FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FRIDAY NIGHT (FF) WATERCOOLER

November 3rd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Friday Late-Evening Edition

The Wednesday Friday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

Looking ahead to the weekend for the insight and information to help you set your fantasy football lineups. This is a list of the top targeted receivers out wide, from the backfield, and at tight end for Week 8.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 8

Top 10 WR

1. CeeDee Lamb - 14

2. Diontae Johnson - 14

3. DK Metcalf - 14

4. Tyreek Hill - 13

5. Garrett Wilson - 13

6. Michael Pittman Jr - 13

7. Jaylen Waddle - 12

8. Ja’Marr Chase - 12

9. Gabe Davis - 12

10. Terry McLaurin – 12

11. Stefon Diggs - 12

The Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (fantasy WR22) remains fantasy relevant averaging over 9 targets per game. A Week 9 matchup with the Chargers on Monday night looks like a promising outcome for Wilson and company. The Chargers secondary has allowed the third most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receiver this season.

Week 8

Top 10 TE

1. Trey McBride - 14

2. George Kittle - 11

3. Sam LaPorta - 10

4. Cole Kmet - 10

5. Evan Engram - 10

6. TJ Hockenson - 9

7. Travis Kelce - 9

8. David Njoku - 8

9. Logan Thomas - 8

10. Dalton Kincaid - 7

11. Tyler Higbee - 7

12. Dallas Goedert - 7

The Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (fantasy TE1) has looked unrecoverable and unstoppable all season and his target share shows, quarterback Patrick Mahomes agrees. Kelce is averaging over 9 targets per game and has a 79.4% success catch rate this season. With 54 receptions, 583 yards, and 4 touchdowns he’s locked in every week.

Week 8

Top 10 RB

1. Breece Hall - 9

2. Austin Ekeler - 8

3. Christian McCaffrey - 7

4. Rachaad White - 7

5. Travis Etienne Jr - 6

6. Jahmyr Gibbs - 5

7. Alvin Kamara - 5

8. Saquon Barkley - 5

9. Bijan Robinson - 5

10. 6 more players tied with - 5

The Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been fantasy gold in ppr formats since returning to action in Week 4. Kamara has been targeted 44 times (8.8 per game) this season, most of any running back in the NFL recording 39 receptions and 228 yards receiving. He’s locked into lineups every week and is a DFS favorite this week.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running backs success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 8

Top 10 RB

1. Saquon Barkley - 39

2. Jahmyr Gibbs - 31

3. Javonte Williams - 30

4. Travis Etienne Jr - 27

5. Derrick Henry - 26

6. Austin Ekeler - 22

7. Alvin Kamara - 21

8. Gus Edwards - 21

9. Emari Demercado - 20

10. Joe Mixon - 19

For consecutive weeks now, Saquon Barkley has led all backfields with the most touches for the week. Heading out west this week to face the Raiders, Barkley figures to be prominent once again. He may not reach the 30 carry plateau this Sunday, but he looks like a strong bet to reach 20+ touches.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES WEEK 7

October 24th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

NFL Sunday Week 7

Sunday’s Heroes

It was a big day of production on National Tight Ends Day for these fantasy studs. If you had any of these performers in your lineup this week, you likely secured a week 7 win. But it is fantasy football, so there are no guarantees.

Here were some of the Fantasy Football Heroes on Sunday;

Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs-QB) Magic was back on Sunday in Week 7 at Arrowhead. The Chiefs quarterback passed for over 400 yards (424), threw four touchdown passes, and added 29 yards rushing to finish the week as the third highest in fantasy scoring. Mahomes has reclaimed the Top-Fantasy QB title over the past three weeks.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions-RB) The Lions rookie runner had his best game on Sunday Week 7, compiling 126 total yards of offense. We knew Gibbs would see more work in the run game (11 carries on Sunday for 68 yards), but his contributions in the passing game powered his fantasy RB3 finish for Week 7. Gibbs full stat line for Sunday, 11 carries, 68 yards rushing, 1 rushing score, 9 receptions (10 targets), and 58 yards receiving. Expect to see continued increased usage with Montgomery still on the mend.

AJ Brown (Eagles-WR) The Eagles wide receiver has clearly separated himself as the team’s top and primary receiving option this season. On Sunday he was once again dominant in the Eagles air attack. Brown was targeted 15 times, registering 10 receptions for 137 yards receiving and one score. Brown has recorded 5 straight games with at least 127 yards receiving and 6 receptions, and is the fantasy WR1 just ahead of Tyreek Hill and Adam Thielen.

Travis Kelce (Chiefs-TE) The Chiefs tight end celebrated National Tight Ends Day with a memorable performance finishing the week as the Number One fantasy scorer. Kelce was targeted heavily on the day, 13 times for the afternoon, registering 12 receptions for 179 yards receiving and his 4th touchdown for the season. Kelce has once again separated himself from the pack and is the far and away number one tight end this season, by more than 5 fantasy points per game (ppr).

Myles Garrett (Browns-DL) The IDP player of the week Myles Garrett was a beast on Sunday, wrecking havoc and causing chaos all afternoon. Garrett recorded 7 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 pass defense, 2 forced fumbles, and he blocked a field goal. He was “The Destroyer.”

Michael Hoecht (Rams-LB) The Rams linebacker was a solid IDP play for week 7. Hoecht recorded 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, and one forced fumble. A big day for the Rams 3rd year linebacker, his best of the season.

Kenny Moore II (Colts-DB) The Colts 7th year defensive back has been a solid IDP play over the past several weeks and on Sunday was more of the same. Moore recorded 7 solo tackles, 3 assists, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and added  two QB hits for the afternoon. He’s locked in as an IDP starter.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

October 18th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

The formula for success never changes. Fantasy gold for managers starts with chances and opportunities and in week six there were plenty players who found opportunity and cashed in. Players like the Bills receiver Stefon Diggs (66 targets this season) continued his high rate of usage, while in Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce (46 targets this season) proves even in his 11th season he’s still among the best at his position, and out of the backfield it’s the new kid on the block, Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson (32 targets this season) who is showing off his hands skills.

There are a lot of familiar faces on the lists this week and a couple of new ones. Take note because success starts here.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 6

Top 10 WR

1. Stefon Diggs - 16

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown - 15

3. Michael Pittman Jr - 14

4. Adam Thielen - 13

5. Ja'Marr Chase - 13

6. Drake London - 12

7. Garrett Wilson - 12

8. Keenan Allen - 11

9. Kendrick Bourne - 11

10. Terry McLaurin – 11

The Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is currently one of the highest targeted pass catchers in the league this season, especially over the last three weeks. Since Week 4, Chase is commanding a 36.9% target share and has turned his 41 targets into 28 receptions, 345 yards receiving, and three touchdowns. Currently on a bye this week, Chase will get a chance to continue his hot hand with the Bengals face the 49ers in Week 8.

Top 10 TE

1. Sam Laporta - 11

2. Travis Kelce - 9

3. TJ Hockenson - 8

4. Dallas Goedert - 8

5. Dalton Schultz - 7

6. Darren Waller - 7

7. Evan Engram - 7

8. Kyle Pitts - 6

9. Michael Mayer - 6

10. Mark Andrews - 6

Over the past three weeks only Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been targeted more than the Jaguars Evan Engram. The Jags pass receiving tight end has been targeted 23 times and recorded 18 receptions for 128 yards. While the production is a bit on the low side, his scoring has him as the fantasy TE9-tied over the past three weeks and still No.6 for the season. Even with a tough matchup this Thursday, Engram needs to be in lineups.

Top 10 RB

1. D'Andre Swift - 10

2. Alvin Kamara - 8

3. Bijan Robinson - 8

4. Zack Moss - 7

5. Tony Pollard - 7

6. Alexander Mattison - 7

7. Rhamondre Stevenson - 6

8. Isiah Pacheco - 6

9. Jonathan Taylor - 6

10. Austin Ekeler – 6

The Eagles running back D’Andre Swift has been a busy part of the passing game out of the backfield. Swift has been targeted (21 targets) the 3rd most of all running backs over the past three weeks collecting 18 passes for 101 receiving yards and a score. His pass receiving skills has him cracking the Top-15 (14th) fantasy scoring per game among running backs over the last three weeks. And while his rushing numbers have cooled, it’s his ppr scoring that has been carrying him recently. He’ll have a shot at improving both in a classic Sunday night showdown with the Dolphins this week.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running backs success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 6

Top 10 RB

1. Saquon Barkley - 28

2. Josh Jacobs - 27

3. Alvin Kamara - 26

4. Kenneth Walker - 22

5. Isiah Pacheco - 22

6. Alexander Mattison - 22

7. Travis Etienne Jr - 21

8. Tony Pollard - 21

9. Chuba Hubbard - 20

10. Raheem Mostert – 20

With 28 touches on Sunday night against the Bills, could Saquon Barkley be back? After missing several games due to an ankle injury, Barkley made his return. After a slow start in the first half, he looked pretty good on a couple of late runs. If the Giants can continue to feed him, he could be in for a big Sunday against the Commanders.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

October 12th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup: DFS Faves

We are now into the fall season, and this is the time of year for witches, ghosts, goblins, and all things scary. Well, if you are the Denver Broncos heading into tonight’s matchup with the Chiefs, you have plenty to be scared about.

Through the first five weeks of the season, it’s been a disaster out of the gate for head coach Sean Payton and company. The Broncos are reeling at 1-4 and their defense has looked worse than flat, they’ve been bottom of the barrel awful (ranked dead last this season). The Broncos defense has not only allowed the most total yards this season, but they have also allowed the most points. If there ever was a cure to get this ship turned around for Broncos, facing the Chiefs at Arrowhead is not it.

Patrick Mahomes just may be the Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th reference) the Broncos would love to avoid. The Chiefs offense has yet to really look like it’s normal dominant self, but a matchup with the league’s worst defense could quickly remedy this. If it’s sound like, avoid the Broncos tonight and roll out all of the Chiefs players, that may just be about the soundest advice anyone associated with fantasy football could offer.

The game still has to be played, so I’ll offer my thoughts on tonight’s best matchup and add this little nugget to the fray. It is true what they say about the NFL, Any Given Sunday. But tonight’s matchup in Arrowhead will be played on Thursday night.

Thursday's (DFS) Take Five;

1.  Isaiah Pacheco (RB) - The Chiefs running back should be poised for a big night against the league’s worst run defense. Since week 2 the Broncos run defense has been in the bottom for fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs in three of the four games. With the tight end Travis Kelce possibly slowed with a bum ankle, Pacheco coming on strong the last three weeks, the Chiefs will likely feature their running game early. I, as I am sure many do, like Pacheco a lot in this one. He runs violently and strong and will surely break several tackles, maybe even break loose for a long run or two. (DK-My Captain)

2.Patrick Mahomes (QB) - The Chiefs quarterback has typically had great success against the Broncos in the win-loss columns, even when his numbers have not been the best. This season Mahomes numbers seem a little down, but a matchup with the Broncos may be just what he needs to get his numbers back the normal Mahomes tier. Last season in week 17 Mahomes torched the Broncos for 328 yards passing and three touchdown passes. I would not be surprised to see similar numbers on Thursday night. 

3. Rashee Rice (WR) - The Chiefs rookie wide receiver has been the team’s most consistent over the past couple of weeks. With Kelce ailing, even if he goes, more opportunities for Rice could open up on Thursday night. He’ll offer some great value in DFS with some true potential for a big game.

4. Chiefs Defense (DST) - There is no question after what we’ve seen from the Chiefs and Broncos this season, it’s pretty easy to predict the likelihood of this contest. The Chiefs will score early, build a lead, then turn the hounds loose. I wouldn’t expect a dominant performance, the Broncos should be able to post a couple of scores, but trailing big, the O-line will surrender 3-4 sacks and the Chiefs defense will force a turnover or two.

5. Marvin Mims Jr (WR) - The Broncos rookie wide receiver can’t seem to break-through in the rotation averaging just 28% of the snaps this season. He’s not only behind the starters Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, but he’s well behind Brandon Johnson (49%) as well. The offense has had its ups and downs this season and now the team faces a monumental task when they face Mahomes and company. Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense desperately need a spark and Mims Jr could be the ignition needed. He’s had a couple of big plays this season and that’s something the Broncos will really need on Thursday night. He’ll offer great value and could be the catalyst for the Broncos to put points on the board.

The Broncos have activated tight end Greg Dulcich. If the Broncos are going to have any success tonight quarterback Russell Wilson will need to find his tight end. Dulcich could be a low value sleeper pick tonight in DFS.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

October 11th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

5 weeks in and with week 6 on the horizon, there’s still one formula to success in fantasy football. Your guy needs to get the ball. In fantasy football luck will always play its part, but success is all about chances and opportunities. You can’t win if you don’t have the ball and your dudes can’t score fantasy points if they don’t have a chance.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 5

Top 10 WR

1. Ja’Marr Chase (19)

2. Adam Thielen (13)

3. Cooper Kupp (12)

4. Stefon Diggs (11)

5. DeAndre Hopkins (11)

6. Puka Nacua (11)

7. Zay Flowers (11)

8. DJ Moore (10)

9. George Pickens (10)

10. Jakobi Myers (10)

It looks like the Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp didn’t skip a beat in his week 5 return. But more importantly for fantasy owners, it appears the other Rams receiver Puka Nacua was able to continue his high volume assault in the passing game. Through five games Nacua leads the NFL with 63 targets.

Top 10 TE

1. Travis Kelce (11)

2. Logan Thomas (11)

3. Kyle Pitts (11)

4. Darren Waller (11)

5.Dalton Schultz (10)

6. Mark Andrews (10)

7. Dallas Goedert (9)

8. Chigoziem Okonkwo (9)

9. TJ Hockenson (8)

10. Evan Engram (8)

And just like that the effect of Pop-icon, American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has not affected Travis Kelce’s game. Another strong performance from the Chief’s tight end in week 5, has him back on top of the fantasy tight end pedestal. Kelce ranks second among tight ends with 37 targets this season and over the past three weeks he ranks 1st with 23 receptions, 2nd with 196 yards receiving. His three receiving touchdowns is also tied for the league lead among tight ends.

Top 10 RB

1. David Montgomery (6)

2. D’Andre Swift (6)

3. Antonio Gibson (6)

4. Travis Etienne Jr (5)

5. Josh Jacobs (5)

6. Tyjae Spears (5)

7. Samaje Perine (5)

8. Tony Pollard (5)

9. Patrick Taylor (5)

10. Jaleel McLaughlin (4)

The Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is starting to look more and more like the league’s leading rusher from a year ago, but it is apparent he has elevated his pass receiving skills this season. It is evident with his 30 targets (most among running backs) and 23 receptions this season, he is also being featured more in the passing game. Last season Jacobs caught 53 balls and currently he is on a pass to exceed 75 catches.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running backs success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 5

Top 10 RB

1. Travis Etienne Jr (30)

2. Joe Mixon (29)

3. Derrick Henry (28)

4. Zack Moss (25)

5. Breece Hall (25)

6. Alvin Kamara (25)

7. Josh Jacobs (25)

8. D’Andre Swift (23)

9. David Montgomery (21)

10. Christian McCaffrey (21)

Over the past two weeks, since he returned to action following his three-game suspension, the Saints running back Alvin Kamara is averaging 24.5 touches per game (ranks 4th among running backs). As a result of this high-volume workload, Kamara has totaled 181 yards of offense, caught 16 passes, and scored one rushing touchdown, making him the fantasy RB8 in that span.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

October 4th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

It’s the same ol situation here. Luck has its role, skill plays its part, but every fantasy owner needs their players to perform to have success. And all successes start with each player having a chance. The more chances your players have, the greater opportunity for success.

Your players can’t perform if they don’t have the ball and they can’t score fantasy points if they don’t have a chance. Here’s this week's list of players with the most chances, targets, and touches.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 4

Top 10 WR

1. Garrett Wilson (14)

2. AJ Brown (13)

3. Romeo Doubs (13)

4. Davante Adams (13)

5. Christian Kirk (12)

6. Chris Godwin (11)

7. Puka Nacua (10)

8. Terry McLaurin (10)

9. Marquise Brown (10)

10. Terrace Marshall Jr (10)

The Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is easily one of the heaviest targeted receivers over the past several seasons, and through the first four weeks of this season it’s business as usual. As a result with his 50 targets (2nd in the NFL), Adams is currently the fantasy WR6 with 33 receptions, 397 yards receiving, and three touchdowns.

Top 10 TE

1. Tyler Higbee (11)

2. Zach Ertz (10)

3. Cole Kmet (9)

4. Travis Kelce (9)

5. Evan Engram (8)

6. Jake Ferguson (7)

7. David Njoku (7)

8. Jonnu Smith (6)

9. Tyler Conklin (6)

10. Mark Andrews (5) - tied with four others

After missing week one, the Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has 26 targets in three games to lead all tight ends during this span. For the season his 17 receptions is tied for sixth among tight ends and his 155 yards receiving rank 10th. On the year he is the fantasy TE2.

Top 10 RB

1. Alvin Kamara (14)

2. Josh Jacobs (11)

3. Christian McCaffrey (8)

4. Jaylen Warren (6)

5. Jerome Ford (6)

6. De’Von Achane (5)

7. Khalil Herbert (5)

8. Bijan Robinson (5)

9. Matt Breida (5)

10. Jahmyr Gibbs (5) tied with one more player

With his 11 targets in week 4, the Raiders running back Josh Jacobs turned in a day worthy of the fantasy RB3 slot. Jacobs caught 8 passes for 81 yards and also rushed for 58 yards on 17 carries, adding a rushing touchdown. After a slow start this season, Jacobs is now the fantasy RB17 and trending in the right direction.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running backs success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 4

Top 10 RB

1. David Montgomery (34)

2. Kyren Williams (28)

3. Christian McCaffrey (27)

4. Dameon Pierce (25)

5. Josh Jacobs (25)

6. Alvin Kamara (24)

7. Isaiah Pacheco (23)

8. Travis Etienne Jr (23)

9. Khalil Herbert (22)

10. Derrick Henry (23)

Through four weeks the Lions running back David Montgomery has totaled 69 rushing attempts (ranks tied for 4th) and his 72 total touches is tied for 9th. His workload this season has him at the fantasy RB7 slot. He’s a must-start every week and not going away anytime soon.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 1st, 2023

Friday Late-Evening Edition

My Top 10 Fantasy Football 

TE Rankings for 2023

Often considered the safety blanket for the quarterback position, today’s tight ends have morphed into much more than that. Viable weapons in the passing game, many of today’s tight ends are proving to be exceptional pass catchers with big fantasy upside.

Here’s my Top-10 at the tight end position:

The Top-10

1. Travis Kelce

2. Mark Andrews

3. TJ Hockenson

4. Darren Waller

5. George Kittle

6. Evan Engram

7. Dallas Goedert

8. David Njoku

9. Kyle Pitts

10. Dalton Schultz

The Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has separated himself into his own tier at the position. Kelce has finished as the No.1 fantasy scoring tight end four out of the last five seasons. He is King of the Hill until someone comes along and knocks him down.

With his arrival to New York in the off-season, the Giants tight end Darren Waller has a chance to return to his elite play. If Waller stays healthy, he has the tools and ability to produce at a high level. Back in 2020 Waller was the No.2 fantasy scoring tight end catching 107 passes (led all tight ends), finishing right behind Kelce.

My number 10 ranked tight end is Dalton Schultz. The former Cowboys tight end finds himself in Houston with very little competition for the leading receiver spot. Schultz finished 2022 as the No.13 fantasy scoring tight end and could easily improve his position this season with a young rookie quarterback (C.J. Stroud) under center.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition
September 14th, 2019

Week 2 Four Horsemen

Falcons, QB-Matt Ryan: Week one is history and in the books. After a slow start in the first half against the Vikings, Ryan managed to salvage his fantasy opener throwing for 304 yards with two scores and two picks. This week he’s home and will get to take his shots at an Eagles secondary that allowed 370 yards (ranked 28th in the League) to Case Keenum and the Redskins. With his plethora of aerial weapons, Ryan should enjoy similar success in the Sunday night showdown. While the Falcons would like to get their running game out of first gear in this matchup, I would still look for Matty-Ice to put the rock up in the air 35-plus times in this one. My prediction; 26 of 35 passing, 310 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Chiefs, RB-LeSean McCoy: I am buying into the narrative that Shady’s back, back again. McCoy reunites with his old coach Andy Reid who is the commander and chief of one of the most explosive offenses in the league today. While his week one return was hardly memorable for fantasy owners, it’s definitely worth noting his effectiveness and production. McCoy finished week one with 11 touches and 93 total yards of offense; that’s a ridiculous 8.5 yards per touch average. That kind of efficiency may be a little inflated, but as his usage increases, so will his production. As good as McCoy looked in week one, it’s hard to imagine not seeing his role grow with each week. The Raiders did a fair job in week one slowing down the Broncos run game (only 95 yards allowed, ranks 13th in the League), but this offense is a juggernaut and should create plenty of running lanes for Shady. My Prediction; 14 carries, 88 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 26 yards receiving, one score (rushing).

Texans, WR-DeAndre Hopkins: On any given Sunday, the Texans wideout is a stud, but this happens to be a match up that garners a little more attention. This week Hopkins, coming off a solid week one performance will be matched up against one of the leagues’ best corners, the Jaguars Jalen Ramsey. Normally a Ramsey matchup is bad news for the opposing receiver, but in the case of Hopkins such may not be true. In the past six meetings, since Ramsey has become a starter in Jacksonville, Hopkins worst performance came in their first meeting; 5 catches for 48 yards. Since that meeting, Hopkins has seen no fewer than 8 targets and averaged 6.5 receptions, 14 targets, and 83.4 yards, with touchdowns in 3 of their last 4 contests. Hopkins has generally been successful, but his skills and connections have just gotten better with each season playing with quarterback DeShaun Watson. My prediction; 8 catches, 94 yards, one touchdown, on 11 targets.

Chiefs, TE-Travis Kelce; I’m rolling with another favorite in Week two and not hard to figure out why. The Chiefs offense is clearly from another planet and even with the loss of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, it’s hard to imagine this scoring machine slowing down. With the absence of Hill, this should open up a few more targets for Kelce who saw eight in week one. Kelce was far from efficient in the opener, only snagging three of his opportunities, but he did turn those into 88 yards receiving. I’d expect the Chiefs tight end to once again see anywhere from 8-10 targets against the Raiders with a far better outcome of completions and production. My prediction; 7 receptions, 79 yards, one touchdown, on 10 targets

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 18th 2017

Saturday Morning Edition

Week 11 Fantasy Notes

Double-Down in DFS

If you playing any DFS, you are probably familiar with stacking or what I like to call double-down, slotting a QB with one of his receivers. This week I like matchup and the cost of Derek Carr with Michael Crabtree ($15,500 total) over such combinations like Brady & Gronk ($16,800). Another double-down I fancy is Alex Smith with Travis Kelce ($15,400), also consider stacking these two with running back Kareem Hunt this week. The savings with these combos is huge and will allow you more room to maneuver when filling out the rest of your lineup.

Diamonds in the Rough

These Diamonds for week 11 are sitting in what I would call short rough. For those of you on the fence with these plays, Jay Cutler (vs TB), Marshawn Lynch (vs NE), Doug Martin (vs Mia), and Marqise Lee (vs Cle), let me offer these quick takes. The Bucs have been awful all season versus the pass and Cutler has more ability and better weapons that Josh McCown. The Patriots allowed over 100 yards rushing to Denver’s backfield, after getting diced for 135 yards by Melvin Gordon. The Dolphins defense is coming off a 200 yards and 6.9 yards per carry allowed performance. Finally Lee is going to be the clear-cut number one on Sunday and should see plenty of volume.

Time to Trade Away or Let Go

While in Packer-land the news is good that quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be back in Week 15, that does fantasy owners no good if they have already been bounced from their respective playoffs. If you are in the hunt to make post-season or chasing a spot, it’s time to trade away of let wide receiver Jordy Nelson go. The preference is to trade, but on limited rosters you aren’t playing Nelson (8 catches, 68 yards last three games). He’ll still have value to someone as a stash for the playoffs, meanwhile you can pick up some talent that you can use now to make the dance.

Also, it’s time to drop tight end Jordan Reed. He’s out again this week and it’s likely he won’t be healthy the rest of the season. He’s a great talent, but injuries have completely upended his season. Through 10 weeks, Reed currently the No.23 fantasy TE (in PPR) has missed 3 games and his best effort came in week 7 when he scored twice and totaled 26.40 fantasy points. In his other five games, he’s only reached double-digit fantasy points in one; time to drop him.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 17th 2017

Friday Evening Edition

My Week 11 Fantasy Favorites

Believe me when I say, there’s no deep research here. I’m not using any algorithms or scientific formulas, but at the same time I am not flipping coins or selecting the more dominant state flowers. I just go by what my eyes see and what the numbers tell me. After 10 weeks of action, these are my favorite plays for Sunday Week 11;

Derek Carr (Oak); I like the Raiders quarterback at home this week against the Patriots. And while some believe the Pats defense is playing much better, let’s not confuse Brock Osweiler with Derek Carr. The talent level and abilities are not comparable. I expect a huge day for Carr.

Latavius Murray (Min); The Rams have not been great against the run this season and their secondary is going to have all they can handle with the Wonder Twins (Diggs & Thielen) on Sunday. Murray should see a healthy number of carries (14-18) this week, enough to do some damage. He could break off a few big runs if he can get to that second level. The Rams safeties won’t be able to cheat up and will likely be making most of their tackles 5-6 yards beyond the line-of-scrimmage.

Melvin Gordon (LAC); Last week was Austin Ekeler outplaying Melvin, but this week look for Gordon to bounce back in a big way against the Bills. Gordon will line up against a defense that has allowed the 6th most rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns (most in the league) this season. Gordon should get plenty of play on Sunday and turn in a great effort.

Michael Crabtree (Oak); With Carr expected to have a big day on Sunday according to me, Crabtree should be one of the big recipients. The Patriots defense has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points, 3rd most receptions, and the 2nd most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers this season. Crabtree is the No.23 fantasy WR (in PPR) this season and will look to climb the board on Sunday.

Nelson Agholor (Phi); The Eagles wide receiver has been a quiet surprise this season, scoring in five of his first seven games. He’s been off the past two games, but he’s got a tasty matchup on Sunday against the Cowboys. The Cowboys defense has allowed the 5th most receptions and 3rd most touchdowns to opposing receivers. I am expecting Agholor to make at least one trip to pay dirt.

Travis Kelce (KC); Quite simply the Giants defense has played the worst against opposing tight ends this season. Kelce will matchup against a defense that has allowed the 3rd most receiving yards (632 yards) and the most touchdowns (10) to opposing tight ends; sounds like a big day coming for Travis.

That's My Take.
~David Ortega