FSH NOTEBOOK: DFS SATURDAY NIGHT

December 2nd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Late-Evening Edition

DFS Saturday night

These are the names I like on Sunday, NFL Week 13. I’ll have each of these players sprinkled in and throughout my fantasy lineups, as well as stacked in several.

RB, Zack Moss (Colts) We’ve seen Moss do it before as the lead back and with Jonathan Taylor already ruled out, he’ll serve in that role once again. The Titan’s run defense has been a bit leaky as of late and with Moss handling the lion share of the duties on Sunday (averaged over 23 touches per game pre-Taylor), he’ll provide a safe floor.

RB, Najee Harris (Steelers) This week at home against the Cardinals 30the ranked run defense, this feels like a Najee Harris game. He’s coming off his best rushing game of the season with 99 yards on the ground and a score and he led the team with 15 carries. 

WR, Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) Through 11 games Hill has been unstoppable. In his last 7 games he’s had no fewer than 9 targets, caught fewer than 8 balls once, topped 100-yards receiving in five of the seven, and has scored in six of the seven. The Commanders have been amongst the worst pass defenses the past four weeks, and with a matchup against Hill it won’t get any better.

WR, Michael Pittman Jr (Colts) The Colts wide receiver has seen 8 or more targets in each of his last four games, including 12 or more in three of those. He has only eclipsed 100 yards in one of those contests, but with his high volume he has a safe floor with upside.

TE, Sam LaPorta (Lions) The Lions rookie tight end has a nice matchup on Sunday and he’s coming off a nice showing of 5 catches, 47 yards receiving and a score last week. LaPorta has seen at least 5 targets in his last six straight games and has posted double-digit fantast points (ppr) in 3 of his last 5.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday’s Morning Gametime

Amari Cooper (Browns) In his three games without Deshaun Watson as the primary passer (weeks 6,7 & 8), Cooper has averaged 9.0 targets per contest while totaling 12 receptions, for 219 yards receiving, and 18.25 yards per reception. Facing the Steelers 27th ranked secondary (DraftKings) versus opposing wide receivers, Cooper is a mid-WR3.

Christian Kirk (Jaguars) The Jaguars wide receiver has scored in single digits only twice this season in 9 games. In his last three games Kirk has been targeted 23 times, recording 16 receptions for 240 yards receiving and a touchdown. Kirk is in line to be a high-end WR-2 this week against a Titans 26th ranked secondary (DraftKings).

Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) He has been dominant much of this season as the number one fantasy wide receiver. Over his last four games Hill has been targeted in double figures totaling 48 targets. During this span Hill has turned in 33 catches for 425 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. He’s a top tier fantasy WR-1 this week against the Raiders.

Josh Dobbs (Vikings) Since his arrival to Minnesota, Dobbs has ignited the Vikings and lit up the fantasy world. In two games with the Vikes, Dobbs is completing 68.8% of his passes, averaging 213 yards passing, with 110 yards rushing, and 5 total touchdowns (3 pass, 2 run). He’s a top streaming option for Week 11.

Jalen Hurts (Eagles) The signal caller for the Eagles has been on a scoring tear over his last three games. Hurts has been fantastic with 8 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns, including 268.3 passing yards per game while completing 74.2% of his passes. With a showdown matchup on Monday night against the Chiefs, Hurts is locked in as a top tier QB-1.

NFL Injury Note:

WR - Chargers, Keenan Allen (shoulder) Good to go, no restrictions.

TE - Eagles, Dallas Goedert (forearm) Ruled out for Monday night.

RB - Dolphins, De’Von Achane (knee) Expected to be a “Full Go” today.

WR - Jets, Garrett Wilson (elbow) The Jets wideout will be available.

WR - Cardinals, Michael Wilson (shoulder) Not expected to play per Schefter.

WR - Texans, Noah Brown (knee) Officially inactive today.

RB - Vikings, Alexander Mattison (concussion) Expected to be good to go tonight.

Check the inactive reports for more updates.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY (FF) QUICK TAKES

October 28, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Quick Takes

Rams vs Cowboys Matchup

The Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (fantasy WR7 - ppr) has collected 58 receptions for 752 yards receiving this season. He's a must-start every week.

Vikings vs Packers Matchup

The Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is averaging 5.3 receptions for 71.7 yards and better than a touchdown over his last three games. He's a must-start every week.

Falcons vs Titans Matchup

The Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has been the fantasy QB7 over the last three weeks averaging 295 yards passing, 1 touchdowns, and 22 yards rushing per game. He's in play in 2-QB and deeper leagues.

Saints vs Colts Matchup

The Saints running back Alvin Kamara is averaging 26 touches and 118 yards of offense over his last three games played. He's the fantasy RB3 during this stretch. A must-start matchup for Week 8

Patriots vs Dolphins Matchup

The Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has totaled 53 receptions for 902 yards receiving and 7 scores this season. He is the fantasy WR1. He's forever locked in.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEKLY AWARDS (WEEK 6)

October 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Weekly Awards

Week 6

NFC Player of the Week (WK6)

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions-WR)

*15 targets

*12 receptions

*124 yards receiving

*1 receiving touchdown

*8.3 yards per target

*10.3 yards per receptions

*30.4 fantasy points (ppr)

NFC Defensive Player of the Week (WK6)

Jordan Hicks (Vikings-LB)

*5 solo tackles

*5 assists

*1 pass defense

*1 interception

*1 fumble recovery

*1 defensive touchdown

AFC Offensive Player of the Week (WK6)

Tyreek Hill (Dolphins-WR)

*10 targets

*6 receptions

*163 yards receiving

*1 receiving touchdown

*16.3 yards per target

*27.2 yards per reception

*28.3 fantasy points (ppr)

AFC Defensive Player of the Week (WK6)

Blake Cashman (Texans-LB)

*9 solo tackles

*3 assists

*2 tackles for loss

*1 sack

*1 QB hit

*2 pass defense

The future NFL stars.

Offensive Rookie of the Week (WK6)

Zay Flowers (Ravens-WR)

*8 targets

*6 receptions

*50 yards receiving

*1 receiving touchdown

*6.2 yards per target

*8.3 yards per receptions

Defensive Rookie of the Week (WK6)

Byron Young (Rams-LB)

*3 solo tackles

*3 assists

*1 sack

*2 QB hits

*1 forced fumble

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

October 8th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

Hey, it’s Sunday, funday. We’ve got plenty of football on the docket and I am heavily invested in DFS today. With so many DFS lineups (probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 50, I may have a few questions swirling in my head. What’s the weather today, is this stud sitting today, did that guy get activated, do I have this guy in my lineups. These would be a few and while I have plenty more and little time before kickoff, it’s time to play a little game.

This little exercise I do can be considered the same “Questions Game”, Phoebe played with Joey on the show “Friends” where she asked him a series of questions and he answers them very quickly. Unfortunately for me there is no Monica and Rachel option. I will just have to stay with football criteria.

Here are the 10 quick questions or things on my mind.

1. How good is CJ Stroud?

My Take: The kid has been fabulous this season and impressive averaging over 300 passing per game with 6 passing touchdowns and no picks. The whole program in Houston looks impressive and I suspect the early success of Stroud has a lot to do with it. I can see the Texans start to shift their focus and lean more on the run game more going forward, but I don’t see Stroud necessarily slowing down. He’s got a nice compliment of weapons so I don’t believe his success is short lived.

2. Can Sammy Step up in Week 5?

My Take: The Lions are a little depleted on the offensive side of the ball with a couple of key players likely out today against the Panthers. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has been better than good through the team’s first four games and will likely be featured in the pass game today. LaPorta is the number two fantasy tight end (fantasy points per game) and has a great chance at improving those numbers today.

3. Which Dolphin will blow up in Week 5?

My Take: All the Dolphins do is add speed and get faster. As if Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle weren’t fast enough, the team has added wide receiver Chase Claypool. Nonetheless, Waddle, Claypool, Hill or even Robbie Chosen, this team is just a warehouse of dynamite waiting to explode. This week’s matchup looks to be a great opportunity and if I’m betting, it’s Cheetah time again.

4. Will Waller finally Wake?

My Take: It’s been four weeks, has someone reminded quarterback Daniel Jones, he has tight end Darren Waller in his lineup? Waller has basically been absent in the Giants pass game, the past two games with just 6 receptions for 41 yards and a fantasy TE31 showing in this span. The Giants offense has looked horrid and even a matchup with the Dolphins offers few silver linings. In what could become a lopsided affair, maybe Jones can check it down to Waller once in a while.

5. Can Swift Stay Hot?

My Take: Today’s matchup with the Rams will be interesting. The Eagles offense is loaded with weapons in the passing game and when you add Swift to the mix, look out. Since taking over the lead back duties in Philly, Swift has been stellar with 361 yards rushing and a 6.2 yards per carry average. The Rams defense has been in the top third against the run this season, but today they face Swift, a very tall task. The Eagles O-line is one of the best in the league and Swift is just a special talent, advantage Swift.

6. Is this The Return of Cooper Kupp?

My Take: I say it’s a bit premature to say it’s the return. However, I would expect to see Kupp targeted somewhere in the neighborhood of 7 to 8 times today. He will have fair numbers, worthy of starting but his impact will be how his presence will allow things to open up for Puka Nacua and Tyler Higbee today.

7. Can Joe Cool Heat Up?

My Take: As a fantasy owner of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase I certainly hope so. The real question is how healthy is that calf. I am sure the team is staring at their bye week (week 7), when rest will help Burrow heal. Until then, there are going to be some tough outings, however today’s matchup against the Cardinals may offer a glimpse of what might be coming. The Cardinals allow the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, but are fantasy owners willing to chance it (not me).

8. Is it Breece Hall time?

My Take: Well it sure sounds like the Jets intend to turn Hall loose this week. The Head coach announced earlier in the week, no restrictions, just like music to fantasy owners ears. It’s a prime matchup for Hall, as the Broncos have the worst run defense this season and their tackling has been atrocious. Hall should be in all seasonal lineups today and make sure you have plenty of shares in DSF.

9. Can the Chiefs slow JJ?

My Take: So far through four weeks, no one has been able to slow Justin Jefferson. JJ is getting peppered with targets every week, averaging nearly 12 per game. All he has done with this workload is turned it into 8.2 receptions, 135 yards receiving per game with three touchdowns. He was the consensus overall number one in fantasy drafts and he is living up to expectations. Today shouldn’t be any different.

10. Can CMC steam roll the Cowboys?

My Take: This will be the classic “Clash of the Titans” NFC matchup and it will be in primetime on Sunday Night. Just like Jefferson, Christian McCaffrey was a top draft prospect in fantasy and in most drafts was the first running back selected. Through the first four weeks, CMC has been in a world of his own, leading all fantasy players in scoring with 150 yards of offense per game and seven touchdowns this season. Even if the Cowboys defense can slow him, he has such a high floor, he’s still going to get numbers.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

September 24th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for NFL Sunday

NFL Sunday week 3 is only just a few hours away, fresh batteries are in my remotes, breaking out all of my TVs, switching on Youtube TV (with Sunday Ticket), and I’m giving all of my fantasy lineups a second and third look. 

There’s still a lot to take in, the never-ending notes to review, last minute changes to make due to injuries, all the while the clock to kickoff is counting down. You just gotta love fantasy football.

The cold beverages are on ic and football foods are in great supply for the 10 hour marathon that lies ahead. And speaking of ten, here are the Top-10 things on my mind as I await the kickoff to NFL Sunday Week 3;

1. “Can the Cheetah be Caught” - The Dolphins will be without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, so I’m expecting to see the Phin go into overdrive getting the ball into the hands of Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins offense still has other capable receivers to occupy the defense, so the reeling Broncos are going to have a tough time slowing down the Cheetah, let alone catch him.

2. “Can the Bills keep Cooking” - The weather may not cooperate in this matchup with the Bills and Commanders. Bills running back James Cook (fantasy RB17)  is coming off career week 2 performance, Cooks posted his best game as a pro with 123 yards rushing and 17 carries. He totaled 21 touches in week 2 and could be in line for a repeat workload.

3. “Is it Miller Time at Lambeau” - With Jamaal Williams shelved for Sunday, the Saints rookie running back Kendre Miller will not only make his debut, but he’ll have a real opportunity to have an impact. As the old saying goes “Cream rises to the top”, Miller could have an impact today.

4. “Can Stroud find more Nico” - Through two weeks this season, quarterback CJ Stroud to wide receiver Nico Collins has been bank. Collins has been targeted 20 times in two games and enters today as the fantasy WR7. I’m expecting more of the same against the Jags.

5. “Ridley, Believe it or Not” - Last week was more of a forgettable week for Ridley and the Jags offense. This week is a nice get right game for Ridley and company. Even though his numbers were down last week (2/32/0), Ridley was still targeted 8 times, 19 for the season.

6. “An All-out Aerial Assault in Minny” - It’s Herbert versus Cousins, it's the Chargers and the Vikings. Through two weeks the Chargers defense is last versus the pass and last week, the Vikings secondary showed their vulnerability against the pass facing the Eagles. The Chargers have a pair of receivers that should give the Vikes secondary fits all afternoon. The Bolts have to contend with Justin Jefferson, enough said. Shootout.

7. “Can Walker get Running” - The Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker has yet to get moving this season, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry. He’s fantasy RB14 facing the Panthers 23rd ranked run defense today, and will try to get the ground game out of first gear.

8. “Can Hollywood Right the Script” - The Cowboys defense has been stellar through two weeks, but they just suffered a major loss to their secondary. That could be key for Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to breakout today, as the Cardinals play host and look to secure their first win of the season.

9. “Is Skies the Limit” - The Chiefs entered Jacksonville last week 0-1 and came out of there with the road win. The passing game has yet to really get off the ground (by Mahomes standards), but we did see the appearance of Skyy Moore. The 2nd year receiver caught three balls, 70 yards and a touchdown on 4 targets. I see the Chiefs starting to feature the young receiver more and more and the season progresses.

10. “Sunday night Pickens” - Could Sunday Night be the encore performance fantasy owners are hoping for? Pickens is now the clear number one receiver and last Monday he showed his skills and big play ability. Enter the Raiders defense in week 3 that has allowed the highest rate of completion to opposing wide receivers. As long as the O-line gives Pickett time, we could see another big game from Pickens.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

September 13th, 2023

David's Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

In fantasy football luck plays its part, but success is all about chances. 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 1

Top 5 WR

1. Tyreek Hill (15)

2. Puka Nacua (15)

3. Stefon Diggs (13)

4. DeAndre Hopkins (13)

5. Justin Jefferson (12)

Stefon Diggs displayed why he’s an elite receiver in the NFL turning in another 100-yard receiving performance with 10 receptions and a score. He will finish as a Top-5 fantasy receiver in 2023 at this pace.

Top 5 TE

1. Zach Ertz (10)

2. TJ Hockenson (9)

3. Logan Thomas (8)

4. Hayden Hurst (7)

5. Cole Kmet (7)

The overall production was a bit light, but with the10 targets on Sunday tight end Zach Ertz could easily bounce back and very soon. The Cardinals air attack may continue to stall a bit here in the early season, but as long the volume is there Ertz could be fantasy relevant soon.

Top 5 RB

1. Roschon Johnson (7)

2. Ezekiel Elliott (7)

3. Bijan Robinson (6)

4. Rhamondre Stevenson (6)

5. James Cook (6)

Running back James Cook was lead back on Monday night and dominated the Bills backfield in snaps and touches. He’s a big play waiting to happen and as long as this volume continues, he’s in line for some big games in the future.

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 1

Top 5 RB

1. Christian McCaffrey (25)

2. Travis Etienne Jr (23)

3. Nick Chubb (22)

4. Cam Akers (22)

5. Miles Sanders (22)

Cam Akers was ineffective on Sunday against the Seahawks only totaling 29 yards on the ground, but you can't ignore his usage. Despite the tough treading, the Rams stayed with Akers. His 22 carries ranked tied for the most in week 1 and with that kind of work, fantasy owners can expect better outputs from Akers (so long as the workload continues).

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES WEEK 1

September 11th, 2023

David's Daily Digest

Monday Evening Edition

NFL Sunday Week 1:

Sunday Heroes

QB,Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) - The Dolphins quarterback seemed to put to rest any doubts about his ability to lead this offense and be The Guy. On opening Sunday, Tua threw for an incredible 466 yards and tossed three touchdowns to lead the Phins to a come-from-behind week one road win. Tua completed 28 of 45 passes (62.2% completion) and posted a 110.5 passer rating, finishing as the number fantasy Quarterback in week 1.

RB, Aaron Jones (Packers) - The Packers running back finished opening Sunday as the number one fantasy running back, totaling 127 yards (41 rush, 86 rec) of offense. He added (2) receptions on (4) targets and two touchdowns (1 run, 1 catch) on the day with an incredible average of 11.5 yards gained per touch.

WR, Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) - Cheetah showed everyone on Sunday, why he’s one of the best receivers in today’s game. The Phins receiver posted Madden-like numbers versus the Chargers, catching 11 passes, for 215 yards receiving, and two receiving touchdowns. Hill was Mr.Fantasy on Sunday, posting 44.5 fantasy points (ppr format) to lead all of fantasy.

TE, Hunter Henry (Patriots) - In case some forgot, the Patriots tightend Hunter Henry is still a very good pass-catching tight end. Henry was targeted six times, hauling in 5 balls for 56 yards receiving, and a score to lead all tight ends (ppr format).

IDP, TJ Watt (Steelers) - The Steelers linebacker, TJ Watt wrecked havoc on Sunday causing commotion and destruction to the Niners backfield. Despite the losing effort by the Steelers, Watt left it all out on the field yesterday, turning in three sacks, 5 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass-defense. He led all IDPs in scoring.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 6th, 2023

Wednesday Late-Evening Edition

Fantasy Outlook: Opportunity (WRs)

Digging further deeper into the numbers. Here’s a look at the top pass catchers in 2022, in terms of opportunities.

Top 10 Most Targets in 2022

1. Justin Jefferson-187

2. Davante Adams-180

3. Tyreek Hill-170

4. CeeDee Lamb-156

5. Stefon Diggs-154

6. Garret Wilson-147

7. Diontae Johnson-147

8. AJ Brown-146

9. Amon-Ra St.Brown-146

10. Chris Godwin-142

One receiver that is not being talked about nearly enough is the Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb and he checks in at number four as the most targeted receiver in 2022. With Dak (Prescot) back in the saddle at quarterback, the No.6 fantasy receiver (Lamb) from last season has a great opportunity to build off his impressive numbers (107 rec /1,359 yds /9 Tds) from 2022.

A rising star checking in at number nine on the list, the Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown enjoyed a breakout season in 2022 to follow up his impressive rookie campaign. St.Brown snatched 106 balls for 1,161 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns last season on his 146 targets - good enough for the No.8 fantasy receiver and very repeatable.

This is just a look at the numbers heading into the 2023 NFL season. Good luck Ballers.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 2nd, 2023

Saturday Late-Evening Edition

2023 Fantasy Draft Day: On the Clock

(12-Team, PPR format, Fantasy Calculator ADP)

WR-Tyreek Hill, Current ADP 1.04 - the Dolphins dynamic wide receiver has finished 2nd (2022), 6th (2021), and 2nd (2020) in fantasy scoring over the past three seasons. He’s coming off a season with career highs in yards receiving (1,710), receptions (119), and targets (170). He’s an elite WR1 that is going early in the 1st round of fantasy drafts.

WR-Stefon Diggs, Current ADP 1.08 - the Bills wideout finished the 2022 season as the No.4 fantasy receiver. In his three seasons with the Bills Diggs has the most receptions (tied with Davante Adams) of any receiver with 338 and has averaged more than 160 targets per season. He’s a mid-to-late first rounder in fantasy drafts this season.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 28th, 2023

Monday Evening Edition

Fantasy Sleepers: Diamonds in the Rough

One of the secrets to success in fantasy football is not only drafting your studs, and avoiding injuries (usually an impossibility), but finding hidden value in your drafts and throughout the season. During the season, injuries are going to happen, so work the Waiver-wire every week.

But right now, it’s Draft season, so what we are looking for are those sleepers or Diamonds in the Rough.

In Kansas City, with the departure of Tyreek Hill in 2022 (to Miami), the Chiefs had to put together a makeshift receiving core with a lot of names and different faces. One name and one face that will be returning in 2023 is 2nd year wideout, Skyy Moore. Last season Moore barely saw any airtime in the Chiefs high octane offense, but 2023 presents a huge opportunity for the young receiver. The 2022 Second round pick will have a great shot at a completely different outlook in 2023. Listed as the team’s number two wideout, Moore is poised to take huge strides forward this season and with a 10th round ADP, he’s got tremendous value as a sleeper with high return.

An even deeper sleeper I will be eyeing beyond the 12th round with a current ADP of 13.04, is the Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs. The off-season changes in Green Bay may have many looking elsewhere for fantasy impact, but last season Doubs did display a little something to catch the eye of fantasy owners. This preseason he has been sharp and with a 3rd year quarterback who looks primed for a nice season himself, Doubs and (Jordan) Love are already showing some nice chemistry. Doubs is not going to blow off the doors, but he was second leading wide receiver on the team with 42 receptions (and 67 targets). With Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb now in New York, there are over 140 targets available. Doubs has lots of flex appeal in 2023.

Last season in Denver there was so much disappointment with how the team performed, in particular the offense. The Russell Wilson led passing attack was mediocre at best and none of their wide receivers finished in the Top-20. While that was bad, one good thing that came out of last season was the arrival of tight end Greg Dulcich. Dulcich missed the first five games due to injury, but from week 6 on he played in 10 games, finishing as the No.17 fantasy tight end with 33 receptions, 411 yards receiving, and 2 touchdowns. His scoring line is hardly anything to get excited about, but there’s great potential. Dulcich is a highly skilled and athletic pass catcher and with the arrival of head coach Sean Payton, his skill figure to get utilized. His average ADP at 14.02, puts him at an early TE2 and late enough to draft a late round stash. In Payton’s offense Dulcich should have a chance at being a solid TE1. 

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

December 15th, 2016
Thursday Late Night Edition

Week 15 Fantasy Notes

Sunday is funday in fantasy football circles and with this weekend setting up as the Semi-final matchups for most season long leagues, now is the time to cash in on your bell-cows and fantasy studs. 

Along with your starters, such as the LeVeon Bells, Aaron Rodgers, and Odell Beckham Jrs, fantasy owners will need to find those deepers plays to pay off.

One such play that could pay huge dividends this weekend is the Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel. Over the past several weeks the big play specialist has been just that. Averaging 5 targets over the past six weeks, Gabriel has scored well with double-digit in five of his past six games and five touchdowns. This week’s matchup against the Niners looks mighty tasty for Gabriel squaring off against a defense that allows the most fantasy points versus opposing wide receivers. With Julio Jones still limping along, fantasy owners can expect Gabriel to be in the mix once again on Sunday.

The Chiefs have their own big play specialist in wide receiver Tyreek Hill and on Sunday he’ll be turned loose on the Tennessee Titans. Over the past five weeks Hill has been hit and miss scoring in double-digits in three of his last five games. But this Sunday Hill will be matched up against a Titans secondary that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver. Seeing a fair share of targets (8 targets per game) over the past five games, Hill should have plenty of chances to score big this week.

Healthy again the Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs might finally return to his big game status, after disappearing over the past month for fantasy owners. Diggs has not scored in double figures in five weeks, since his 13 reception performance in week 10. With the Vikes set to face the Colts on Sunday this week, Diggs will take his shots against a defense that allows the 19th most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver, including 13 touchdowns (tied for 8th most allowed). Looking more closely the Colts have allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers over the past four weeks. Diggs could be ready to break out again and this could be the week for it.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega