FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 1st, 2017

Sunday Early Morning Edition

Who are you Starting & Sitting (Week 4)

Start or Sit

(Sunday’s Games)

Marcus Mariota (start) The Titans are on the road this week, but that shouldn't slow quarterback Marcus Mariota. Currently the No.10 fantasy QB Mariota will look to increase his numbers today against a Texans defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks; start him.

Marquise Lee (start) How often will you hear anyone say to start a Jaguars receiver. With Allen Robinson done for the season, Lee who emerged in the second half of last season has started to become more active with 19 targets over his last two games. If he stays involved today, look for him to find the end zone for the first time this season.

Kelvin Benjamin (start) The Panthers wide out was removed from the injury report, so he should be good to go and I like him today against the Patriots. The Pats have allowed the 5th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers; start Benjamin.

Adam Thielen (start) The Vikings passing game has received a new injection with the surprise play of quarterback Case Keenum. Through the two weeks Keenum has started, Thielen has been effective; 10 receptions for 142 yards over the past 2 weeks. I expect another productive day from Thielen, start him.

Austin Hopper (sit) The Falcons tight end has not been a big part of the offense this early part of the season with just 6 targets through 3 games. Don’t expect Hooper to get kickstarted today against a Bills defense that has been stingy against opposing tight ends.

Joe Flacco (sit) After last weeks dismal performance, I don’t expect there are too many rolling with Flacco today. He should have been on your bench last week and that’s where he should stay today. The Steelers defense limits opposing quarterbacks to the 3rd fewest fantasy points, sit no go Joe.

Isaiah Crowell (sit) Crowell has quietly become a forgotten man in fantasy through the first three weeks. Crowell was expected to be a top 20 fantasy runner, currently No.40 in PPR, today’s matchup against the Bengals is not likely to help his cause. Sit the Crow.

Sammy Watkins (start) This is a gut call, but I also like the matchup. Watkins will be available week 4 and the big play receiver should have success working against a Cowboys secondary that has allowed the 5th most receptions and 4 touchdowns to opposing receivers. Start Sammy.

Travis Benjamin (start) A Philip Rivers favorite in the passing game it seems, Benjamin was pretty good a week ago with 5 receptions for 105 yards receiving. The two should have no problem keeping this combo rolling against an Eagles defense that has allowed the most receptions to opposing receivers. Start him.

Paul Perkins (sit) The Giants run game has been non-existent and even more so running back Paul Perkins has done nothing through three games. He may eventually get things turned around, but too risky to chance today. Sit Perkins.

Chris Johnson (start) CJ2K looked a little rusty last week, so with another week of practicing perhaps he can get his wheels spinning into a higher gear. He’s got the matchup to make some noise today against the Niner’s 22nd ranked run defense.

Jamaal Charles (start) This is not too bold, but it’s risky, start Jam today against the Raiders. Last week Charles played out as a nice flex option with 56 yards and a score. He’ll get a few more carries today and I like his chances to break one against the league’s 19th ranked run defense (Raiders).

Paul Richardson (start) The Seahawks receiver has had a nose for the end zone in the early going this season with two scores. The Colts allow the 9th most fantasy points to opposing WRs, I like Richardson here to be more involved, especially with Baldwin less than 100 percent. Start Richardson.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 26th 2017

Tuesday Night Edition

Weekly Waiver Wire

(Week 4)

Well the good thing for fantasy owners, through the first three weeks of action the free agent pool has yet to dry up, but this week there may be a couple of names that have already surfaced.

QB-Case Keenum (QB2/ QB streamer) Keenum is not a name you’ll hear very often around the watercooler when it comes to the Waiver wire. But after two weeks of play and a strong week 3 performance, he has garnered some consideration, especially since he’ll remain at the reins heading into week 4 and he’s got great weapons around him.

RB-Chris Thompson (streaming RB2/weekly flex) if he’s still available snatch him now. The Redskins scat back is clearly the team’s best out of the backfield and although he’s not going to be a featured ball carrier in the offense, he’s going to see enough snaps and touches to produce consistently (especially in PPR formats).

RB-Jamaal Charles (flex option) we saw on Sunday when given opportunity Charles can still make things happen. He was limited to just 9 carries, but was clearly the better Broncos back with 56 yards rushing and a score. Look for his touches to continue to increase and with it his value grow.

RB-Chris Carson (low flex / rostered) on Sunday Carson was clearly the featured runner in the Seahawks backfield. Now Sunday wasn’t a typical run game plan as the Seahawks threw the ball 49 times, but Carson drew the start. His play was underwhelming, but he looks to be the preferred option at this time, so better days may lie ahead. He may be worth snagging and stashing for now if you have the roster spot available.

Andre Ellington (flex option) the cards receiving back got a lot of run Monday night against the Cowboys, totaling 81 yards on 10 touches. Starting running back Chris Johnson showed a lot of rust Monday. A slow going for CJ2K could pave the way for more work in the near future for Ellington. Right now he may be the Cardinal runner to own.

WR-Geronimo Allison (current low-flex option) now Allison is one to watch. I think his 8 targets on Sunday are telling. Rodgers went to him enough to make me believe there is trust. With Cobb ailing and Bennett nothing more than a short option safety blanket, Allison could work his way into the James Jones role; the fourth receiver on a team where the quarterback has the ability to feature anyone. His value may be limited for now, but let’s see how he does in the coming weeks.

WR-Travis Benjamin (Borderline WR3/WR4/flex) The Chargers deep threat receiver is tough to trust averaging just 5 targets per contest, but he’s got real big play potential averaging better than 20 yards per reception in week 3. He’s a risky play, but I like him as a flex in PPR or standard leagues.

TE-Ryan Griffin (TE2) The Texans have gone through more tight ends in the first two weeks, than most teams go through in a full season. Well last week they may have found one that sticks, Ryan Griffin. With a rookie quarterback, the tight end position is going to be important and quite possibly heavily utilized. Griffin was only targeted 6 times on Sunday, but he grabbed five balls for 61 yards and a score. As his chemistry with his quarterback improves, so might the numbers.

Keep on your radar

QB-Brian Hoyer & QB-Jared Goff; now I’m not going to rattle any cages or bang any drums here, but I will just say both of these quarterbacks should be followed. I believe at some point this season, both could be worthy of roster spots if they aren’t already.

WR-Robert Woods; I wouldn’t call the Rams offense explosive, but it is loaded with talent and skill. And head coach Sean McVay may just be the guy to get the most out of it. Woods has been relatively quietly through 3 weeks, but he did make a little noise on Thursday night. He’s not ready for primetime, but he’s one to watch in the coming weeks.

WR-Taylor Gabriel; It’s definitely too early to jump on his band wagon, but I think Gabriel should be on your radar as a potential streaming flier. His workload is not consistent (4-3-6 his targets pattern this season), but he’s got boom or bust potential; watch the passing volume and play the matchups.

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

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 8th 2017

Friday Night Edition

That’s My Take 2017

Fantasy Player Notes

Drafting gets you nowhere unless you know who to take and when. I’ve completed a large number of drafts and like when I started, there is just so much to remember. Good thing for you I like to share a lot of useless knowledge that will only confuse and bewilder you, but hey at the very least it may give you some idea what you might expect from some of these players I am about to mention. To continue with my current theme, here are the fantasy wide receivers.

Fantasy Wide Receivers

AJ Green

In Cincinnati there is wide receiver AJ Green and in the Bengals passing there is only AJ Green. Yes, there are a couple of “other guys”, but Green is the only one I am targeting and he’s someone worth taking as early as the number 7 or 8 pick in fantasy drafts. Green only played in 10 games last season, but when he exited he as the No.4 fantasy wide receiver in 2016 with 66 receptions, 964 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns; he was on his way to a monster season. He’s back, he’s healthy, and still quarterback Andy Dalton’s clear cut number one primary. Expect Green to wash, rinse, and repeat in 2017.

Brandin Cooks

No, Cooks is not the next Randy Moss in New England, but he is the first Brandin Cooks and with him he brings a lot of dynamic explosiveness and excitement to the Patriots passing game (especially with Tom Brady under center). Last season Cooks was a fantasy stud in New Orleans finishing as the No.10 fantasy receiver in PPR (according to Fantasy Data) with 78 receptions, 1,173 yards receiving, and 8 touchdowns. Brady is an accurate deep ball thrower and Cooks seems to be a specialist in this field; I like him early and often in fantasy drafts. He’s in the same tier as AJ Green, Mike Evans, and Jordy Nelson.

Michael Thomas

The Saints 2nd year receiver Michael Thomas is someone whose basket I will be putting a lot of my eggs in. As a rookie he finished in the Top-10 for fantasy receivers in Standard and PPR leagues; he’s a lot of catches guy and a Touchdown-guy with 9 scores last season. With the departure of Cooks, there should be a few more opportunities to score. Thomas’ stock is on the rise and he’s another early receiver that’s going to have a big season. By the year end he could belong in the second tier conversation.

Alshon Jeffery

The big question for new Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is can he stay healthy. A fair question yes, and if he can he’s a huge target and can easily be a Top-10 fantasy receiver. I really like Jeffery as a mid WR2 this season with some upside to go, he’s a solid 2nd receiver pick for your fantasy team. I like his quarterback, Carson Wentz (he’s up and coming). Paired with the capable receiving tight end Zach Ertz, Jeffery has a real legit shot to return to top-flite.

Demaryius Thomas

The Broncos wide receiver has been as steady as they come as far as fantasy receivers go; five straight seasons with 90 catches and 1,000 yards. It’s safe to say Thomas is about as safe a fantasy receiver pick as you can find. He’ll have his same quarterback (whom fantasy owner's hope will improve this season), so it’s reasonable to think he can match last season’s totals. Thomas is projected around the No.16 fantasy receiver this season and a favorite of mine as a mid-to-low WR2.

Travis Benjamin

Let me get this out of the way first, I love Keenan Allen and believe he’s back and in line for a big season, but another Charger receiver I am enamored with is Travis Benjamin. Benjamin has got electric speed and with quarterback Philip Rivers already displaying their big play potential in the preseason (the two connected on a 74-yarder in week 3). Benjamin started 8 games for the Chargers last season finishing with a line of 47-677-4. He’s a late round flier with potential upside that I am big on. He’s going to be available on week 1 waiver wires and fantasy owners should keep their eyes on him.

That’s My Take. ~David Ortega

Next up Fantasy tight ends

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 1st, 2017

Friday Night Edition

Fantasy Draft Watch

Undervalued Players

Looking at the current ADPs and rankings, it may seem easy to see players fantasy value, but then again maybe not. I am no professor and don’t have any scientific degrees hanging on the wall, but I am believer in numbers never lie (maybe stretch the truth now and then).

So let’s start with the Patriots running back James White. If you ask me head coach Bill Belichick has put the writing on the wall with the statement running back Mike Gillislee “has a ways to go.” I don’t believe this is any indictment necessarily, but it supports my belief that White is still the primary back in New England. In the off season White signed a three-year extension after finishing the 2016 season third in both targets (86) and receptions (60). White is going to have a big role in the Patriots short passing game while mixing in a few carries; he’s going to be fantasy relevant once again after finishing as the No. 26 fantasy running back in 2016 (in PPR formats). Currently White is being drafted at the tail end of the 9th round as the 43rd running back off the board (according to FFC).

The quarterback position is looking very deep this season, once you get past the elite (Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees) and the Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is one of the undervalued. Last season was a down year for Palmer, he had an injured John Brown for most of the season and an inconsistent Michael Floyd that the team eventually released following an arrest incident. But it was only a season removed from when Palmer finished as the league’s No. 5 fantasy quarterback when he passed for 4,671 yards passing and 35 touchdowns (in 2015). This season the crew passing game looks ready to fly and I can see Palmer easily finishing near the top 10, maybe 11 or 12. Currently Palmer is being drafted as the No. 19 fantasy quarterback, around the 13th round. You can get Palmer much earlier in drafts and according to this fantasy footballer I believe in the value.

A pair of wide receivers that I find interesting and undervalued include; the Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin. Currently Williams is going off the board as the No. 40 fantasy receiver with an ADP of 8.10 (according to FFC), while Benjamin is going outside the top 60 (likely undrafted). Both receivers are poised to enter the season as part of a top tier offense with quarterback Philip Rivers and running game led by Melvin Gordon. From weeks 5 to 13 last year Williams was the No. 14 fantasy receiver in PPR finishing the season at No. 18; so he certainly has WR2 upside. Benjamin has looked strong this preseason and last year he was strong out of the gate, ranking as the 24th fantasy receiver through the first 8 weeks. Like Williams, in this offense with Rivers at the helm Benjamin has some upside that fantasy owners should look at in the later rounds of their draft. Williams can certainly make an argument to be taken much earlier and closer to the top 30 (have to remember wide receiver Keenan Allen is back) and Benjamin should be considered as a streaming option for bye weeks and a flex option (play the matchups).

These are just some of the undervalued players I am seeing in current drafts.

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 23rd, 2016
Sunday Morning edition

Sunday Morning Gametime: Week 7

"Who's In, Who's Out?"

The Raiders who face the Jaguars today, will be without Latavius Murray, so it looks like it will be a committe effort with the rookie backfield (Jalen Richard & Deandre Washington). The Jags up front are solid against the run allowing the 11th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs; so both are out for me today.

The Bills are saying there is a chance running back LeSean McCoy plays, even in a limited capacity it's tough to sit Shady. It's a risky move, but if Shady plays, he's in today against the Dolphins who are surrendering over 4.3 yards per carry this season.

The Chargers will have wide receiver Travis Benjamin today in a matchup that could very well end up a shootout. The Falcons are putting up ridiculous numbers in the passing game this season, which could force the Bolts to play a lot of catch up on Sunday. If Benjamin is playing, he's in.

The Dolphins will have a healthier Arian Foster in the backfield today, but with a tough matchup against the Bills and following running backs Jay Ajayi breakout performance in week 6, Foster's production will likely be limited. Until we see more from Foster going forward, he's out.

Quarterback Geno Smith will be making the start for the Jets today, and facing a Ravens defense that has been stingy against the run he will be tested in the air. With Geno in today (and not a likely fantasy start in any formats), we will most likely see him putting the ball up quite a bit today. Even with the change at quarterback, wide receiver Brandon Marshall (27 receptions, 433 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns this season) is in for me.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega