FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEEKLY WAIVER WIRE

November 21st, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Week 12 Top Targets

Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks) With Kenneth Walker going down in Week 11, Charbonnet becomes the top pick up for Week 12. The Seahawks rookie runner is only owned in 32.6% of ESPN leagues. He’ll be nothing more than a low-value flex for Week 12, with a tough Thursday night matchup against the Niners.

Odell Beckham Jr (Ravens) OBJ is only owned in 43.8% of ESPN leagues and with what he has been flashing (116 yards receiving in Week 11) and paired with Lamar Jackson, his ceiling continues to rise. He should be another top waiver add this week.

Noah Brown (Texans) The Texans wideout remains available in more than half of all fantasy leagues (owned in 40.3% of ESPN leagues). Before his injury that kept him sidelined in Week 11, he posted back-to-back 150+ yards receiving games. He should be added.

More notables players to add in Week 12.

Tyson Chandler (Vikings) 49.6% owned. He has back-to-back weeks with 10+ carries totaling 118 yards rushing. He’s worth a flier as a potential flex option.

Josh Downs (Colts) 44.3% owned. Still out there in many leagues, Down’s volume has been down, but his ceiling still offers some flex appeal.

Romeo Doubs (Packers) 39.1% owned. Doubs has scored 10 or more fantasy points (ppr) in 4 of his last 5 games, including his 5 catch, 53-yard, and a score game on Sunday.

Tutu Atwell (Rams) 25.2% owned. With wide receiver Cooper Kupp hurt, Atwell could see an increase in volume. Atwell played the same number of snaps and Puka Nacua on Sunday.

Samaje Perine (Broncos) 25.1% owned. With 10 grabs in his last two games, he’s a low end flex option through the remaining Byes. 

Demario Douglas (Patriots) 24.5% owned. Highly available, Douglas is coming out of the Bye week with back-to-back games with 10 or more fantasy points (ppr). He’s nothing more than a low flex.

Jayden Reed (Packers) 18.7% owned. Reed is starting to see some steady volume (11 targets in his last two games) and with the short week and a full slate, he’s a risky flex option.

Khalil Shakir (Bills) 5.4% owned. In four of his last five games, Shakir has seen at least four targets and scored at least 15 fantasy points (ppr) twice. He’s part of a high scoring offense so he’s a high risk with great reward fringe flex in deeper leagues.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega 

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

October 10th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Late-Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

With Week 5 long gone and in the mirror, it’s time to look ahead to week 6. With injuries always playing its’ part in the game, the Waiver wire never runs dry with new names, faces, and options to fill the void caused by the Bye weeks and injuries. 

My first Waiver wire notes are the pickups of the week (for week 6). The Steelers running back Najee Harris continues to lose volume to teammate Jaylen Warren. In week 5 Harris narrowly out snapped Warren 37 to 32 and the touches were 15 (Harris) to 12 (Warren). Warren has proven to be the more effective running back, particularly in the passing game. If he’s available, he needs to be owned.

In Kansas City where there is no clear-cut number two receiving option behind tight end Travis Kelce, I believe the rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice could emerge. Rice has averaged nearly 6 targets per game over his last three games and has 12 receptions for 124 yards and score. He has nearly doubled in fantasy points the next Chiefs receiver closest to him. The Chiefs offense has yet to hit its stride this season and in what could be a high volume, high octane offense, the second round draft pick (Rice) is one of the pieces that should be owned.

Here’s the list of other notable claims that should be made this week.

RB-Kendre Miller (Saints) - Alvin Kamara is the clear starter, but Miller would be the cuff to own and worth the stash.

RB-Jordan Mason (49ers) - Just like Kamara, Christian McCaffrey seldom comes off the field. But Mason is the cuff and he should be owned and stashed.

RB-Emari Demercado (Cardinals) - With Conner going on IR, Demercado, the fantasy RB18 in week 5, looks to be the next man up.

RB-Tyjae Spears (Titans) - Recorded 11 touches for 69 yards of offense in week 5.

WR-Josh Downs (Colts) - 21 targets in last three games, led team in receptions and yards in week 5.

WR-Jonathan Mingo (Panthers) - He was second on the team in week 5 with 7 targets. He has been targeted at least 5 times in every game played this season.

WR-Trenton Irwin (Bengals) - Targeted 10 times in week 5 to Tyler Boyd’s 7.

TE-Dalton Schultz (Texans) - He may have fallen off for a bit, but looks to be back on the radar (10 targets in week 5).

TE-Jonnu Smith (Falcons) - Despite the strong performance from teammate Kyle Pitts, Smith was still heavily involved. He out-snapped Pitts and was targeted 7 times in week 5.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

October 3rd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Late-Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

The fantasy football season is a long and arduous trek with plenty of peaks and valleys throughout. The best owners can hope for is that the valley doesn’t run too deep and that they peak at the right time.

One of the best methods for team improvement is the weekly ritual of working the Waiver Wire. Every week fantasy owners are looking for way to improve their team and looking for that diamond in the rough to turn their season around.

Here are this week’s diamonds.

Week 5 Waiver Wire Options

QB, CJ Stroud (Texans) - It may seem a bit premature to go all-in on Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, but he is putting up one heckuva argument to do so. For the season Stroud has been the fantasy QB11 and over the past three weeks he has more passing yards (970) than any other quarterback with six touchdowns and no picks. It may be risky to insert him as your every week starter, but few quarterbacks are playing as well as Stroud; he needs to be owned.

QB, Joshua Dobbs (Cardinals) - Over the past two weeks, Dobbs has been an effective starter posting solid fantasy numbers; 454 yards passing and three touchdowns. He’s been the fantasy QB10 his last two starts and can be considered a possible streaming option during the bye weeks that start in week 5.

RB, Jaleel McLaughlin (Broncos) - The Broncos starter Javonte Williams exited the team’s week 4 game, but is not expected to miss much, if any time. That being the cash, his departure opened the door for rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin. He showed plenty of flash in the ground and air attack, totaling over 100 yards. It’s hard to determine what his usage will be going forward, but he’s definitely stash/(cuff) worthy and flex consideration.

RB, Jaylen Warren (Steelers) - The Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been steady playing behind starter Najee Harris, but over the past three weeks he has been the more productive back. Warren has 78 yards rushing to Harris’ 179, but he also has 13 receptions for 115 yards receiving (to Najee’s 2 for 32). In a ppr format, Warren is a borderline RB2/RB3, so he’s definitely in the flex conversation

WR, Tyler Boyd (Bengals) - With starter Tee Higgens expected to miss time, Boyd steps up into a starting role and needs to be picked up. Over the past three weeks he has averaged 8 targets per game, with Higgins out his workload will increase.

WR, Michael Wilson (Cardinals) - Over the past two weeks the Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson has been targeted 10 times and caught 9 passes for 162 yards receiving with two touchdowns. He has been the fantasy WR13. He’s a worthy add this week with flex appeal.

Watchlist

These are some names fantasy owners should have on their watchlist for possible pickups in the near future, Chubba Hubbard (Panthers), Melvin Gordon III (Ravens), Allen Lazard (Jets), Darnell Mooney (Bears), and Curtis Samuel (Commanders). Keep an eye on their production and usage in the coming week or two.

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: 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: THE WAIVER WIRE

September 12th, 2023

David's Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

After one week of action, it’s time to make some changes and fix those rosters. If week one injuries impacted your championship run or have put you in an 0-1 hole, it might be time to hit the Waiver wire.

Week 2 Waiver wire options;

RB-Kenneth Gainwell (Eagles) - With Miles Sanders gone, it wasn’t D’Andre Swift, Rashad Penny (healthy scratch), or Boston Scott. It was Gainwell who dominated the action in the Eagles backfield. Gainwell earned a 62.1% snap count share and logged 18 touches to Swifts’ and Scotts’ 2 apiece. Gainwell appears to own the job at the moment and needs to be owned in all leagues.

WR-Darnell Mooney (Bears) - Despite the heavy competition at the position, Mooney was still heavily involved (83.8% snap count share). But clearly Mooney was the favorite on Sunday garnering 7 targets to DJ Moores’ (2) and Claypools’ 2. He needs to be owned.

TE-Hunter Henry (Patriots) - The Patriots tight end was on the field for 63 snaps (78.8% share) and very involved in the team's passing game. Henry was 4th on the team with 6 targets, turning in a stat line of 5 (rec)/56 (yds)/1 (Td). He finished as the No.1 fantasy tight end on Sunday. He should be a waiver wire target for week 2.

WR-Puka Nacua (Rams) - The Rams Rookie 5th round draft pick was huge on Sunday and played a big role in the passing attack. Nacua garnered a 77.8% snap count share and was targeted a team high 15 times leading to 10 receptions for 119 yards receiving to lead the Rams. A virtual unknown that will be a hot pickup off the waiver wire this week.

RB-Kyren Williams (Rams) - While Cam Akers (29 yards rushing) received more carries on Sunday, Williams (52 yards rushing) was the more effective runner of the two. The more glaring stat was the snap counts of both, Williams out paced Akers, 53-28. He’s definitely worth a grab and stash if you have the room on your bench.

A few more notables to consider, (WR) Tutu Atwell (RB) Joshua Kelley, (TE) Hayden Hurst, (RB) Justice Hill and (RB) Gus Edwards could be in the cards.

Check your leagues for availability and good luck in week 2.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 11th 2017

Wednesday Night Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

(Week 6)

Five weeks into the NFL season and fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief, there's still plenty of talent available on the Waiver Wire. At the quarterback position owners of Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott looking for a streaming option may find their needs filled with Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The 2nd year back up finished as the No.10 fantasy quarterback last week (314 passing yards, rushing touchdown) and after starting 4 games Brissett is currently the No.19 fantasy QB. This week Brissett is on the road facing a Titans defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. With the return of Andrew Luck looming, Brissett won't be anyone's fantasy savior, but he is a nice fill-in for week 6.

The Packers appear to have found themselves a gem in running back Aaron Jones, and most fantasy owners will find him available on the Waiver Wire this week. Jones impressed last week rushing for 125 yards and a score, following a week 4 appearance when he gained 49 yards on 13 carries. He's got a tough matchup with the Vikings this Sunday, but with Ty Montgomery (ribs) still iffy this week Jones has done enough to earn a role in the offense beyond week 6. He's a tough play for Week 6, but he's worth the grab now.

With injuries shaking up the backfield and changes to the rotation, the Ravens may have just land on Javorius "Buck" Allen. Primarily used as the pass-catching back in the offense, Allen (20 receptions this season) saw 21 carries on Sunday; this was the 2nd time this season he's reached that number. Through 5 weeks Allen has moved up to the 15th fantasy RB spot, he's definitely a waiver target this week in PPR formats.

Last Sunday Niner's wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had a breakout game catching 5 of 11 targets for 116 yards, good enough for the 14th fantasy WR in PPR for the week. Goodwin is the team's deep threat; but his 11 targets this past week make him an interesting boom or bust option. In deeper leagues, Goodwin may be worth the risky add. Goodwin has had a slow start this season (prior to Sunday) like his quarterback (Brian Hoyer). The two showed some nice chemistry in the preseason and this past week may just be a hint of what is to come.

With the change at quarterback in Chicago, going with the rookie Mitchell Trubisky, tight end Zach Miller immediately looks like nice add this week. On Monday night Miller totaled 39 yards receiving, 3 catches on 7 targets and a score (13th ranked fantasy TE in PPR for the week). With a rookie quarterback, the 7 targets are a good indicator of what to expect. Miller looks to be a borderline TE1/TE2 this week facing a Ravens defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 12th 2017

Tuesday Late Night Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

It may be too soon to panic for some, for others it’s time to make moves. If you are making a move, these are the players to consider picking up for Week 2;

Tarik Cohen (PPR value) The Bears rookie running back only saw five touches in the backfield, but his 12 targets may be something for owners to follow. The volume may be an indication of his usage going forward.

Shane Vereen (PPR value) The Giants running back saw the bulk of his work come very late in the game as he turned 10 targets into 9 receptions. The Giants running game struggled which could be a recurring theme this season, indicating Vereen could see more work.

Javorius Allen (PPR value) The Ravens lose Danny Woodhead for 2 months and fantasy owners find Buck Allen. Allen is a capable pass catcher and will likely fill the role Woodhead was playing.

Nelson Agholor (PPR value) The Eagles wide receiver saw 8 targets in week and finished with a line of 6/86/1. Likely undrafted if available, Agholor should continue to be involved in the passing game and be a safe play for owners.

JJ Nelson (PPR value) The Cardinals receiver was productive in week 1 finishing with 5 catches for 43 yards receiving and a score on 6 targets. With Davin Johnson sidelined for 2-3 months, the offense may now have to go through quarterback Carson Palmer. Nelson could see even more work going forward.

Cooper Kupp (PPR value) The Rams rookie looked sure handed and reliable on Sunday turning in a line of 4/76/1 on 6 targets. He’s going to be a popular pick up and worthy addition.

Travis Benjamin (standard value) The Chargers deep threat is going to more of a boom or bust play, but has fantasy relevance. He was able to shake loose against a sound Denver secondary, he’s surely to find more success going forward and could be worth a roster spot.

Keep your eyes on.

Jermaine Kearse (PPR value) It may be an early move here, but a new addition to the Jets passing game turned in 7 receptions for 59 yards. Kearse saw 9 targets indicating he could become a mainstay, but owners will have to play this as a wait and see.

Terrance Williams (PPR value) The Cowboys other receiver was busy Sunday night hauling in 6 passes for 68 yards on 7 targets. These are not numbers that jump off the board, but there’s enough there for owners to take notice. He’s a wait and see proposition as well.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega