FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY WATERCOOLER

December 9th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

The Wednesday  Saturday Watercooler

Week 14 Free Agency

With less than 15 hours until NFL Sunday week 14 kickoff, there’s still plenty of time to make some moves to improve your lineup and secure that playoff spot. These are some of my Week 14 favorites widely available in many leagues.

RB, Keaton Mitchell (Ravens) The rookie runner emerged in weeks 9 and 10 as a flex play with consecutive weeks scoring a touchdown. He’s been quiet since, but following a Week 12  performance where he out-snapped starter Gus Edwards 33 to 19 and out gained him 89 yards to 37, he is trending in the right direction. For those desperate for help in the backfield Mitchell is only owned in 34.3% of ESPN fantasy leagues and 26.1% in NFL.

WR, Romeo Doubs (Packers) The Packers wideout is only owned in 39.2% of NFL fantasy leagues and 41.0% of ESPN leagues. Over his past four games played Doubs has been scoring in the mid WR-3 range, with 15 receptions on 20 targets for 193 yards receiving and two scores. With Christian Watson ruled out and a great Monday night matchup against the Giants (5th worst against WR), he should be added.

WR, Noah Brown (Texans) Before his return to action last week, in his last two games Brown had collected 13 catches for 325 yards receiving and a score. He returned last week, but was very quiet. With the loss of rookie receiver Tank Dell, Brown will have an opportunity to make an impact. Brown is only owned in 26.4% of NFL fantasy leagues and 42.7 of ESPN, and although it will be a tough matchup in Week 14 against the Jets, he’ll still offer flex appeal.

WR, Zay Jones (Jaguars) If he’s healthy, with the absence of wide receiver Christian Kirk, the stage is set for a big opportunity for Zay Jones to fill in and play big. Jones is only owned in 9.3% of NFL fantasy leagues and 25.8 of ESPN, without an injury designation this Sunday, he’s a low end flex with a tough matchup against the Browns.

TE, Isaiah Likely (Ravens) The Ravens young tight end has yet to turn any heads, but at the one position that is very shallow in fantasy, Likely has value. Only owned in 39.8% of ESPN fantasy leagues and 15.3 in NFL, Likely is coming off  a 4-catch, 40 yards receiving (on 6 targets) performance in Week 12 (fantasy TE18) and facing the 8th worst defense versus fantasy tight ends. A part of a heavy run offense may limit opportunities, but he still has a chance to be a fringe TE1 for Week 14.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

November 29th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Fantasy Football Free Agency

Looking for Week 13 help while chasing a playoff spot, with just a few weeks left to make your move, free agency still has some gems with fantasy appeal.

WR, Jayden Reed (Packers) Only rostered in 49.4% of NFL fantasy leagues and 39.5% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Reed has produced as a solid fantasy WR2 over the last three weeks. During this stretch he has totaled 13 receptions (on 19 targets) for 164 yards receiving, and two touchdown receptions, adding another 62 yards rushing and another score. With a Week 13 matchup against the Chiefs, Reed has flex appeal.

RB, Samaje Perine (Broncos) Only rostered in 31.5% of NFL fantasy leagues and 31.2 of ESPN fantasy leagues, has recently seen enough run to bring him into the flex conversation. Over his last two games Perine has averaged 66.5 yards of offense with 8 receptions and a rushing score. With a Week 13 matchup against the Texans, in what could be a high scoring affair, Perine could once again be a flex option.

WR, Noah Brown (Texans) Perhaps the forgotten man since being sidelined with injury after week 10, Brown still remains available in many leagues, rostered in 35.1% of ESPN fantasy leagues and 15.5% of NFL fantasy leagues. In his last two games Brown totaled 13 receptions for 325 yards receiving with a touchdown. If he plays he’ll have a tough matchup in Week 13 versus a surging Broncos defense, but with receivers Tank Dell and Nico Collins also available, he could see favorable matchups and figure in as a flex play.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIX

November 24th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Friday Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

Over his last three games the Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (fantasy WR2) is averaging 13 targets per game. During this span Allen has recorded 29 receptions for 368 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He’s pretty much matchup proof and a must-start WR-1.

During Weeks 9 thru 11, the Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (fantasy WR14) has registered 20 receptions (on 35 targets) for 319 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. Dell has been special the past three weeks and should be locked in as a safe WR2.

The Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (fantasy WR23) has scored a touchdown reception in five straight games. During this stretch he’s collected 24 receptions (on 31 targets) for 270 yards receiving and five of his season total 8 touchdowns. Sutton has been producing on the level of a fantasy WR-2 and should be considered such going forward.

Over his last three games, the Bills rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid (fantasy TE8) has caught 16 passes for 233 yards receiving and a score. The Bills rookie has been solid this season and become a reliable TE-1 going forward.

 The Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson (fantasy TE2) has caught 22 passes (on 34 targets) for 258 yards receiving and a touchdown over his last three games. The Vikings tight end is locked in as a TE-1.

With his touchdown grab on Thanksgiving Day, the Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (fantasy TE4) raised his season total to 5. LaPorta has blossomed into a solid TE-1 and a must-start every week.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL WINS & WHIFFS (WEEK 10)

November 14th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Whiffs & Wins

(NFL Week 10)

Week 10 was not a notable one for success, as I did not win any of the lotteries or the Millionaire Makers on DraftKings. I did however enjoy some personal fantasy success in my home leagues setting the weekly high in one, so there’s that. Even though I didn’t win big at the (fantasy football) track, I did get a few things right.

Week 10 Wins

Jahmyr Gibb (Lions) The rookie running back finished the week as the fantasy RB2, totaling 112 yards with two rushing touchdowns.

Tyler Boyd (Bengals) The Bengals wide receiver finished the week as the fantasy WR10, posting 8 receptions with 117 yards receiving.

Tank Dell (Texans) The Texans rookie wide receiver finished the week as the fantasy WR12, recording 6 catches for 56 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Noah Brown (Texans) The Texans wide receiver finished the week as the fantasy WR6, hauling in 7 passes for 172 yards receiving.

Trenton Irwin (Bengals) The Bengals wide receiver finished the week as the fantasy WR26, completing two grabs for 54 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown score.

Week 10 Whiffs

DeAndre Hopkins (Titans) The Titans wide receiver finished the week as the fantasy WR56, catching just 3 passes for 27 yards. This was Hopkins second dud in his last four games.

Brandon Powell (Vikings) Considering the absence of wide receiver KJ Osborn in addition to wide receiver Justin Jefferson still out, although the expectations weren’t high Powell’s week 10 numbers were disappointing. He finished the week as the fantasy WR43, collecting 4 passes for 35 yards receiving.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 12th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Injuries always play a factor and influence game-flow and the potential outcomes in every game. Looking ahead to today’s slate of games, a couple of injury notes that could affect player performances in Week 10.

Tyler Boyd (Bengals)

With the potential of missing both wide receivers Tee Higgins (ruled OUT) and Ja’Marr Chase (back), Boyd would be elevated to the number one primary receiver. The Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been slinging it all over the yard the past several weeks, making Boyd a favorite today in seasonal, as well as DFS.

Brandon Powell (Vikings)

The Vikings are still without wide receiver Justin Jefferson (activated off IR) and likely do not have KJ Osborn available today. Jordan Addison will be the popular pick today and deservedly so, but Brandon Powell will have some flex appeal and DFS value today. Even tight end TJ Hockenson is noted as possibly being on a pitch count today. For a lack of options available, Powell could see his role expand greatly today.

Tank Dell (Texans)

The Texans rookie wide receiver blew up last week against the Buccaneers, it was his third game with more than 20 fantasy points (ppr). With starting wide receiver Nico Collins (ruled OUT) sidelined today, Dell will likely become the defacto number one with a huge ceiling against a suspect Bengals 22nd ranked (vs the pass) secondary.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEEKLY WAIVER WIRE

November 7th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Late-Evening Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Noah Brown (Texans) The former Cowboys wide receiver had a welcome to the party kind of game on Sunday blowing up for 153 yards receiving with a score. Brown is barely owned in ESPN Fantasy Leagues (0.9% rostered) and should be considered a stash candidate and low end flex option with a potential high ceiling.

Keaton Mitchell (Ravens) The Ravens rookie running back had the hot hand on Sunday and exploded for 138 yards rushing on just 9 carries. He’ll figure to see more opportunities going forward and only owned in 1.0% of ESPN Leagues; he's another stash candidate (especially in Dynasty).

Tank Dell (Texans) The Texans rookie wide receiver Tank Dell is owned in just over half (55.7%) of ESPN Leagues), though he seems to be a true boom or bust fantasy play, if he’s available he has a tremendous ceiling and should be owned.

Tyler Boyd (Bengals) The Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is only owned in 47.7% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues and over his last three games he’s been a solid fantasy WR3. With the Bengals offense starting to heat up and Ja’Marr Chase coming out of Week 9 a little dinged up, Boyd should be on fantasy rosters.

Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) Even though it may not have looked pretty, the Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has been playing in fantasy starter territory over the past several weeks. During his past three starts Mayfield has averaged 259 yards passing with 5 touchdowns. He’s only owned in 45.4% of ESPN Leagues and offers some streaming value through the remaining Byes.

Odell Beckham Jr (Ravens) After finally reaching paydirt for the first time this season the Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr turned in his best game. OBJ hauled in 5 passes for 56 yards receiving and a touchdown. OBJ is only owned in 42.4% of ESPN Leagues and should be owned. As he starts to look more like the old OBJ, he has a chance for better games being a part of the Ravens 4th best offense in the league.

Jonnu Smith (Falcons) The Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (fantasy TE14) blew up on Sunday, recording 5 catches for 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. After a quiet couple of games Smith found his mojo in Week 9. Smith has seen at least 5 or more targets in 6 of his last 8 games this season. He remains involved in the Falcons passing game and only owned in 27.1% of ESPN Fantasy games, he should be owned.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots) Targeted 7 times on Sunday, the Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had his busiest game this season, since Week 1. Smith-Schuster finished as the fantasy WR25 for the week.  JuJu is only owned in 29.9% ESPN Fantasy Leagues and while his Week 9 performance wasn’t a breakout, he may offer some relief as a streaming option through the Byes.

Demario douglas (Patriots) The better option out of Foxboro is the Patriots rookie receiver Demario Douglas. Only owned in 21.9% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues, Douglas has been seeing a steady diet of at least 6 or more targets over the past three weeks. His ceiling has not been exceptionally high, but his floor has been steady and safe as a flex play.

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 WINS

September 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Wins!

(NFL Week 3)

This is always one of the fun parts following the weekend, when I can look back at my successes. There will always be those players locked-in your lineups, but I consider some of these players as those that may or may not be in lineups; and they should be and shouldn’t be.

Cousins is fantasy gold.

QB-Kirk Cousins (QB4) - Despite the team’s lack of success in the win column, as long as Cousins is the starter and he has Justin Jefferson available, he’s a must-start in fantasy. The guy has been pure fantasy gold, finishing in the top each of the first three weeks.

The Cowboys running back continues to play like a star.

RB-Tony Pollard (RB13) - The Cowboys running back has been a star thus far this season. On Sunday he turned in another solid performance rushing for 122 yards. For the season Pollard is the fantasy RB9.

As expected, another quiet day.

RB-AJ Dillon (RB52) - The Packers desperately need Aaron Jones back. In the two games without Jones, Dillon has been a dud. In the two games without Jones available, Dillon has finished outside the Top-50 fantasy running backs. He belongs on your bench for the time being.

The Jets passing game is non-existent.

WR-Allen Lazard (WR59) - The Jets wide receiver caught three balls for 39 yards on Sunday. As long as the offense struggles, Lazard is going to remain fantasy irrelevant. For the season he’s fantasy receiver No.73. He can be dropped.

The Chiefs receiver room is a mess.

WR-Kadarius Toney (WR100) - The Chiefs wideout has clearly been a disappointment thus far this season. It’s still early in the season and his quarterback is Patrick Mahomes, but sitting at fantasy WR102 with just 7 catches for 35 yards to this point, he can’t be trusted. It’s safe to drop him.

The Texans rookie continues to play well.

WR-Tank Dell (WR6) - The Texans rookie wide receiver was big on Sunday, recording 5 receptions for 145 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown reception. This was the second straight week Dell has finished as a Top-20 fantasy receiver. He's a must-start at this point.

Another quiet day for Titans tight end

TE-Chigozeim Okonkwo (TE25) - The Titans 2nd year tight end is off to a slow start this season. On Sunday was more of the same, catching three passes for 7 yards. For the season, with just 10 targets in three games Okonkwo sits at fantasy TE44. He shouldn’t be owned and not worth streaming.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WEEK 3 FF START'EMS

September 23rd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Week 3

Start’Ems

My Week 3 Starts for Sunday and Monday.

This week has a number of nice matchups with the probability of a lot of points, from the Charger & Vikings game, to the Lions & Falcons game, to the Eagles & Buccaneers game,and finally the Rams & Bengals. It’s hard to not get excited about the amount of offense we could see this weekend. With all that excitement, fantasy owners want to make sure they have the right players in their lineups on Sunday. These are some of the players I am most excited about and will have in my lineups (redraft, Dynasty, or DFS) this weekend & Monday.

QB-Kirk Cousins (Vikings) - The Vikings signal caller has been money for fantasy owners through two weeks. Cousin currently ranks as fantasy QB1, passing for 708 yards and throwing six touchdowns in two games. This week the Vikings are home and will play host to the Chargers. Cousins will take his shot at a Chargers defense that has allowed 712 yards passing (most allowed) and the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. He’s a must-start.

RB-Najee Harris (Steelers) - Through two games this season, by the eye test Harris has not looked good, but the numbers tell a different story. Harris has only rushed for 74 yards this season without a score, and caught 3 passes for 2 yards receiving. The silver lining, in his limited usage through two games he is averaging 4.6 yards per carry. This matchup on Sunday against the Raiders sets up as a great opportunity for Harris to get going. The Raiders defense ranks 29th against the run allowing better than 5 yards per carry. Start Harris.

WR-Michael Pittman Jr (Colts) - The Colts leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr is currently the fantasy WR12. In two games this season Pittman has 16 receptions and 153 yards receiving on 23 targets. He is the teams go-to receiver and this Sunday I expect the team will look his way often going up against a Ravens secondary that has allowed the 2nd most receptions to opposing wide receivers. Even with Anthony Richardson out this week, (Gardner) Minshew to Pittman works. Start Pittman and get him in your DFS lineups too.

WR-Tank Dell (Texans) - While most of the attention has been on wide receiver Nico Collins (warranted), fantasy owners should also be paying attention to Tank Dell. Quietly the rookie receiver has been working his way into fantasy relevance, currently slotting in at fantasy WR29, good enough for WR3/flex consideration. Dell has 10 receptions for 104 receiving yards with a receiving touchdown. He’s got a nice matchup this week and should be in lineups-start him.

TE-Hunter Henry (Patriots) - I am rolling the dice with this one, third time's a charm. Henry has been the top fantasy tight end the past two weeks, can he make it three in a row? I am not banking on that factor, but I do believe with such a juicy matchup Henry will produce. Henry faces a Jets defense that has been vulnerable in the Red Zone allowing two receiving touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season. Start Henry, again.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega