Author: davidgfunk

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

 

 

A lot of games on the slate today for Sunday Week 10 and with fantasy playoffs fast approaching it begs the obvious question, who are you starting and sitting today?

GB @ CHI

The Bears have a pretty good defense, so I am not expecting much from the Packers offense. I am sitting Ty Montgomery today. With Aaron Jones having earned the starting backfield duties, Montgomery will be limited. Since returning from injury Montgomery is averaging just 7.3 touches per game.

CLE @ DET

The Browns do a pretty good job against the run and the Lions don’t run the ball well, so I am starting Marvin Jones Jr. The Lions will once again have to rely on Stafford and the pass and Jones (No.15 fantasy WR in PPR) has been trending upward for weeks now.

PIT @ IND

With Martavis Bryant back and the emergence of JuJu Smith-Schuster, I am starting Big Ben today. He’ll be a JuJu-Bee special today against the Colts!

LAC @ JAX

The Jags are tough against the pass and while I might not be sitting Keenan Allen today (but not expecting a lot), I am starting running back Melvin Gordon. Gordon is the No.5 fantasy RB in PPR and the Jags yield a lot of yards on the ground (125 yds/game).

NO @ BUF

The Saints have been good this season, but traditionally they do not travel well. That being the case here, they will have a tough matchup against a good Bills defense. While I’d be nervous starting any of the Saints, I am starting running back Alvin Kamara. He’ll see his usual workload today and I love his contributions in the pass game; 37 receptions this season.

NYJ @ TB

With a road game today, I am starting Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson against a terrible Bucs defense. Anderson has been trending in the right direction and the Bucs allow the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

MIN @ WASH

With Redskins tight end Jordan Reed on the shelf for Sunday, I am starting Vernon Davis. I am not expecting a big output, but he should provide decent numbers for owners in a bind today.

CIN @ TEN

After five straight games with less than 60 rushing yards, I am sitting Titans running back DeMarco Murray. Murray has been dinged up most of the season. He doesn’t look right, he’s not producing, and right now he’s too risky to trust.

HOU @ LAR

With the Rams rolling and the offense playing well this season, I am starting quarterback Jared Goff. The 2nd year passer has played very well this season and I love this matchup against the Texans at home. Over the past two weeks, the Texans secondary has been toasted for 760 yards passing and 6 touchdowns.

DAL @ ATL

This game is being forecast as a potential shootout and along with Julio Jones, I will be starting Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. The Cowboys have allowed 10 touchdowns to opposing receivers and with a lot of attention focused on Julio, I think Sanu sneaks one in.

NYG @ SF

With a road matchup today against the Niners, I am starting Giants running back Orleans Darkwa against one of the league’s worst run defenses (allow 135.6 yards/game). I expect to see Darkwa receive a heavy workload and have success today.

NE @ DEN

The Broncos offense has struggled mightily for several weeks now, but tonight against the Patriots I am starting wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Broncos receiver is coming off a 8/70/1 stat line; he’ll the main focal point of the pass game against secondary that has allowed the 5th most receptions and 3rd most receiving yards to opposing receivers.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

RB-Jeremy Hill (ankle); The Bengals placed Hill on the Injured Reserve ending his season. For fantasy owners, this changes little. Rookie running back Joe Mixon has been the lead backs for weeks, but will now also pick up short yardage and goal-line duties increasing his long term fantasy value.

WR-Will Fuller (knee); the Texans wide receiver is not listed on the team’s injury report. Fuller will be a go for Sunday, but faces a tough matchup against a stingy Rams defense allowing the 5th fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. With Watson out and Savage in, Fuller’s shine has dimmed significantly; he’s a borderline WR3/4 this week.

TE-Delanie Walker (ankle); the Titan’s tight is listed as questionable and could be a huge risky play this week for owners. Walker played through the injury last week and even though he’ll be at less than 100 percent (if he goes), he’s still in line to see a healthy dose of snaps. Walker remains a TE1 this week.

WR-Julio Jones (ankle); the Falcons wide receiver is not listed on the team’s injury report. Jones will be all-systems-go on Sunday and a must-start against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

WR-Dez Bryant (ankle); the Cowboys playmaking receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday, but looks like he’ll be out there on Sunday. The Falcons have been pretty good against opposing receivers, but with the Cowboys minus Zeke, Sunday could become more of the Dez and Dak show.

WR-Chris Hogan (shoulder); the Patriots wide receiver has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with the Bronco’s No Fly Zone defense. With Hogan out, this should open more opportunities for both Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola.

RB-Matt Forte (knee); the Jets running back has been ruled out for Sunday. With Forte sidelined, Bilal Powell a borderline RB1 this week should handle lead duties, but Elijah McGuire will also figure in the mix as a low-end flex and DFS flier.

WR-Michael Thomas (ankle); the Saints receiver is not listed on team’s injury report. Thomas has been steady this season, but not spectacular. The Saints are away this week at Buffalo, with Thomas being a low-end WR2 against a Bills secondary that allows the 7th fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers.

WR-TY Hilton (groin); the Colts wide receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Steelers. While Hilton is expected to play, he’ll be a huge risk option with the potential for a setback; owners should proceed with caution.

WR-Stefon Diggs (tooth); the Vikings wide receiver was not listed on the team’s final injury report. Diggs will be on the field Sunday drawing lots of attention from the Redskins Josh Norman, which could open up some opportunities for Adam Thielen.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

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

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

Start or Sit

 (Sunday’s Games)

Marcus Mariota (start) The Titans are on the road this week, but that shouldn’t slow quarterback Marcus Mariota. Currently the No.10 fantasy QB Mariota will look to increase his numbers today against a Texans defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks; start him.

Marquise Lee (start) How often will you hear anyone say to start a Jaguars receiver. With Allen Robinson done for the season, Lee who emerged in the second half of last season has started to become more active with 19 targets over his last two games. If he stays involved today, look for him to find the end zone for the first time this season.

Kelvin Benjamin (start) The Panthers wide out was removed from the injury report, so he should be good to go and I like him today against the Patriots. The Pats have allowed the 5th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers; start Benjamin.

Adam Thielen (start) The Vikings passing game has received a new injection with the surprise play of quarterback Case Keenum. Through the two weeks Keenum has started, Thielen has been effective; 10 receptions for 142 yards over the past 2 weeks. I expect another productive day from Thielen, start him.

Austin Hopper (sit) The Falcons tight end has not been a big part of the offense this early part of the season with just 6 targets through 3 games. Don’t expect Hooper to get kickstarted today against a Bills defense that has been stingy against opposing tight ends.

Joe Flacco (sit) After last weeks dismal performance, I don’t expect there are too many rolling with Flacco today. He should have been on your bench last week and that’s where he should stay today. The Steelers defense limits opposing quarterbacks to the 3rd fewest fantasy points, sit no go Joe.

Isaiah Crowell (sit) Crowell has quietly become a forgotten man in fantasy through the first three weeks. Crowell was expected to be a top 20 fantasy runner, currently No.40 in PPR, today’s matchup against the Bengals is not likely to help his cause. Sit the Crow.

Sammy Watkins (start) This is a gut call, but I also like the matchup. Watkins will be available week 4 and the big play receiver should have success working against a Cowboys secondary that has allowed the 5th most receptions and 4 touchdowns to opposing receivers. Start Sammy.

 

Travis Benjamin (start) A Philip Rivers favorite in the passing game it seems, Benjamin was pretty good a week ago with 5 receptions for 105 yards receiving. The two should have no problem keeping this combo rolling against an Eagles defense that has allowed the most receptions to opposing receivers. Start him.

Paul Perkins (sit) The Giants run game has been non-existent and even more so running back Paul Perkins has done nothing through three games. He may eventually get things turned around, but too risky to chance today. Sit Perkins.

Chris Johnson (start) CJ2K looked a little rusty last week, so with another week of practicing perhaps he can get his wheels spinning into a higher gear. He’s got the matchup to make some noise today against the Niner’s 22nd ranked run defense.

Jamaal Charles (start) This is not too bold, but it’s risky, start Jam today against the Raiders. Last week Charles played out as a nice flex option with 56 yards and a score. He’ll get a few more carries today and I like his chances to break one against the league’s 19th ranked run defense (Raiders).

Paul Richardson (start) The Seahawks receiver has had a nose for the end zone in the early going this season with two scores. The Colts allow the 9th most fantasy points to opposing WRs, I like Richardson here to be more involved, especially with Baldwin less than 100 percent. Start Richardson.

 

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

RB-Carlos Hyde; the Niners running back is dealing with a hip injury and is a game-time call. He’s practiced all week in limited fashion, so there’s a chance he plays, but given the nature of the injury and the concern there seems to exist, Hyde could be a real risky play. I would lean with other options, if available.

WR-JJ Nelson; the Cards receiver is questionable, but expected to play on Sunday. After his donut last week with only three targets, he’ll be a risky play and hard to trust. I would prefer to see him back to 100 percent before inserting him back in my lineup.

WR-John Brown; the Cards are saying Brown will play, but after sitting two games he’s a wait and see option. I like him going forward and will watch him this week with a close eye.

WR-Julio Jones; the Falcons wide receiver was removed from the team’s injury report on Friday. It will be all systems go for the playmaking receiver on Sunday. He’s my top ranked wideout for week 4.

WR-Doug Baldwin; the Seahawks receiver returned to practice on Friday, but there’s no questions he still not back to 100 percent. He’s likely to play this week, but I’m not looking for much from Baldwin. I’ll be sitting him and hoping he gets through the week with no setbacks.

WR-Michael Crabtree; the Raiders receiver has been downgraded to doubtful and should be removed from your lineups this week. With Crabtree likely out, wide receiver Amari Cooper gets a bump in value in a tough Week 4 matchup.

RB-CJ Prosise; the Seahawks running back is doubtful for Sunday as expected. It will be Chris Carson and likely JD McKissic according to head coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks backfield is a muddled situation and Carson is really the only back this week that carries any value.

WR-Amari Cooper; the Raiders receiver was removed from the team’s injury report. That’s good news for Cooper, but for owners the bad news is his recent dings have had little to do with his recent struggles. He’s going to be mid-WR2 this week with a tough matchup against the Broncos.

RB-Jalen Richard; the Raiders passing catching back was removed from the team’s injury report. With the likely absence of Crabtree this week, Richard could see even more play in the passing game. He’s a low-end flex this week.

RB-Melvin Gordon; the Chargers starting running returned to a full practice on Friday. He’s still dinged up, but will be a go on Sunday. He’s my No.11 fantasy RB this week.

WR-Mike Williams; the Chargers rookie wide receiver has been ruled out for week 4. The rookie is close as there was some thought he may play. Even when he does return to the field this season, at least in the early going he’s going to be nothing more than a stash until owners see what he can do.

TE-Delanie Walker; the Titans tight end was removed from the team’s injury report. Walker should be ready to roll on Sunday against the Texans, he’s my No.5 fantasy TE this week.

RB-Matt Forte; the Jets veteran running back has been ruled out for Sunday. With Forte shelved, running back Bilal Powell will start and likely see a larger share of the workload this week. Even with Forte out, Powell is considered a low-end flex at best.

RB-Rex Burkhead; the Patriots running back entered the regular season with a lot of hype, but recent injuries have really derailed his opportunities. He is listed as doubtful, although he did return to practice Friday, so he’s close to returning. Right now Burkhead is merely a stash in deeper leagues.

WR-Kenny Golladay; the Lions rookie receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday after missing the team’s last two practices. And while he has not been ruled out, owners should go ahead and avoid. Golladay hasn’t done much since his fast two score start in week one.

TE-Jack Doyle; the Colts tight end has been removed from the team’s injury report. He’s the No.17 fantasy tight end in PPR and my No.16 this week. He’s not your starter, but worth rostering as a bye week fill (if the matchup is right).

RB-Duke Johnson; the Browns running back is off the team’s injury report and is a viable flex option this week. He’s my No.29 fantasy RB in PPR.

WR-Kelvin Benjamin; the Panthers receiver has been removed from the team’s week 4 injury report which is good news for owners. Benjamin has a great matchup this week against the Patriots, but he also did last week against the Saints before exiting early. He’s a borderline flex option this week, but as long as he remains in the game he’s got potential to haul in some passes. He could be a boom or bust this week.

WR-Jamison Crowder; the Redskins receiver is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, but he did practice on Saturday; a good indication he’ll be available Monday, Crowder was quiet last week in a game where Cousins passed for over 300-yards; it’s hard to trust him at the moment until we see something. He’s a WR3/WR4 for week 4.

TE-Jordan Reed; the Redskins tight end is listed as questionable although the sense is he plays. Just the same like last week, if you can plan it have back up tight Vernon Davis loaded in your holster in case Reed is a scratch.

That’s My Take.
~David Ortega