicker Stephen Gostkowski ($4,800 DSF salary). Playing at home the Patriots defense will put a lot of pressure on quarterback Brock Osweiler and the Texans offense. Turnovers and short fields could dictate this one and Gostkowski will play big.

These are DFS plays I am leaning with today.

That’s my Take

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 7th, 2017
Saturday Morning Edition

Wildcard Saturday

With today’s games getting ready to heat up in less than 90 minutes, it’s time to take a look at some fantasy picks that could work for all of us DFS players.

At $7,400 salary, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could be considered a risky value play today. Hopkins is coming off a down season from 2015, but he’s still a great talent with tremendous upside. With the Texans reverting back to quarterback Brock Osweiler, I would expect a concerted effort today to get the ball to Hopkins. The Raiders defense is beatable by leagues standards allowing the 12th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. I expect to see Osweiler target the talented wideout no less than 10 times today; plenty of opportunities to make plays and find the end zone.

Another value play at $4,500 that is more of the sleeper variety is Seahawks tight end Luke Wilson. Clearly the number two tight end and far down on the pecking order, Wilson’s value is most prominent in the red-zone. There’s no question the Lion’s defense will focus on trying to matchup with and slow down wide receiver Doug Baldwin and tight end Jimmy Graham. I wouldn’t expect anything more than a handful of targets for Wilson (maybe 4-5 today), but likely most will come inside the 20 where he’s been effective. In his last two games, Wilson has 6 receptions, including two for touchdowns. The Lions secondary has also allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, including 10 touchdowns.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 7th, 2016
Monday Evening Edition

Monday Night Matchup

The latest I have seen is running back LeSean McCoy is expected to play tonight against the Seahawks. As long as Shady plays, back up running back Mike Gillislee is down-graded to not much more than a risky low-end flex play tonight against a very tough run defense.

With Shady less than 100 percent, fantasy owners should not expect a full-load or great production. But with talent like McCoy owners can't take the risk and sit him.

Also expected to return to the field tonight is Percy Harvin. For fantasy owners reaching for anything, in the unconventional Rex Ryan offense at times, Harvin could be a flyer against his old team.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson practiced fully this past week and he looks good to go, but he'll have his hands full facing a tough Bills defense that has been pretty stingy versus opposing quarterbacks this season.

His counterpart Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor is not likely to have much better luck against a Seahawks defense that has allowed the 6th fewest rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. 

Fantasy owners looking for help under center tonight, may have a tough going, but if you have to pick one QB lean with home-cooking (Wilson).

One possible play for tonight is Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin. One of Wilson's favorite targets could find some space tonight against a secondary that has allowed the 12th most receptions to opposing wide receivers.

Tonight's matchup may not yield a lot of fireworks on the scoreboard, more like a 20-13 outcome, but there will be plenty of action in the trenches, on special teams, and on the defensive side of the ball as both sides will likely get after one another in a big way tonight.

Fantasy owners playing team defense, have to favor the Hawks tonight at home; look for a few big plays and possibly a score.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 16th, 2016

Friday

Week 2: Friday Football Fixx

After one week of action, there's plenty of football discussion at the local employment water-cooler. I was able to catch quite a bit of the action from week one and here's what I see for this Sunday, so if you are ready let's get into it....

Week 2 presents quite a few savory matchups for fantasy owners to salivate over. If you are looking for fantasy friendly matchups and need help under center, the Bronco's second year quarterback Trevor Siemian wasn't spectacular in week one, but with a healthy match-up against a suspect Colts secondary (340 yards passing allowed in week 1), he has the weapons to product top-10 numbers in week 2.

After facing a very tough and stingy Seahawks defense (81 rushing yards allowed in week 1), the Dolphins running back Arian Foster should fare much better this Sunday. Foster touched the ball 16 times for more than 100 total yards last week. Against the Patriots (4.8 yards allowed per carry) this Sunday he's likely to see as many, if not more chances and should easily better his numbers from a week ago. Fantasy owners can even expect the versatile Foster to add a score.

Last week the Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (4 receptions on 4 targets) made his long awaited return to the field of action against the Cowboys. His performance may have been less than stellar, but his familiar return to the end zone could be an indication of what's to come. This week the Giants will play host to a Saints team that was torched and burned last Sunday by a Raiders offense that accounted for 486 yards of offense, including 319 yards in the air and one score. Cruz and company will be looking to cash in big this week; expect the salsa-man to do his dance again.

After a big week one performance in the Big Easy, the Raiders second year receiver Amari Cooper (6 rec/137-yards in week 1) is looking for another big Sunday with a tasty matchup against the Falcons this Sunday. The birds will be traveling to the Black Hole on Sunday and after their secondary was torched for 5 pass plays of 20 yards or more in week 1, Cooper and company will be looking for the long ball again this week.

Last on my Friday list is Eagles running back Ryan Matthews. His numbers weren't huge in week one, but he did manage a solid fantasy Sunday with 77 yards and a score. While his total out-put wasn't anything to scream about fantasy owners should be excited with his 22 carries, a sure sign he is the feature runner in the Eagles ground game. This Monday night Matthews could find quite a few holes in Bears run defense (129 yards rushing allowed in week 1).

These are my Friday Fixx plays I like for week 2.

That's my take

~David G. Ortega

WEEK 3 FANTASY PICKS

September 27th, 2015
Sunday morning

Week 3 Fantasy picks

When is comes to fantasy football, there is no crystal ball to check or scientific formula to follow, although some of us may disagree. But what there is that you can count on weekly are your own eyes and football instinct. Neither of these may be enough for you to win, but they are sure a lot of fun to work with.

Having both of those tools at my disposal, I give you week 3 favorites for Sunday. Now mind you, these are not the regular fantasy studs you drafted in the early rounds (the no-brainer starts), here I am trying to dig a little deeper to find the diamonds in the rough, those low cost value plays needed for success on the highly popular DFS sites.

In the backfield, I am rolling out Raiders running back Latavius Murray (36 touches in two games). Murray should see plenty of work today against a Browns defense allowing the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including better than 5 yards a pop on the ground. And for a little sexy PPR appeal, Murray has snagged 10 targets for 10 receptions thus far this season.

Out wide I am looking at the Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin. Every Sunday Baldwin is heavily involved in the pass and at a low salary, he's a low risk play on DFS sites. In two games this season Baldwin has seen 17 targets, snagging 14. Now his production is not what we'd like to see with this much activity, but today I like his chances of doing more against a Bears secondary that has already allowed 7 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers.

Under center, I have a couple of quarterbacks I will be leaning on; Ryan Tannehill and Tyrod Taylor. Tannehill is a safe play this week and has a good matchup at home against the Bills secondary that ranks 3rd highest in allowing fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Taylor faces a tough road test against the Dolphins today, but he's been exceptional (from a fantasy perspective) in his two starts this season and ranks 6th among quarterbacks (standard scoring). His five total touchdowns this season rank tied for third among quarterbacks; he should be good for one in the air and one on the ground today.

Lastly, the quarterbacks safety blanket (tight end) that I am eye-balling on DFS sites today is Greg Olsen. A likely start for most owners that drafted him and today one that should pay off. After a slow start in week one (3 targets, one catch), Olsen turned things around a bit in week 2 catching 6 of 14 passes thrown his direction.He's still without a score this season, but facing a depleted Saints defense that ranks 13th worst versus opposing tight ends he should see plenty of action again this week and could finally find paydirt. In his last meeting against the Saints back in 2014, Olsen hauled ins 10 of 11 passes for 72 yards and a score; could we see a similar performance today? Time to check those crystal balls.

That's my take for Sunday, week 3.

~David G

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Morning Edition

September 6th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

BEASTMODE UNLEASHED

No Holds Barred!

So much for the holdout-hangover for Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who kicked off the Thursday night opener with a bang. The Seahawks runner proved he didn’t need a full training camp to get ready for the 2014 NFL season.

Lynch dominated the Packers defense running wild in full beastmode, tearing through the secondary on his way to 110 yards rushing. Lynch toted the rock 20 times and averaged a hefty 5.5 yards per carry while scoring twice on the ground. He also added a single grab for another 14 yards.

Lynch may not be seeing the payday of his choice, but he playing like a man possessed and deserving of recognition as one of the leagues very best running backs. Lynch is clearly one of fantasy football’s top running backs, but his PPR real estate may take a slight hit based on his lone reception. Either way, if you paid attention Thursday night it was clear, Lynch is fantasy gold week in and week out.

Fantasy Notes:

If you drafted any of the Seahawks backfield (Robert Turbin, Christine Micheal) other than Lynch, don’t hold your breath in hopes of playing them anytime soon. Lynch is a durable back; heading into 2014 he has missed just two games over the past three season which includes 988 touches over that span. He is also a featured part of the Seahawks run game (21 touches in week one) and add the explosive Percy Harvin to the mix and there’s slim and none chances of either seeing many opportunities going forward. Don’t hold your breath.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition

September 30th, 2012 

Sunday Morning Gametime

Some quick fantasy notes for Sunday week 4, who to play and who should stay (on your bench);

I like Cedric Benson a lot today against one of the league’s worst run defenses (Saints). The Packers like to throw the ball quite a bit, but look for Ced to tote the rock near 20 times today on the Frozen Tundra.

Fred Jackson is starting today for the Bills, but is expected to share carries with C Spiller. Coming off the knee injury and only part-time today, if you have a better options leave Jackson on your bench.

The Seahawks defense looked beastly Monday night sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers 8 times in the first half. Today matched up against the Rams offensive line that has already allowed 12 sacks in three games; expect another solid outing for the Seahawks D. Start them

Tom Brady and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd are off to a bit of a slow start, but gradually this connection has been looking better and better. I am expecting a possible breakout game for Lloyd today; either way he’s a good play and should deliver at least one score today.

The Niners wide receiver Michael Crabtree has been quietly steady this season, leading the team with 19 receptions in three games. He has yet to score a touchdown this season, but facing the Jets without Darelle Revis, that could change. I like Crabtree in your lineup today, he’ll deliver five catches for plus-80 yards and a score.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition

September 26th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

The Northwest Nightmare

We all knew the Seahawks had a pretty good defense, but few knew what head coach Pete Carroll was really putting together in Seattle. On Monday night before a national audience Carroll unleashed the "Northwest Nightmare" on quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense.

The Seahawks brought a relentless pass rush that was in Rodgers face most of the night and in his grill 8 times in the first half. Leading the teams eight sack assault in the first two quarters were Chris Clemons (4 sacks) and rookie Bruce Irvin (2 sacks). To his credit Carroll has always coached a pretty good defense, but what he is serving up in the northwest is hotter than a cup of joe and sure to cause a many sleepless nights for opposing quarterbacks and offenses.

To break it down, in three games this season the Seahawks defense has been much better than good. The squad ranks first in the league with 13 points allowed per game, they are second in the league against the run and 4^th overall. With 10 sacks this season the defense ranks 3^rd and their 6 yards per pass is ranked 5^th. In fantasy standard scoring the Seahawks defense has posted 33 points (ranked T-4^th)

The bottom line, all added up this means the Seahawks are a top fantasy defense and with a week 4 matchup against the Rams a must-start.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Saturday Edition

September 15th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

QUICK TAKES

Jermaine is Ready to Dance on Sunday

The Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham sees a very favorable matchup this week facing the Browns. Gresham has emerged as one of quarterback Andy Dalton’s favorite pass catchers and looking back at the damaged he caused against the Browns in 2011 (in two games), he figures to be on the hot list to do more damage this weekend.

In two games last season Gresham was extremely productive hauling in 11 passes for over 100 yards with two scores (standard scoring; 24 points, higher in PPR). Although the Bengals tight end was limited to just three grabs for 30 yards in week one, owners should take solace in the fact Gresham was targeted eight times (third on the team). Gresham hasn’t elevated to that next (fantasy) level, but he should be solid option in week 2.

My Take: He’s a safe start this week against a Browns defense that allowed 7 receptions for 81 yards and a score the Eagles tight ends in week one.

Rice Could Be Cooked on Sunday

The Seahawks number receiver Sidney Rice has been looking like anything, but a top-flight fantasy option at the receiver spot. And after spending the entire week on the injury reports, his probabl status does little to change his outlook for Sunday. The Seahawks offense will have a lot of work ahead of them this season as they struggle to find their identity with a young quarterback under center; don’t expect the Cowboys 7^th ranked defense to make that any easier in week 2.

Rice did score a week ago against the Arizona Cardinals defense, but he finished the game with just four grabs for 36 yards; hardly anything for a fantasy owner to get too excited about. This week matched up with a Cowboys secondary that kept both Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks out of the end zone in week 1, Rice’s outlook looks shady at best.

My Take: I am not a big fan of Rice this week, nor quarterback Russell Wilson. In week one the Cowboys defense brought plenty of pressure getting to Giants quarterback Eli Manning three times. If they are successful bringing pressure on Sunday (and they should be) Wilson will have little time to look downfield for any receivers, let alone his big target (Rice).

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY FANTASY REPORT

January 15th, 2011 Saturday

The Saturday Fantasy Report

The Divisional Round

Jay Cutler Could Have a Quiet Afternoon
…Sunday is expected to be cold and perfect football weather to grind the ball and that should suit all of the Chicago Bears just fine; just maybe not a few fantasy owners looking for some production from Jay Cutler.

The Bears have been playing very well lately and a big reason has been a solid running game and more balanced offense. Sunday’s matchup with the Seahawks could be all about the Bears playing championship style football; great defense and a solid run game. Cutler is only averaging 192 yards passing and 30 passes per game in his last three starts.

With some breeze and snow on Sunday Cutler could still have success in the air, but don’t look for him to put the ball up often (unless the Bears are behind)
(My thoughts; 20 of 28 passing, 185 yards passing, one touchdown)


Marshawn Lynch Could Hit A Wall On Sunday
...the Bears boast the leagues number two run defense and on Sunday against “the Beast” (Marshawn Lynch) they will have a chance to prove it. Last week against the Saints Lynch was able to run rough-shot through the defense, but that could be very different on Sunday against da Bears.

The Monsters of the Midway have a lot of speed and athleticism in the middle and could make it very difficult for Lynch to find any space. In their first meeting this season the Seahawks running back was only able to muster 44 yards on 17 carries; he did however find the end-zone once.

After his impressive performance last week, there’s no question Lynch will anchor the ground game, but if he stalls against the Urlacher and company back up running back Justin Forsett could steal some action.
(My thoughts; 16 carries, 55 yards, no touchdowns)

Mike Williams Could Be Big On Sunday
...even if there is snow or the wind gusts the Seahawks are going to have to find a way to throw the ball against the Bears. It’s no secret that most teams find it difficult to move the ball on the ground against Chicago and on Sunday the Seahawks will probably learn that painful fact. If the snow and Bears defense does ground Seattle’s run game, Matt Hasselbeck is going to have to get the ball to his big receiver Mike Williams.

Williams is a huge target and effective receiver in the pass game for Seattle and last time around against these same Bears, he and his quarterback had great success. In week six Williams grabbed 10 passes for 123 yards to lead all receivers in the game.

There’s no question Williams has good hands and because of his tremendous size should have a distinct advantage on Sunday against the Bears 20th ranked pass defense. The only question will be can Hasselbeck get him the ball.
(My thoughts; 8 catches, 105 yards receiving, one touchdowns)

Just my take

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 13th, 2011 Thursday

David’s Daily Digest

Now that the playoffs are in full swing and have entered the second round, for those of us still enjoying this fantasy season, we are really looking at some interesting matchups this weekend. With three of the four games being played outdoors, the Falcons-Packers matchup at the Georgia Dome could be the only one with any real fireworks for fantasy owners…

Fantasy Notes:

MIKE WILLIAMS LOOKING FOR A REPEAT PERFORMANCE
In their first and only meeting earlier this season the Seahawks had some success in the air against the Bears 20th ranked pass defense. One of the keys was wide receiver “big” Mike Williams who caught 10 passes for 123 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
The Seahawks will be facing a very stout and fast Bears run defense; the ground game could stall greatly on Sunday setting up a lot of passes from Hasselbeck to Williams. Williams is a big target with sure hands and could have great success against the Bears under-sized secondary; even if cornerback Charles Tillman (6’1”) matches up with Williams (6’5”) he is giving away four inches.

MATT FORTE COULD STEAL THE SHOW
The Bears know how to play hard ball in the snow and with temperatures expecting to fall on Sunday, it sounds like running back Matt Forte could be in business for lots of work. In the first matchup the Bears called 45 pass plays and just ran the ball 14 times; it doesn’t look like that will be the case this time around.
My Fantasy Read:
Forte finished the regular season strong averaging 17 carries per game and 98 yards rushing in his last three starts; he also caught 12 balls for 116 yards in his last two. For the Bears running back, cold is good; Forte could be a featured component in the Bears offensive attack on Sunday. Fantasy owners are singing, let it snow, let it snow, let is snow.

AARON RODGERS GEARING UP FOR A SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL
The Packers are on a roll and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a big reason. Their last three wins have come against the Giants, Bears, and Eagles. In those games Rodgers has thrown eight touchdowns for 813 yards while completing 62 of 92 passes.
My Fantasy Read:
In their first matchup Rodgers enjoyed some success in the air completing 26 of 35 passes for 344 yards, but was only able to find the endzone just once. Rodgers has got the hot hand and has been playing extremely well; it will be tough for the Falcons 22nd ranked defense to keep him out of the end-zone this time around.

THE STEELERS GROUND GAME COULD GO M.I.A.
The Ravens defense has been playing very well against the run as of late; aside from Jamaal Charles’ 41 yard touchdown run in the first quarter, the Chiefs were only able to gain 57 yards the rest of the way. In their previous three games the Ravens run defense has been even better allowing just 73 yards and 3.08 yards per carry.
My Fantasy Read:
The Steelers have the league’s 11th ranked run offense (120.2 yard per game) but have only been able to muster 69 yards per game on the ground in two meeting with the Ravens. Big Ben (Roethlisberger) missed their first meeting, but in the second go round he threw 38 passes, completing 22 for 253 yards and a touchdown. With the elements and the Raven’s dictating a tough grudge match that will likely yield few yards on the ground this Saturday, the game is likely to fall into the hands and rely on the arm of Big Ben.