Wednesday Edition
December 5th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
The Strong Arms of the Fantasy Law
Schaub Could be the Goods in Week 14
Quarterback Matt Schaub has been on and off the fantasy radar much of the season leading the Texans balanced offense. This week Schaub faces the Patriots 29th ranked pass defense on Monday night in what could be a great matchup for fantasy owners. Schaub is very capable of having a big night against the Pats who allow the 11th most fantasy points to quarterbacks and have surrendered 22 touchdowns this season. Unless you have a much better option, this is the week to play Schaub.
Eli Ready to Lead Fantasy Playoff Charge
The Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been relatively quiet the past six weeks, passing for more than 250 yards in just one of his last five starts. This Sunday could be just what the fantasy doctor ordered with the Saints marching in. Eli will face the leagues 30th ranked pass defense that allows the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 23 touchdowns. For those owners looking to ride Eli to a fantasy championship, this could be the great start needed with the Falcons and Ravens to follow.
Romo’s Hot Hand Could Carry into Week 14
The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been on a roll the last three weeks surpassing 300-yards passing in each game. It seems Romo has caught fire just in time for the fantasy playoffs and he’s coming off back to back three passing touchdown performances. He’ll have his work cut out this week against the Bengals 11th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Romo should be a worthy play in deeper formats this week.
Ryan Could be Risky in Week 14
Matt Ryan has been struggling of late and his slumping could not have come at a worse time. In his last three starts Ryan has only tossed two touchdowns and has seven turnovers. The Falcons are on the road this Sunday facing the Panthers 8th ranked passing defense that does a pretty good job of getting after the quarterback (28 sacks); a tough matchup for Ryan. If you are counting on a big turnaround for Ryan heading into the fantasy postseason, it could be a risky undertaking this week; consider other options if available.
Freeman Has a Top 10 Matchup this week
The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has been playing much of the 2012 campaign in the shadows of the fantasy big names, but with 23 passing touchdowns and 3,003 yards passing he’s worth consideration. In deeper formats Freeman is a viable option this week and facing the Eagles 16th ranked pass defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to quarterbacks he’s a top 10 play; start him if you got him.
Just a few of my takes for week 14.
By David Ortega
Tuesday Edition
December 4th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
Alex Green Value on the Rise
The recent rumor circulating concerning the Packers backfield, running back James Starks could be done for the season. Starks suffered a knee injury on Sunday and the word going round is it could shut him down for the remainder of the season. This is all just speculation at this time, but if Starks is done running back Alex Green will lead the parade in the Packers backfield. It’s no secret the Packers throw the ball, so even running a solo show Green is no more than a safe flex.
Luck is a Lock for the Fantasy Post Season
The Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has scored no fewer than 15 fantasy points (standard scoring) in each of his last three starts, including 36 points last Sunday on the road against the Lions. This week Luck is at home (where he’s been consistent) and he is matching up against the Titans 25th ranked pass defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Unless you have better options, Luck should be in your lineup this week.
Tight End Brandon Pettigrew Seeing More Action
The Lions have placed wide receiver Titus Young on injured reserve and with Ryan Broyles also on the IR, tight end Brandon Pettigrew will likely see more action going forward. Currently Pettigrew is second (by far) on the team with 99 targets this season and has been targeted 39 times in his last four games. The Lions face the Packers on Sunday night in what could likely turn out to be a shootout and another busy game for Pettigrew. The Lions tight end is a mid level TE1 this week and should be in your lineup.
Wide Receiver Dez Bryant Rising with the Cream
The Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has emerged into a bonafide fantasy stud this season. Throughout the course of the season Bryant has had his nice games and solid outings, but in the last three weeks he’s elevated to a new platform among the elite. In his last three starts Bryant has caught 26 passes for 388 yards and five touchdowns; he’s also scored in four straight games. Bryant is a must start and top five WR right in time for the fantasy postseason.
Tight End Brandon Myers is in Play this Week
The Raiders tight end Brandon Myers is coming off a huge game in week 13 versus the Browns; 14 receptions, 130 yards receiving, and a touchdown. Myers has clearly become one of quarterback Carson Palmer’s favorite targets; 51 targets in his last five games. This week Myers will face the Broncos secondary that has proven to be susceptible to opposing tight ends. The Broncos allow the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends and have surrendered 9 touchdowns. If you’ve been riding the Myers train recently, stay onboard, week 14 should be a good trip.
These are just a few of my takes for week 14.
By David Ortega
Sunday Edition
December 2nd, 2012
The Four Horsemen
My week 13 fantasy picks…
Quarterback (Peyton Manning)
The Sheriff (Peyton Manning) is in town or rather back home this week and he squares off against the leagues number 32nd ranked pass defense. The Buccaneers are stout against the run, but struggle versus the pass this season allowing a league high 315 yards passing per game. Manning should have a field day carving up the Bucs secondary (18 touchdowns allowed this season) for three bills (300 yards) and three dimes (touchdowns). The Bucs defense also allows the 9th most fantasy points to quarterbacks; a good reason to start Manning with great confidence.
Running Back (Michael Bush)
The Bears will have running back Matt Forte (ankle) on the field today, but with a sore wheel I would expect to see a lot of Michael Bush today; especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Bush is not going to find too many holes today against the Seahawks 12th ranked run defense (7 rushing touchdowns allowed this season), but his power style between the tackles could find some success around the goal line and earn him a couple of trips to pay-dirt. Bush is nothing more than a flex option, but a favorable play in touchdown heavy leagues.
Wide Receiver (Hakeem Nicks)
The Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has slowly been healing his way back to health and now (at the right time with fantasy playoffs approaching) he’s getting closer to full health and ready to be a huge fantasy impact player. Nicks led the Giants passing attack last week with 5 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. This week Nicks will face the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers; a great matchup and great opportunity for Nicks to have a big Monday night.
Tight End (Owen Daniels)
The Titans defense is ranked 27th against the pass this season and allow the 4th most fantasy points to tight ends. That’s all the reason to start the Texans tight end Owen Daniels today. Another reason, Daniels (six touchdowns) is one of quarterback Matt Schaubs’ primary weapons in the passing game and will look to improve on his 47 receptions and 555 yards receiving. Daniels is a top 5 start today; get him in your lineup.
By David Ortega
Sunday Edition
December 2nd, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
Bad Weather is Good News for Spiller
The Bills running back CJ Spiller (830 yards rushing in 2012) could be looking at a heavy load today with the weather forecast predicting rain and wind. Spiller has been the most consistent back in the Bills backfield and will take the lead reins today. Facing the Jaguars 29th ranked run defense, Spiller is looking at possibly his best game of the season; a must-start today.
Rodgers Set for a Big Game with a Full Arsenal
The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (28 touchdowns in 2012) will enjoy the return of wide receiver Greg Jennings today. Although Jennings may be brought along slowly, the Vikings defense will still need to account for him along with Nelson and Cobb. Rodgers will be looking to bounce back after a sub-par game against the Giants last week; in his last two matchups against the Vikings Rodgers has torched them for 585 yards and 7 touchdowns. Today should be just another Sunday slinging the rock for Rodgers.
Thomas Looking for a Breakout Day
The Broncos wide receiver Demaryrius Thomas is having a fine 2012 campaign, but today could be particularly huge for the playmaker. Thomas and Manning have connected six times for scores this season, a number that could grow exponentially when the two square off against the Bucs today. The Buccaneers secondary is ranked last in the league against the pass and have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers (including 11 touchdowns); analysis, big game for Thomas.
Clark Looking to take Advantage of Broncos D
The Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark has become one of quarterback Josh Freeman’s trusted go-to targets and after a slow start this season, Clark’s numbers are starting to rise. Those number should continue to rise even more today facing the Broncos secondary that has struggled against tight ends in recent weeks. The Broncos allow the most fantasy points to tight ends making Clark (31 receptions and 3 touchdowns in 2012) a top 10 fantasy play for week 13.
These are just a few of my takes for week 13.
By David Ortega
Saturday Edition
December 1st, 2012
Suicide Fantasy Football
Week 13
What a mess it was in my backfield last week with running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Ronnie Hillman. Dwyer becomes part of the fumbling parade and Hillman hardly makes it off the sideline, just three carries for 9 yards.
Despite the disparity at the running back position my week 12 lineup survived with some solid play at the wide receiver position (Dez Bryant-35.10 points, Justin Blackman-18.40 points) as well as a few other spots. Tight end Jacob Tamme chipped in with 14.80 points (4 receptions, 48 yards, 1 touchdown) and the Rams defense was solid with 18 points (2 sacks, 4 interceptions).
All in all my picks last week move my team up the charts and we are back in the top twenty this week at 19. With the season now running out of weeks (just four left) it’s time to make a big push up the charts.
Here’s my week 13 picks;
My Line-up
Quarterback:
The Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been terrific in 2012, but funny his name has hardly made too many waves in some fantasy circles. Brady has thrown for 3,299 yards (5th in the NFL) this season and tossed 24 touchdowns (4th) to just three interceptions. Brady once again ranks at the top with the best passers in the league and with a matchup this Sunday against the Dolphins 26th ranked pass defense he looks to only improve his incredible numbers. The Dolphins defense allows the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks, something that will surely rise after Sunday.
Running Backs:
No repeat of week 12 here with Eagles running back Bryce Brown. With LeSean McCoy still laid up, Brown will get the start on Sunday against the Cowboys 13th ranked run defense. Last Monday night Brown tore through the Panthers run defense for 178 yards, something that will be difficult to repeat, but with Mike Vick still on the sidelines the Eagles will once again lean on the ground game. Brown is a safe start this week for my lineup and a nice flex option or low value RB2 against the Cowboys who allow the 16th most fantasy points to running backs.
My other ball carrier this week is the Giants Ahmad Bradshaw and this start could not come at a better time. Bradshaw appears to be the healthiest he’s been all season and with Andre Brown on IR Bradshaw is likely to see extra duties in the red zone. This week Bradshaw faces the Redskins 3rd ranked run defense, a tough matchup, but Bradshaw will contribute on the ground and in the air (61 receiving yards last week); a dual threat Bradshaw is favorable flex.
Wide Receivers:
It’s time to ride the hot hands of Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts and why not, this week he’s facing the Bills 18th ranked pass defense that allows the 11th most fantasy points to wide receivers. Shorts is riding a three game scoring streak and will have an excellent shot at extending to four against the secondary that has 14 touchdowns to wide receivers this season.
My other wide out this week is Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles. He had a hot hand last week playing in the shadow of Megatron; Broyles finished last Thursday’s game with six catches for 126 yards. The rookie receiver posted nice numbers that may be difficult to duplicate, but with Megatron on the other side drawing much attention, Broyles figures to see plenty of action (12 targets last week). The Lions face the Colts this week meaning Broyles will have a shot at the Indy’s 19th ranked pass defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to receivers. Megatron figures to take advantage on Sunday, but look for Broyles to grab his share as a low value WR3 or flex this week.
Tight End:
The Giants meet the Redskins on Monday and tight end Martellus Bennett is hoping to have a repeat performance to his week 7 showing (against the Redskins). Bennett has been up and down this season, but could figure prominently against the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends. Bennett is low end TE1 in deeper formats this week.
Place Kicker:
This is always a position that is a tough read most of the time, but this week I will play the odds and roll with the Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey. Playing at home this week, the Cowboys have not necessarily enjoyed the sweet taste of home cooking, so struggles in the red zone could arise. The Cowboys will face a struggling Eagles team that could give up plenty of yards, but make finding the end zone troublesome; I like Bailey to chip in a handful on Sunday.
Team Defense:
With the offense having to settle for kicks, the Cowboys defense is going to have to come up big on Sunday. This should be something easier done than usual with the Eagles coming to town less quarterback Michael Vick, running back LeSean McCoy, and wide receiver DeSean Jackson. I am looking for the Cowboys D to pin it’s ear back and make plenty of plays on Sunday against an Eagles offense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
These are my picks for week 13.
By David Ortega
