FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th 2017

Saturday Late Night Edition

Week 6 TE Rankings

Despite what on paper looks like a tough matchup this Sunday against the Steelers, I have Travis Kelce in as my No.2 tight end this week. He’s a primary weapon in an offense that’s running in high gear. The Steelers have good numbers against tight ends, but they have yet to face this caliber of a tight end. Kelce cleared the concussion protocol and was left on the Chiefs injury report. He’s good to go.

Sliding up to the No.6 spot this week is the Chargers tight end Hunter Henry. He’s moved past Gates in productivity this season and has scored in two straight contests. He’s got a good shot at making it three in a row with a matchup against the Raiders on Sunday. Last season against the Silver and Black, Henry found the end zone in both games played.

TE Rankings

1. Rob Gronkowski

2. Travis Kelce

3. Delanie Walker

4. Jordan Reed

5. Austin Seferian-Jenkins

6. Hunter Henry

7. Martellus Bennett

8. Evan Engram

9. Cameron Brate

10. Kyle Rudolph

11. Coby Fleener

12. Jared Cook

13. Zach Miller

14. George Kittle

15. Benjamin Watson

16. Jack Doyle

17. AJ Derby

18. Ryan Griffin

19. Austin Hooper

20. Vernon Davis

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 9th 2017

Monday Afternoon Edition

Monday Night Takes

(Week 5)

My Takes



Quarterback Sam Bradford; it's sounding very much like Sam will go tonight against the Bears. The matchup is never favorable in the friendly confines of Soldier Field and last season Bradford was ineffective in a 20-10 loss. But that was about a year ago and an old Bradford. The new Bradford brings with him some great weapons and an even greater understanding of the offense. It's not going to be a breakout performance, but rather a solid one for Sam returning from injury. Feel confident if you have to ride Sam tonight, he's a nice bye week fill.

Running backs Latavius Murray & Jerrick McKinnon; the loss of rookie running back Dalvin Cook hurts, but with Bradford back under center the combination of Murray and McKinnon should fill just fine. Murray is expected to log the majority of carries and if he's close to 100 percent he should be able to provide some of the in-between the tackle presence the running game was missing last season; he's a fade option at running back this week. McKinnon will likely play his regular 3rd down pass catching role, but he's not fantasy worthy tonight.

Wide receivers Stefon Diggs & Adam Thielen; these two are the Vikings wonder twins. Both run great routes, both have great hands, and with Bradford under center, both are worth starting. Also, only a mother can tell these two apart. Unfortunately for the Bears secondary (ranked 4th in the NFL), they don't have any mom's playing safety, so it'll be a long night for them. Diggs and Thilen should both be started.

Tight end Kyle Rudolph; with his starting quarterback returning this week, Rudolph is back in play. Now fantasy owners will need to hold their water as he's only a backend TE1 this week. The Bears are pretty good against the tight end spot, but I like Rudolph as a great candidate for a red zone score.

Quarterback Mitchell Turbisky; the Bears roll out the Trubisky era tonight, but don't expect a welcoming reception from the Vikings defense tonight. It's likely going to be a long night for the rookie, but more importantly for the Bears among the inevitable mistakes he'll make, they are hoping to see a spark on the offensive side of the ball. Trubisky is not worth starting or owning at this time, but tonight it will be interesting to see what he can do.

Running backs Jordan Howard & Tarik Cohen; unfortunately for Thunder and lightning and fantasy owners, the weather's been pretty calm the past couple of weeks and the forecast for tonight does not look stormy. The Vikings are ranked 2nd versus the run, so fantasy owners should temper their expectations. The only good thing to count on, with a rookie quarterback you will see a lot of run and a lot of short passes. Despite the terrible matchup, expect volume for both Howard and Cohen; they'll both be serviceable tonight.

Wide receiver Kendall Wright; it's another one of those cases of Trubisky has to throw the ball to somebody. Wright has emerged as the likely go-to candidate leading the team with 14 receptions for 154 yards, and a touchdown. It's not a promising matchup tonight, especially with the expected growing pains with a rookie quarterback making his first start. If you are desperate, Wright will be a tough start tonight.

Tight end Zach Miller; with a rookie quarterback under the center the expectation is the tight end becomes his security blanket. That is likely the rule to follow here to tonight. Miller (30th ranked TE in PPR) has only 13 grabs this season, but may get caught up in a lot of check downs and short routes to keep his quarterback clean. What this likely means for Miller is a busy night for few yards, but he could salvage things with the potential for a red zone grab; but keep in mind Miller has zero touchdowns in four games.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 13th, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is back in the saddle and after an impressive Monday night updset of the Vikings in week 8, he's looking at prime match up this Sunday. Cutler will square off with the Buccaneers today and facing a secondary that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 18 passing touchdowns (4th most allowed) he's looking at a big day. Upgrade wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey and tight end Zach Miller; must starts today.

The Broncos offense and running game has been less than Super this season, but with the team traveling to New Orleans it could get healthy in a hurry. Rookie running back Devontae Booker and back up Kapri Bibbs could find some room today facing the Saints defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, along with the third most receiving yards. It will be a committee effort, but I would have to lean with Bibbs in PPR.

A couple of injury notes and their impact...

No cornerback Aqib Talib once again for Denver, expect Saints quarterback Drew Brees to attack the Broncos secondary. Upgrade wide receivers Michael Thomas and Brandin Cooks, even Willie Snead slides in as a low risk flex.

The Falcons will be without running back Tevin Coleman, so it will be a lot of Devontae Freeman out of the backfield today.

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will not start, Bryce Petty gets the nod. Downgrade wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 30th 2016
Friday Evening Edition

Friday Fantasy Fix

We've got three weeks in the books and whether or not it's enough info to accurately predict outcomes and performances, doesn't matter I am going to offer my two cents nonetheless.

Here are just some notes, observations, and ridiculous predictions for week 4 of the NFL.

Must Plays...

With 2nd year quarterback Trevor Siemian seemingly growing up week-to-week right before our eyes, there's little doubt the Buccaneers defense is going to challenge the young gunslinger. Last week it was Emmanuel Sanders rising up with the big day, this week I like Demaryius Thomas to come up big. Thomas was only targeted 7 times last week, but still came up big with a solid fantasy day. This week I am expecting even greater.

The Cardinals will have a tough divisional matchup this Sunday against the Rams, but that shouldn't matter to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The 13-year vet leads the team in targets, receptions, yards receiving, and touchdowns, by far and it's not even close. Fitz doesn't look like he's lost a step and this week's matchup should be just another one for books. In two matchups last season, Fitz was targeted 20 times and caught 15 balls. He only totaled 154 yards and didn't score, but this year the savvy vet seems to be finding his way to the end zone. If he gets enough looks, he's going to produce.

I am sure if you've been like me, you have been counting the first three weeks just waiting for Steelers running back LeVeon Bell's suspension to end. Now that it has, it's time to play the kid and expect a heavy does of Bell on Sunday. He's a dual threat who may not see 20 plus carries, but he'll be active in the pass game and be one of Sunday's PPR darlings in week 4. Fantasy owners also note, the Chiefs allow the 11th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and have allowed the 7th most rushing yards this season.

Plan B...

If your starter is on a by this week and you have to go to plan B, the Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker could provide the needed relief. Last week he was stifled against a tough Vikings defensive front, but should have find greater success this week against the Falcons. In three games this season the Atlanta defense is 22nd versus the run and allow the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Another plan B play for week 4 is Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian. He's definitely not playing like a second year quarterback and he has plenty of weapons to dispurse the ball to. The Buccaneers defense will likely stack the box and try to make the kid beat them with his arm; which he may be able to do. Last week Siemian passed for over 300 yards, he could very well follow up with an encorE performance.

Sleepers...

The Saints are on the road this week in San Diego and if you are thinking of playing running back Travaris Cadet, this could be the week. In PPR formats, Cadet could be looking at a big week agains the Chargers defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and has allowed the second most receptions. Cadet is a pass-catching specialist and already has 11 receptions (tied for 8th in NFL for RBs) on 16 targets (tied for 8th in NFL for RBs) this season.

This may not be a true sleeper play, but it's borderline especially in redraft leagues where this guy may not have even made any fantasy teams. They have not played a lot, just three games this season, but I like the combination of wide receiver Mike Wallace's speed and quarterback Joe Flacco's big arm. This Sunday the Ravens host the Raiders, a.k.a the big air secondary; that is the Raiders give up a lot of big plays and Wallace was made for the big play. Wallace is seeing a steady diet of targets thus far and this should continue into Sunday. The Raiders have allowed 16 pass plays of 20 yards or more already this season, which only means Wallace and Flacco will add to that total.

Flyers...

So far this season the Bears have had little to cheer about, but at least fantasy owners have tight end Zach Miller. Last week the former Jaguar had his best game of the season with 8 grabs for 78 yards and two scores. Now he may not score twice again this season, but this week against the Lions secondary worst against opposing tight ends he's looks to be lock to find pay dirt. The Lions allow the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and have surrendered five touchdowns in just three games. I would expect the Bears to be looking for Miller in the red zone on Sunday.

Waiting list...

The Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is expected to see action for the first time this season on Sunday, but if you drafted Jam expecting him to return to form this is probably not the week. Fantasy owners should lower their expectations. In deeper formats, you may have to roll the dice and take a shot, but if you have options this may be a play worth waiting on.

That's my take for Week 4.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 11th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

Last week my horsemen were gangbusters riding high led by quarterback Peyton Manning and his 25 fantasy points (standard scoring). Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (16 fantasy points) and running back Arian Foster (17 fantasy points) also helped pace this small brigade.

Week 10 presents some key matchups, but we’ll be expecting nothing less than solid performances from our four riders as they get set to mount up in just a few short hours.

My week 10 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Eli Manning, NYG)
Last week it was big brother, this week we are looking for little brother Eli Manning to step up with a huge performance this week. Eli and company are on the road today to face the Bengals 18th ranked pass defense. Manning is coming off a very poor performance and will look to rebound. The Bengals allow the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks; Manning will be looking to raise that number.

Running Back (Stevan Ridley, NE)
The Patriots are at home today and the Bills are coming to town. This is great news for running back Stevan Ridley. The Bills are ranked 31st against the run, they allow nearly 170 yards on the ground every week and have given up a league high 14 rushing touchdowns. Ridley has been fantastic in the run game for the Patriots and will see plenty of carries today. He has over 700 yards rushing this season and averages 4.7 yards per carry. His five touchdowns pace the Patriots ground attack; expect Ridley to pace the team today.

Wide Receiver (Kenny Britt, TEN)
The Titans are on the road to face the Dolphins 30th ranked pass defense today and wide receiver Kenny Britt can’t wait. Finally as close to 100% health as he has been all season, Britt will also see the return of his starting quarterback Jake Locker. Locker is the younger and stronger arm under center for the Titans, and he should enable Britt to take advantage of the Dolphins secondary that allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers. It's time for Britt to return to form.

Tight End (Zach Miller, SEA)
The seldom used tight end Zach Miller could suddenly erupt into a fantasy gem today when the Seahawks meet the Jets. Miller has only 8 targets in the last games, but that could change today. The Jets defense allows the 3rd most fantasy points to tight ends and this season have surrendered 6 touchdowns. Miller has just one touchdown grab this season, but he could add to that total today.


By David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (FIRE AND ICE)

October 10th, 2009 2:37pm PST

Fantasy Football
Fire & Ice

(Your weekly Stock Exchange)

The Hottest Stock this week

Week four saw one of the fantasy stock market newer stocks take a huge leap up the charts with a fantastic performance last Sunday. The Jaguars quarter David Garrard was nearly flawless making clutch throws and timely run to lead his team to a surprise week four win. At times Garrard was dominant hitting on all cylinders and completing 27 of 37 passes for over 300 yards in the air.

His 31 fantasy points last week were amongst the best and make this Jaguar not only the hottest stock, but also “Mr. Enfuego” for week four.

Week Four's "Mr. En Fuego"

Photo By Bill Frakes/SI

QB-David Garrard (Jax)-

37 pass attempts, 27 pass completions,

323 yards passing, three touchdowns!!

8 runs, 38 rushing yards.

Aside from your typical weekly stud performers, when playing the fantasy football stock market, the key is finding those hidden gems that have great value and lots of upside and also know which stocks are moving in which direction. After four weeks of action there are plenty more stocks on the move;

Week four Stock Exchange Notes:

The Quarterbacks...
Fire (Rising stock): The old man in Minnesota has suddenly found the fountain of youth once again. Last Monday night Viking’s quarterback Brett Favre had another solid outing passing for 271 yards and throwing three more touchdowns. His recent success has his stock shooting up the charts.
Fire (Rising stock): The Bronco’s quarterback Kyle Orton is not setting any records, but from week to week he is consistently improving. After passing for 243 yards and throwing two touchdowns last week, his stock is on the rise.

The Running Backs...
Fire (Rising stock): In week four running back Rashard Menndenhall had his coming out party with 29 carries for 165 yards and two touchdowns. With a ver favorable matchup this Sunday against the Lions his stock is soaring.
Fire (Rising stock): the Bronco’s rookie running back Knowshon Moreno has been consistently solid the past couple of weeks scoring in each of his past two gaems. With injury elevating him to the starting this role, Moreno’s stock is on the move.
Ice (falling stock): With an ankle injury basically sidelining Patriots running back Fred Taylor indefinitely, his stock is spiraling downward fast. It’s time to dump this stock.

The Wide Receivers...
Fire (Rising stock): Already a waiver wire favorite this week Brown’s rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi appears to be heating up after an eight catch 148 yard performance last Sunday. With a good matchup this week against the Bills secondary, the rookie is climbing fast.
Fire (Rising stock): One of the big reasons the Jaguar’s quarterback was so good last week was the play of wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker. Last Sunday Walker caught seven passes for 91 yards, but two of those grabs were for scores. His stock is moving up the boards quickly.
Ice (falling stock): The Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has been struggling to stay healthy the past several weeks. Last Sunday he returned to action, but caught six passes for just 48 yards. As long as he remains less than 100 percent his stock will likely continue to fall.

The Tight Ends...
Fire (Rising stock): After his fabulous play Monday night second year tight end Jermichael Finley looks like a cash cow ready to pay some nice dividends. Against the Vikings he snagged six catches for 128 yards and score and looked very good doing so. Expect to see his stock continue to rise.
Ice (falling stock): The Raider’s passing game continues to struggle and along with it so will Zach Miller’s stock. The tight end has been seeing fewer balls lately and finished with only three catches last Sunday. Expect to see his stock continue to dwindle.

This Week’s “Stock Trends”
Here’s how they are doing;

Peyton Manning….the Colts quarterback is averaging over 300 yards passing and leads the league with nine touchdown passes.
Ronnie Brown….the Dolphins running back has averaged 122 yards of offense and scored four touchdowns over his last three games.
Pierre Thomas…..the Saints running back has averaged 129 yards of offense and scored three touchdowns in his last two games.
Steve Smith…..the Giants receiver has been on a real tear over his last three games catching 28 passes for 331 yards and four touchdowns.
Brandon Marshall….the Broncos receiver is finally showing some real life averaging 79 yards receiving and a score in his last two starts.
Derrick Mason…..the Raven’s veteran receiver has averaged six catches, 103 yards receiving and a score in his last two starts.
Brent Celek…..the Eagles tight end is just continuing where he left off from last season, with 22 receptions, 245 yards receiving, and two touchdowns to start the 2009 campaign.

Drew Brees…..the Saints quarterback, normally a juggernaut has not passed for more than 200 yards or thrown a touchdown pass in his last two games.
Laurence Maroney…..the Patriots running back is only averaging 19 yards from scrimmage in his last three games.
Earnest Graham…..the Buccaneers running back appears lost in the shuffle with just 11 touches (8 rushes, 3 receptions) this season.
Eddie Royal…..the Bronco’s second year receiver is averaging a meager 14 receiving yards in his first four games this season.
Darius Heyward-Bey…..the Raider’s rookie receiver has only caught two passes this season for only 36 yards.
Laveranues Coles…..the Bengal’s wideout has not been much of a fantasy producer this season and in his last two games he’s averaging a mere 29 yards receiving.

Remember to check back every week for more "Fire & Ice!”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 21st, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy season……

News From Across the Wire....

Zach Miller, TE Oakland Raiders
Zach Miller stated that he did not catch a pass in Week 2 because the Chiefs spent a great deal of attention on him in their defensive gameplan, according to the Contra Costa Times. He said, "They were paying extra attention to me, a little bit of bracket coverage, making sure a guy was trying to jam me or wall me. They made sure that I was not too involved."
My Fantasy read on Miller: The Raiders will face a tough Broncos defense in week 3. It would make sense to expect Mike Nolan’s defense to follow the same gameplan. Although the Bronco’s linebackers have yet to be tested this season, it’s always tough to leave your starters on the bench. Unless you have better options, Miller is the only consistent pass receiver the team has…..

Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Morning News reports that Marion Barber's quad injury is just a strain, and not considered serious.
My Fantasy read on Barber: While the news is encouraging, the season is long and the team still has plenty to play. With a loaded backfield filled with talent, I wouldn’t expect the Cowboys to rush Barber back unless he’s 100 percent. Check the practice reports this week before inserting him in your line-ups….

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Updating an earlier report, Matt Hasselbeck is hopeful of playing in Week 3 against Chicago after suffering a fractured rib Sunday at San Francisco, according to the Seattle Times.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: Considering Hasselbeck’s recent injury history and the fact that quarterback Donovan McNabb is missing action due to the same type of injury, it’s doubtful we’ll see the Seahawk’s quarterback on Sunday. Owners should start making other plans…..

Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints
Joining in on the Mike Bell speculation on Monday, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer tweeted that Bell probably won't play this Sunday even though his knee injury is not as bad as the Saints had originally feared.
My Fantasy read on Bell: The Saints have two healthy backs, Thomas and Bush, if there’s a chance Bell is less than 100 percent on Sunday it would make sense to sit him or at least limit his touches. Owners shouldn’t expect a lot from Bell in week 3 unless his health improves…..

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos
After a disappointing Week 1 effort where he rushed for only 19 yards on eight carries, Knowshon Moreno carried the ball 17 times for 75 yards in the Broncos win over the Browns on Sunday.
My Fantasy read on Moreno: It looks like Moreno is emerging as the Bronco’s main rushing focal point. Although Buckhalter was as successful on the ground, Moreno had 19 touches to Buck’s 12. Expect to see this trend continue with Moreno’s production increasing along the way….

Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints
Updating an earlier item, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Lance Moore's hamstring injury is not as serious as it could have been, and that he very well may play this Sunday against the Bills.
My Fantasy read on Moore: Whether he plays or not, he’s not likely to have the same type of impact as he did a year ago. With Devery Henderson playing as well as he is and Marques Colston returning to his number one option role, Moore may now be low man on the totem pole, even behind Robert Meachum….

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall caught only three balls for 34 yards in the Broncos win over the Browns on Sunday, according to the Denver Post.
My Fantasy read on Marshall: It looks like Marshall could be feeling the ill effects of missing much of training camp and not learning the offense. He still has a lot to catch up on, but McDaniels understands the talent Brandon posses, expect his production to gradually increase week to week….


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....