Saturday, September 16, 2017
FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST
Monday, September 11, 2017
FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST
Saturday, December 31, 2016
FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST
December 31st 2016
Saturday Evening Edition
Sunday’s Value Plays
Taking a look at the slate for Sunday, if you pay attention there is some low cost, potential high-reward value available. A couple of plays that I like are hit or miss, but if they hit their low salaries allow owners to find play this week with some of the heavy (higher salary) hitters.
The Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson is listed at a $5,300 this week and with 18 targets over the past two weeks, he offers week 17 appeal. Nelson has also scored in four straight games and posting double digit fantasy points in each. He’s a homerun or bust and his value gives owners lots of room to play with.
Another the potential homerun hitter at a great value is Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr (listed at $4,900 salary this week). Always the big-play possibility Ginn Jr has been hit and miss this season with double-digit fantasy points in four of his past six contests. Ginn Jr is coming off a modest three catch-29 yard performance last week, but has a matchup this Sunday against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed the 6th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers over the past four weeks.
Another Sunday play offering value for fantasy owners is Broncos running back DeVontae Booker (listed at $5,300 salary). Booker could be viewed as a bit of a reach this week, seeing that he has only reached double-digit fantasy points twice in his last 7 games, with his last one coming four weeks ago. The good news is the latest rumor is Booker is expected to see the lionshare of the load on Sunday. In a limited stint last week versus the Chiefs, Booker flashed some promise and facing a Raiders defense that has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including the 7th most rushing yards, his Sunday outlook could be promising.
That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega
Thursday, October 15, 2009
FSH: FRIDAY FOOTBALL DIARY

Friday Football Diary

Dear Diary
Better late than Never…
With the 2009 fantasy football season moving right along, it certainly becomes a concern for owners when some of their studs decide to take an early siesta. Such has been the case for players like Eddie Royal, Chris Henry, and Dwayne Bowe, but recent history has shown that patience can and will pay dividends.
Last week all three receivers turned in very respectable outings to lead the turnaround surge. Royal’s 10 catch day was a great sign for fantasy owners that his sophomore jinx could be ending soon and Bowe’s five catches with his third touchdown of the season could be just the beginning of the end of his growing pains (new QB and new offense) in KC. Henry is quietly seeing his targets increase and last week it paid some dividends with 92 yards receiving.
While these three fantasy receivers enjoy what could be seen as a brighter outlook, there are still those stuck in cement;
Still late…
- The Titan’s receiver Justin Gage has seen 37 passes in his direction, yet he’s only averaging about three catches per game and 33 yards receiving…..
- The Raven’s 5th year receiver Mark Clayton has also seen 37 balls thrown his way, but his 17 receptions for 213 yards is very pedestrian…..
- The Bronco’s talented pass receiving tight end Tony Scheffler has been relatively quiet this season with just 10 catches, but it’s his 13 targets that is more concerning…..
- The Bill’s wide receiver Terrell Owens continues to struggle in the offense with just 12 receptions this season, but he has had 27 targets this season…..
- Injuries have played some part in his slow beginnings this season, but the Buccaneer’s receiver Antonio Bryant is still stuck in the mud with only 12 catches this season…..
Ready to Breakout

While some owners will tough it out and wait on those that continue to struggle to get out of first gear this season, here are a few names that appear to be on the cusp of a breakout performance.
Slowly but surely the Bronco’s big-time playmaking receiver Brandon Marshall has been coming on. He has scored in each of his three games and turned in his best performance of the season last week. With the Denver offense starting to show real signs of clicking, Marshall’s day could be coming soon!
The Rams running back Steven Jackson, despite being stuck on a bad team and poor offense he’s been mister steady. In his first five games Jackson has totaled 543 yards from scrimmage, but has yet to score. With a poor Jaguar’s defense next on the slate, could this week be his coming out party?
The Dolphin’s discovered last Monday night along with a national audience that not only are they a pretty good team, but it appears they have a pretty good young quarterback. What they also discovered, with this young quarterback’s big arm, they have a pretty good playmaking receiver in Ted Ginn Jr. Against the Jets, Ginn Jr. was able to get behind the defense for a spectacular 53 yard touchdown stike; perhaps a preview of more to come.
We have already seen the flashes and the catches, now that wide receiver Braylon Edwards is playing somewhere he is happy, owners can expect to see greater things. It’s just a matter of time.
10 Things to Watch for in Week 6
As I always do, I will be watching the games this Sunday and taking notes as I watch for some of the key matchups. Always a great attraction is a clash of unbeatens (Giants-Saints), some heated divisional rivalries (Cardinals-Seahawks, Broncos-Chargers), and a game of the week (Ravens-Vikings). With so much to cover, what will I really be watching;
- Against one of the leagues stingiest run defenses, can Favre and the Vikings pass their way past Ray Lewis and the Ravens?
- Will the Ram’s running back Steven Jackson finally blow up this season facing the Jaguar’s 18th ranked run defense.
- Can quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints find success in the air against the Giants number one ranked pass defense.
- Can the old man Kurt Warner continue to defy father time with another big Sunday against the Seahawks.
- After his successful return last week with four touchdowns, can Matt Hasselbeck follow it up with an encore performance.
- Last week Cedric Benson was the first running back in 40 games to rush for more than 100 yards against the Ravens, can Adrian Peterson be the second?
- With the Texan’s 26th ranked run defense up next, can Cedric Benson turn in another stud-like performance?
- The Titan’s secondary is decimated with injury, is this the week that Patriot’s quarterback Tom Brady finally breaks out?
- Who will run for more yards against the Brown’s 32nd ranked run defense, Willie Parker or Rashard Mendenhall?1
- The Bronco’s offense has been steady at home the last two weeks, can Marshall and company take their show on the road Monday night?
Check back every week for more “Friday Football Diary”
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)
With no stop in sight, the Waiver Wire keeps moving on and with week six coming up our good buddy Wayne has more insight for the coming weekend. Grab a cold one and take notes, because if Wayne doesn’t know, then this could be some funny stuff to share with your buddies;
Week Six
Anytime you have a receiver that can catch a Peyton Manning pass, you've got a pretty good option available. As was the case last Sunday when rookie receiver Austin Collie blew up for 8 receptions, 97 yards, and two touchdowns. Like any of Peyton's secondary options they're a hit and miss, but with Collie comes great upside. The rookie won't be in action on Sunday (bye week), but consider him a possible week 7 fill-in.
Quietly in a blowout loss against the Vikings the Rams perennial number one playmaking receiver Donnie Avery finally showed a little life and some spunk. Avery made seven grabs on the day including a 27 yard touchdown, but it was his three catches with Bulger in the game that should draw your attention. Bulger is on track to return Sunday against the Jaguars and Avery has much better chemistry with him. The Jags struggle against the pass, so look for Avery to respond with a nice outing.
With starter Roy Williams on the tank this past week with a shoulder injury, backup Miles Austin stepped up. Austin took advantage of the opportunity turning in a career day with 10 catches and 250 yards receiving with two touchdowns. Like the Colts, Austin and the Cowboys will be enjoying a bye week this Sunday, but he could be a solid pickup for week 7. Williams is due to return, but Austin has surely earned some additional playing time and extra looks from his QB.
“Wayne’s Word”
Once again always looking for the hottest pickups each week, Wayne offers his best word for week six;
In Philly this jewel is already starting to shine in the Eagles passing game. Rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin turned in a spectacular performance last Sunday and would appear to be obvious choice to assume starting duties opposite DeSean Jackson. Even though the Iggles have the Raiders and shutdown corner Nnamdi Asomugha up next, Maclin looks like a very good option this Sunday with Jackson likely to draw much attention.
Playing the Fantasy GM
Don-Pietro "The GM" Zamboni
Get’em off your BenchSometimes you have to believe that the stars are beginning to align and that your stud is ready to bust out. It’s a crap shoot sometimes, but if you read the signs and just check the night time sky, you can see the stars. It’s always tough to sit your stud, but it’s equally as difficult to know when you have to get him back in there; coming off a strong performance is usually a good sign.The GM Game
When you are a fantasy GM you have to love science. When consider tendencies, probability, and odds to make tough decisions, then throw that all out the window, you have to love fantasy. Last week we talked about shelving guys who weren’t performing and at the turn of a screw, that can all change in a New York minute.
Sometimes you have to reevaluate and then reevaluate again to see true value. And just when you think you got it, start again and take another look. Let’s face it, tough decisions are going to cost you some games, but they can also win you a championship. This week these are the guys that you’ll need to get into your lineup soon.
Who you need to play….
It didn't take long for Eddie Royal to shake his sophomore jinx and breakout with a big day. The Bronco's offense really celicked last week and figures to get better and it's safe to expect Eddie to be a big part.
The Chiefs didn't come out with a win last week, but they did learn they can have success with the pass. Quarterback Matt Cassel had great success with the hurry-up offense and rediscovered his talented receiver Dwayne Bowe. Word is Haley plans to employ more of the hurry-up, so look for Bowe to get going and get hot soon.
Monday night showcased a couple of young and talented wideouts that aparently are ready to fly.
The Jets recently acquired wide receiver Braylon Edwards from the Browns and quickly showed why they like this kid. Edwards making the quick start caught five balls for 64 yards and score. Expect the Jets to feature Edwards in the pass game and he needs to be on your roster.
The Dolphins have a talented kid that could be coming around soon. With quarterback Chad Henne suddenly looking Marino-like engineering a late 4th quarter comeback, Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr has found his appeal. The Dolphins third year receiver has shown promise, but now with a big-arm quarterback, he'll start delivering. This past Monday Ginn caught just two passes, but one was for a 53 yard touchdown and enough for owners to see he just might need to be in your lineup.
Keep checking back for more football....
By David G. Ortega
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (QWIK FIXX)
September 25th, 2009 3:37pm PST


Target Practice: Week Three in the NFL
The weekly trick in fantasy football is having knowledge, but more importantly information. Everyone knows you have to start your studs every Sunday. The difference between winning and losing from week to week, is knowing where to find those hidden gems. If you are looking for much needed help heading into week 3, you’ve targeted the right place and we’ve got your fix..
Who’s worried….
It took just the second week of action for players like Marques Colston and Terrell Owens to get untracked. Both wideouts have yet to be heavily targeted this season, but they still produce when they touch the ball. Owens registered a nice 43-yard catch and run for a score, while Colston posted two trips to the endzone.
Looking at others like Steve Smith of Carolina (30 touches this season leads NFL WRs) and Andre Johnson, after their slow starts each also broke out in week two with a big games. Smith tallied eight catches for 131-yards, while Andre hauled in 10 passes for 149-yards and two scores. Being patient with these studs paid handsomely for fantasy owners in week two.
Another stud that got back on track in week two and undoubtedly served all of his fantasy owners well was Dolphin’s running back Ronnie Brown. After totaling just 53-yards in week one, Brown broke loose for 136-yards on the ground and two touchdowns leading the ‘wildcat’ attack.
Another fantasy thorough bred that is drawing a lot of attention from the fantasy community is Bill’s running back Fred Jackson. While many folks were thinking this kid could be put back on the shelf once Marshawn Lynch returns to the line-up from suspension, that’s not looking like the case these days.
In the first two weeks of the season, Jackson leads (tied with Cedric Benson) all running backs with 54 touches this season and has been highly productive. With 220-yards rushing, 11 receptions, and one receiving touchdown it would be hard to imagine Jackson losing the starting job even when Lynch is back.
Keep your Eye on these gems…
While running backs Matt Forte (43 touches) and Darren McFadden (33 touches) continue to labor in first gear, the high number of chances is a great indicator it’s just a matter of time sooner or later. With Seahawks (allowed 256-rushing yards in week 2) on the slate for the Bear’s running back sooner could come this weekend.
The Raiders running back could have a little more trouble this Sunday with the improved Bronco’s defense (allowing opponents 2.9-yards per carry) up next, but in week 4 he’ll see the Texans (allowing 215-yards/game).
If both receivers Steve “no the other one” Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. have yet to make it on your fantasy radar this season, put them on it now. After two weeks both receivers have emerged as more than relevant options and rank among the top 10 passing targets this season with 23 each. At that many chances, expect to hear their names called often each week.
Very quietly in a crowded Denver backfield it looks like the rookie (Knowshon Moreno) is slowly gaining some momentum as the team’s featured runner. After two games Moreno leads the team’s backfield with 27 touches, but more importantly he picked up 19 of those last week in what was his most productive day as a Bronco. Fantasy owners can and should expect to see more of the same in coming weeks, with his production only getting better from week to week.
Here is the breakdown for fantasy receivers (targets) and fantasy running backs (touches) this season;
Through two weeks:
Top-20 Receiver (Targets)
Player/Team……………………..No of Targets
Steve Smith, CAR…………………30
Santonio Holmes, PIT…………..25
Andre Johnson, HOU……………24
Randy Moss, NEP…………………24
Steven Smith, NYG……………….23
Ted Ginn Jr., MIA………………..23
Calvin Johnson, DET……………22
DeSean Jackson, PHI……………21
Nate Burleson, SEA………………21
Roddy White, ATL………………..20
Reggie Wayne, IND………………20
Laurent Robinson, STL…………19
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA….19
Donald Driver, GBP………………18
Earl Bennett, CHI…………………17
Mario Manningham, NYG……..17
Isaac Bruce, SFO…………………..17
Hines Ward, PIT…………………..17
Julian Edelman, NEP……………16
Wes Welker, NEP…………………16
Larry Fitzgerald, ARI……………16
Torry Holt, WR JAC…………...16
Antwaan Randle El, WAS………16
Chad Ochocinco, CIN……………16
Muhsin Muhammad, CAR…….16
Louis Murphy, OAK……………..16
Top-20 Tight Ends (Targets)
Player/Team……………………..No of Targets
Kellen Winslow, TBB…………20
Brent Celek, PHI……………….18
Chris Cooley, WAS…………….17
Tony Gonzalez, ATL…………..17
John Carlson, SEA…………….16
Owen Daniels, HOU…………..16
Antonio Gates, SDC……………16
Jerramy Stevens, TBB………..14
Dallas Clark, IND………………14
Jason Witten, DAL…………….14
Vernon Davis, SFO…………….13
Todd Heap, BAL………………..13
Dustin Keller, NYJ……………..12
Greg Olsen, CHI…………………12
Robert Royal, CLE………………12
Heath Miller, PIT……………….12
Randy McMichael, STL……….12
Derek Schouman, BUF………..11
Marcedes Lewis, JAC…………..11
Benjamin Watson, NEP……….11
Jeremy Shockey,NOS…………..11
Top-20 Running Backs (Touches)
Player/Team……………..No of Plays (includes intended receiver)
Fred Jackson, BUF…………….58
Cedric Benson, CIN……………54
Michael Turner, ATL………….52
Kevin Smith, DET………………51
Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC…..50
Frank Gore, SFO………………..48
Mike Bell, NOS…………………..46
Matt Forte, CHI………………….45
Adrian Peterson, MIN…………45
Chris Johnson, TEN……………44
DeAngelo Williams, CAR……..41
Steven Jackson, STL……………41
Tim Hightower, ARI……………40
Larry Johnson, KCC…………….40
Clinton Portis, WAS…………….40
Darren McFadden, OAK………39
Ronnie Brown, MIA…………….39
Leon Washington, NYJ………..38
Steve Slaton, HOU……………….37
Ray Rice, BAL……………………..37
Check back every Monday for more “Fantasy Fixx”




















