FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Evening Edition
August 26th, 2019

Late Round Fliers: Favorite Sleepers and Such

[Diamonds in the Rough]

NY Jets, Running Back Ty Montgomery

Currently coming off the board (Full PPR) as the RB58 at ADP #157.2 (according to FFC), the Jets back-up running back is a steal. Even with running back Le’Veon Bell in the lead-dog position in New York, Montgomery is going to see action because of his versatility as a runner and pass catcher. At the very least I think he can be a reliable low value flex play with potential upside. If Bell should miss any time, Montgomery would see an increase work-share. Don’t get me wrong, Bell figures to dominate touches in the backfield, but Montgomery has enough talent and skill he could work his way onto the field every week. At the very least he figures to be a great hand-cuff you can snag late and may even offer some stand alone value.

NY Jets, Quarterback Sam Darnold

Let’s not get carried away here, I am not thinking the Jets will have a juggernaut offense in 2019, but I do believe they will be in the upper half. Their young quarterback (Darnold) is a budding star in this league and this offseason he’s been given a few new toys. At the close of 2018, Darnold showed flashes as a top 12 Fantasy QB over his last 3 starts; 5 touchdown passes, no interceptions, and 102.8 passer rating. Add an elite pass catcher out of the backfield like Bell (160 receptions his last two seasons played), wide receiver Jamison Crowder (already showing strong chemistry with his QB) in the slot, and tight end Chris Herndon (suspended for the first four games) when he returns and Darnold will have plenty of weapons in 2019. He’s an absolute heist going as #QB23, ADP 161.7 (FFC). He’s absolutely worth a stash on your bench in deeper leagues and could be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy owners.

SF 49ers, Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin

In his last 5 games in 2017, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center, Goodwin was number 13 fantasy receiver in full PPR (stat line; 29 catches, 384 yards receiving, 1 touchdown, 43 targets). He’s currently coming off the boards at ADP 164.1, #WR64 (FFC) and he’s projected to be a starter heading into the regular season. There have been plenty of whispers about some of the other receivers in San Francisco, but Goodwin has history with Garoppolo. If Jimmy G can get his legs under him, these two could once again find that chemistry for 2017. Going as deep as Goodwin is in drafts, he’s a must pick up late.

Buffalo Bills, Wide Receiver John Brown

Over the past several seasons, Brown has become kind of a training camp folk hero. Every year it seems, we hear the whispers of how good Brown looks in camp. There’s no question, Brown has big play talent and skill, health has always been his nemesis. Well he’s healthy again this offseason (as he was last season) and once again he’s looking great in camp. The difference this season is the big arm under center in Buffalo (Josh Allen) and the great rapport and connection the two are showing. There’s not another real established receiver in Buffalo ahead of Brown, so another difference this season is “Opportunity.” Brown who is coming off the boards at ADP 145.5, #WR57 (FFC), has a chance to lead this team in receiving. He’s another starter with breakout potential, that you can snag very late in drafts.

Minnesota Vikings, Quarterback Kirk Cousins??

For the money he’s getting paid, he may not be worth, but as a fantasy starting QB, I disagree. Cousins is coming off the boards late #QB18, ADP 138.7 (FFC). He has the weapons in wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph, add the return of running back Dalvin Cook (who looked great in the team’s third preseason game) and Cousins will put up numbers. Last season was a down year for Cousins, but he still finished as the number 12 fantasy QB; this after finishing 6th in 2017 and 5th in 2016. I like his outlook and believe in his ability to produce. Call this a gut feeling, but I got a feeling.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 26th 2017

Sunday morning Edition

My Week 12 Injury Takes

Here is the latest of some key players as the Countdown to Sunday Kickoff winds down;

TE-Jimmy Graham; the Seahawks tight end (ankle) is expected to play and should see his normal workload in a juicy matchup against a Niners defense that’s allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing TE’s over the past month. Graham needs to be in lineups.

WR-DeAndre Hopkins; the Texans receiver (foot) is expected to play Monday against the Ravens. It’s a tough matchup against a stout Ravens secondary, but Hopkins is a must-start every week.

QB-Jacoby Brissett; Brissett (concussion) has been cleared to play and will start Sunday against the Titans. Brissett should have his full complement of receiving weapons against a Titans defense that’s allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing QBs over the past two weeks.

WR-Chris Hogan; the Patriots receiver (shoulder) has been ruled out for week 12. His absence continues to open up the target distribution to receivers Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks; over the past 2 weeks Cooks has tallied 12 catches for 223 yards.

WR-Harry Douglas; the Titans have activated wide receiver Harry Douglas from injured reserve. Douglas has been far off the fantasy radar this season, but with Rishard Matthews questionable Douglas could have some sleeper value in deeper leagues.

RB-Ty Montgomery; the Packers running back is doubtful for today and will Aaron Jones still on the shelf, it will be Jamal Williams again with the starting duties. It will be tough sledding today for Williams facing a Steelers defense that has allowed the 3rd fewest rushing yards the past month.

TE-Rob Gronkowski; Last week against the Raiders, Gronk was quiet, but did manage a score. This week he has been removed from the team’s injury report and will be one of Brady’s primary options today.

WR-Julio Jones; The Falcons wide receiver is not listed on the team’s injury report. It should be all-systems-go for Julio today against the Bucs.

WR-John Brown; The Cardinals receiver has been ruled out for Week 12. His absence mean receiver JJ Nelson will likely spend most of his time in the slot today. With the Jags Jalen Ramsey expected to play, it’s likely to be a long day for Nelson.

QB-Jay Cutler; The Dolphins will be without quarterback Jay Cutler, ruled out for Week 12. With Cutler sidelined, Matt Moore will get the road start against the Patriots; Moore is a potential mid-QB2 option this week.

WR-Rishard Matthews; the Titans receiver a late add to the injury report, is listed as questionable for Sunday. If he’s out, Corey Davis could see an expanded role in the passing game.

WR-Marqise Lee; the Jaguars receiver has been removed from the injury report this week. Lee leads the team in receiving this season, but he faces a tough matchup against the Cardinals and Patrick Peterson; he’s a low-value option this week in all formats.

TE-Greg Olsen; the Panthers have activated their tight end and he is expected to play. The word is he’ll only play about half of the offensive snaps, but owners can expect most of those to be on passing downs. He’s still part of the TE1 discussion for Week 12.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 15th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Who are you Starting & Sitting?

(Week 6)

QB-Trevor Siemian (start) The Giants look to be a mess this week. Decimated with injuries on the offensive side and a defense filled with drama and a suspension, this could be a good week to strike. The Broncos will lead with the running game, but look for Siemian to capitalize on some play-action and take shots. With DT and Sanders healthy, Siemian provides streaming option fantasy value this week.

QB-Eli Manning (sit) In the same game with his receiving corps completely wiped out last week, entering Mile High Country to take on the No Fly Zone, it's going to be a long night for Manning. Expect up close and personal introductions from lineback Von Miller and defensive lineman Derek Wolfe to occupy Manning's evening. Avoid this disaster in the making.

RB-Ty Montgomery (start) I would be surprised to see Montgomery picking up too many carries today. It would be more in line and make sense to see Montgomery almost exclusively involved in the passing game, defering most carries to rookie Aaron Jones. Nonetheless, I expect Montgomery to see enough touches and total enough yards to provide double-digit fantasy points in PPR today. He's a mid flex option today.

RB-Elijah McGuire (start) With no Powell and a less than 100 percent Matt Forte (turf toe), I like the rookie to get plenty of run in a favorable matchup against the Patriots. Count on McGuire to see 15+ touches today, enough to offer flex value in week 6.

RB-Adrian Peterson (Sit) It's too early to know what you have with Peterson in Arizona. The Cardinals are a pass first offense and it may take a while for All-Day to change that, if he's got anything left in the tank. The Cards also have one of the poorer O-lines in the run. Peterson's too risky to start this week.

WR-John Brown (start) Following the same theme with sitting Peterson, a healthy John Brown is a good start in Week 6 against the Buccaneers secondary. Brown has playmaking ability and the Bucs are a poor defense agains the pass, start Brown this week. He's a strong flex candidate.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 15th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

My Week 6 Injury Takes

RB, Ty Montgomery (ribs); the Packers running back is expected to play today without limitations. Regardless, Montgomery remains a risky play today, playing with fractured ribs. He's considered a risky flex in PPR this week.

RB, Terrance West (calf) ruled OUT; with West continuing to be sideline, the reigns will once again lie in the hands of Buck Allen and Alex Collins. Allen got more run last week with 21 carries and 4 receptions. He's the favorite in the Ravens backfield today, especially in PPR.

RB, Rex Burkhead (ribs) ruled OUT; with Burkhead out, the running back in the Patriots backfield that will lead the fantasy charge is James White. He is the No.20 fantasy RB and should be heavily involved in the short passing game once again.

QB, Marcus Mariota (hamstring) Questionable; the Titans quarterback is looking like a real game-time decision. If Mariota can't go, Matt Cassel would get his second straight start. Without Mariota, the Titans receiving corps fantasy value across the board takes a hit.

WR, Stefon Diggs (groin) ruled OUT; Diggs suffered the groin injury last Monday night and exited early, he'll miss Sunday's matchup with the Packers. With Diggs out, targets should open up for both wide receiver Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph.

TE, George Kittle (chest); the Niners tight end has been removed from the team's injury report. Kittle had his best game last week and has a good matchup and even better shot at backing that up with another solid Sunday today at Washington.

TE, Jack Doyle (concussion); the Colts tight end has cleared the concussion protocol and will play Monday night. At No.16 in my rankings this week, Doyle is considered a week 6 reach or streaming option. There are likely better options available.

QB, Matthew Stafford (ankle, hamstring); the Lions quarterback is expected to play which is good news for fantasy owners of Abdullah and Tate. With Stafford under center even at less than 100 percent, wide receiver Golden Tate (ranked 15 this week) is a strong play today.

TE, Travis Kelce (concussion); the Chiefs tight end was not listed on the team's injury report and appears completely recovered from his Sunday night concussion. Kelce was rolling big when he exited last week's game at halftime. He'll try to recapture some of that momentum today at Arrowhead against the Steelers.

TE, Rob Gronkowski (thigh); Gronk was not listed on the team's injury report and tops my Week 6 tight end rankings; just another Sunday in the day and life of Gronk.

QB, Tom Brady (shoulder); the Patriots quarterback was removed from the Patriots injury report. Brady looks set to wheel and deal today, he's my No.2 fantasy quarterback this week against the Jets.

WR, Amari Cooper (knee); the Raiders wide receiver has been removed for the team's week 6 injury report. Good news for Copper owners, Carr is back this week. Bad news is Cooper has been so bad this week, he's tough to trust, although keep in mind the Chargers have allowed the 2nd most touchdowns to opposing receivers (which may be better news for Crabtree owners).

WR, John Brown (quad); the Cardinals wide receiver wasn't listed on the team's injury report. He appears to be his healthiest he's been this season and just in time for a tasty matchup with the Buccaneers. He's got some flex appeal this week.

QB, Derek Carr (back); Carr will start on Sunday. The Raiders signal caller made better progress and was able to return much sooner than expected. With the Chargers sack-pack of Ingram and Bosa on the slate, Carr is a risky week 6 option.

WR, Jordy Nelson (back); the Packers wide receiver was removed from the team's injury report. Nelson is good to go and locked in as my No.6 fantasy receiver.

RB, Bilal Powell (calf) Questionable; it's been reported now that Powell will not play today. With the Patriots poor run defense on the slate, it's time to roll out rookie running back Elijah McGuire this week.

That's My Take

~David 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

October 8th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

My Week 5 Injury Takes

Ty Montgomery (ribs) Doubtful - Montgomery is sitting today, so it's likely a timeshare in Green Bay with running back Aaron Jones expected to be the lead back; Jones is a week 5 fade.

Derek Carr (back) Questionable - the Raiders quarterback has been petitioning to play, but despite his effort it's unlikely you will see him on the field; sit Carr today.

Melvin Gordon (knee) - the Chargers running back was removed from the team's injury report and is ready to go for week 5; Gordon is facing the Giants today is my No.9 fantasy RB.

Amari Cooper (knee) - the Raiders receivers has been removed from the team's injury report. With a likely changes at quarterback today, Cooper is considered a low-end WR2.

Michael Crabtree (chest) - Crab wasn't listed on the team final injury report. This will be good news for EJ Manuel and company, but with the tough matchup against the Ravens today Crab is my No.29 fantasy WR.

CJ Prosise (ankle) ruled OUT - the Seahawks running back is OUT for this week. With Prosise shelved, running back JD McKissic is expected to fill the pass-catching role and be heavily involved in the pass game.

Carlos Hyde (hip) - the Niners running back wasn't listed on the Week 5 injury report, so he'll be ready to go today against the Colts. Hyde is an RB1, coming in at No.8 on my Week 5 rankings.

Davante Adams (concussion) Questionable - Adams has cleared the concussion protocol, so he's expected to suit up today; Adams is outside my Top-30 and considered a risky flex play today.

JJ Nelson (knee) Questionable - the Cardinal's receiver was limited in practice all week, but is expected to play. Less than 100 percent, Nelson has not been affective since week 2, he's a risky flier this week against the Eagles.

John Brown (quad) Questionable - Brown has been limited all week, but is expected to play today against the Eagles. Like Nelson, Brown is a risky flier this week, but with more upside.

Benjamin Watson (calf) Questionable - Watson was able to practice in full on Friday, so he should be good to go today. He's my No.17 fantasy tight end this week on the road against the Raiders.

Jeremy Maclin (hand) Questionable - the Ravens wide receiver practiced in full all week, so he's good to go today. With a struggling Ravens offense, Maclin is a risky receiving option this week.

Jay Ajayi (knee) - the Dolphins running back wasn't listed on the team's final injury report. Ajayi is good to go today and should be ready for a full workload; he's my No.5 fantasy RB this week.

Paul Perkins (ribs) ruled OUT - with Perkins sidelined this week running back Wayne Gallman will likely take the reins in a good against the Chargers.

Ameer Abdullah (ankle) - the Lions running back has been removed from the team's Week 5 injury report. It's a tough week 5 matchup for Abdullah, but he's been carrying the Lionshare this season; he's locked in at No.13 on my rankings.

Kenny Golladay (hamstring) ruled OUT - the rookie receiver will miss another week nursing his hamstring injury. Golladay is off the fantasy radar for now.

Tyrell Williams (neck) Questionable - the Chargers 2nd leading receiver on the team will play Sunday. That's good news for Rivers and company, Williams will be considered a low-end WR2.

Kelvin Benjamin (knee) - the Panthers wide receiver is not listed on the team's finaly injury report. Benjamin is ready to go for week 5 against the Lions; he's a low-end WR2 today.

Marcus Mariota (hamstring) Questionable - the Titans quarterback is not expected to play today. Back up Matt Cassel is expected to start; Cassel is not a fantasy option this week.

Jack Doyle (concussion) ruled OUT - the Colts tight end will be sidelined today. His absence should benefit TY Hilton and afford him a few more looks on Sunday.

Martavis Bryant (illness) Questionable - the Steelers explosive receiver is expected to play today. Fantasy owners are still waiting patiently for Bryant and Big Ben to breakout, but today's matchup with the Jags does not favor any coming out party; Bryant is my No.26 fantasy WR this week.

That’s My Take for Week 5.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th 2017

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Week 5 TE Rankings

(does not include Thursday’s game)

Last week the Packers tight end Martellus Bennett, currently the No.16 fantasy tight end in PPR, saw a slight bump in activity with 7 targets going for 6 receptions and 39 yards. His yardage total was his typical disappointing production, but his catches and targets were a nice sign of more involvement in the pass game. With the potential of no Ty Montgomery (ribs) and possibly receiver Davante Adams (concussion) out this week, Bennett could be in line for larger role and even more targets making him my No.6 fantasy TE this week; I like the odds.

There’s a good chance this week fantasy owners will finally see the Chargers tight end Hunter Henry from 2016. This week the Bolts fly across the country to take on the Giants and their defense that allow the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. The Giants allow the 2nd most receptions (29), 3rd most receiving yards (309), and the most touchdowns at five. Henry has been quiet so far this season with a couple of goose eggs and just one score in four games. This could be the week he makes a bang and breaks out. He’s my No.10 fantasy TE, definitely a worthy start.

Creeping in at No.12 is the Bengals Tyler Kroft. The 3rd year tight end is a big target at 6’5” and with starter Tyler Eifert out for week 5, Kroft will again get some play. The Bengals will square off with Buffalo this Sunday and the Bills do a good job against opposing tight ends, but I am playing the odds. Kroft at his size is a red-zone threat and the Bills have yet to allow a touchdown to opposing tight ends. I have Kroft in as my No.12 fantasy tight end; I say he scores Sunday.

Here are my TE rankings for Week 5;

1.Travis Kelce

2. Zach Ertz

3. Delanie Walker

4. Charles Clay

5. Jimmy Graham

6. Martellus Bennett

7. Kyle Rudolph

8. Jason Witten

9. Evan Engram

10. Hunter Henry

11. Jared Cook

12. Tyler Kroft

13. Austin Seferian-Jenkins

14. Jesse James

15. Zach Miller

16. Eric Ebron

17. Benjamin Watson

18. Julius Thomas

19. Ryan Griffin

20. Antonio Gates

That’s My Take for Week 5.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 28th 2017

Thursday Morning Edition

Thursday’s Twitter Takes

Well I took a real beating with my takes on the two quarterbacks last week. Most likely neither was on your roster, but if they were and you sat them, MAN! That’s a lot of points to leave on the floor. Hopefully this week is an easier read. With Aaron Rodgers always a must and Mike on the other side of the field, who will you be starting?

“Rodgers or Glennon? The tough choices of fantasy football lineup conundrums” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Last week Randall Cobb was sidelined and Jordy Nelson was coming off an injury that had him sidelined. Talk about your lineup dilemmas, who to start. Packers receiver Geronimo Allison rose with the cream last week and with Cobb and Nelson back on the field, to the bench I do not think he goes. He’s a risk yes, but I am hanging onto Allison and if I need flex help this week he may be inserted.

“Don’t quit on Allison so soon. We’ve seen this kid before and last week he showed something. He’s go flex appeal!” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Running back Ty Montgomery has yet to disappoint and as fantasy’s No.4 running back (in PPR) I don’t suspect he’ll start this week, but owners should pull in the reins a bit. He’s healthy (removed from injury report), but he’s not invincible. Montgomery was slowed in the trenches last week and limited to 50 total yards. He’ll keep owners smiling with his receiving contributions and I would expect to see the Packers try to get him the ball more in space this week.

“Montgomery is catching everything in site (18 catches in 17), but A-rod needs to get him ball in space. He will” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Through the first 3 weeks this season Martellus Bennett has being seeing targets regularly, averaging 7 per week, but the problem is he’s not produced. Another problem it seems, they are asking him to run many routes; a lot of blocking and late releases. There’s no question Bennett has athletic skill and talent to make plays, he’s just not being asked to do that. Right now I can’t trust him.

“3 catches for 12 yds last week, won’t get it done. Can’t trust Martellus Bennett right now” - by @FantsySprtsHome

The Bears are coming off a big win last week and it’s quite possible they’ll carry some of that emotion into Thursday’s matchup. One player I expect to see benefit is running back Jordan Howard. He ran well on Sunday and should be fine Thursday against the Packers. He may not top 100 yards, but he should be fine with a score or two and upwards towards 20-plus touches.

“It’s going to be a busy night for J. Howard running against Pack 21st ranked run D. Start him all night.” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Like Howard, Cohen is going to see his share of the workload Thursday night. Glennon is not a great option here, but he’ll manage to get the ball to his scat back. Cohen is electric and wicked in open space. It should be just another day at the office for the rookie runner.

“If Jordan is Thunder, then Cohen is lightning and when he strikes look out! He’s got a lot of flex appeal in wk4” - by @FantsySprtsHome

There are not too many receiving options to like on a team that primarily runs the ball like the Bears; 38 times last week. The only option worth mentioning is wide receiver Kendall Wright and even he is not worth mentioning. I don’t recommend starting him, but you know what they say Glennon has to throw to someone. Maybe so, but last week he found a way to only throw 4 passes to his receivers and not one went Wright’s way.

“Even the Bears avoid their WRs, just four balls to WRs, but they did run 38 times. Avoid Bears passing game” - by @FantsySprtsHome

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega