Passing
Game Thoughts: The Bills’ pass catchers were all
completely irrelevant in fantasy – at least until Tuesday.
We’ll get to that in a bit. As for Tyrod Taylor, he had
his best fantasy outing of the season against these same Jets
in Week 1. In that game, Taylor threw for 224 yards, which is
second highest total on the season, and two touchdowns while adding
38 rushing yards. I generally hate advocating streaming players
on Thursdays, especially low ceiling QBs, but Taylor is going
to be a borderline QB1 option on a week where Rivers, Brady, and
Roethlisberger are on bye and Dalton is facing Jacksonville. I’d
gladly sign for a repeat of his Week 1 performance.
Who Taylor will throw to is anyone’s guess. Last week,
Andre Holmes caught a touchdown, but he only saw four targets,
equal to Jordan Matthews. Zay Jones saw five targets, which was
the most out of the pass catchers. Taylor completed 20 passes
to a total of nine different receivers. There is one receiver
he has that he didn’t throw a pass to last week. That’s
Kelvin Benjamin, whom the Bills acquired in a deadline deal Tuesday
afternoon. It is impossible to know how quickly the Bills will
be able to integrate him into the offense. I expect him to play
Thursday, but with just two days to study and one real day of
practice, at best, there’s no way he will be anywhere near
up to speed. Those with Benjamin need to severely temper expectations
in his Bills debut, but his raw athletic ability could be enough
to at least generate passable numbers.
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.10
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.9
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.9
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.5
Running Game Thoughts: LeSean McCoy is fresh off another monster
performance. McCoy led the team with 27 carries, seven targets,
six receptions, and 151 rushing yards. It was McCoy’s first
truly transcendent performance where he merged volume with efficiency.
McCoy touched the ball a total of 33 times and while he only amassed
22 yards on his six receptions, he averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
In addition to being anti-Thursday games in general, I am not
enamored with the fact that McCoy is playing on a Thursday after
such a heavy workload, but as a heavy McCoy owner myself, we will
just have to hope he can avoid injury and then take his 10 day
break to rest up. Prior to Week 7, McCoy’s best game of
the season was Week 1 against the Jets (22-110-0, 5-49). My only
concern for Shady this week is what I perceive to be an increased
injury risk. If he can make it through the game, an elite performance
is a near certainty.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Another week, another multi-touchdown game
for Josh McCown. It’s just what he does. McCown should be
considered an every week starting option at this point. He’s
usually good for a turnover or two (although he was clean last
week), but we take the good with the bad with a guy who has been
startable in every game except the one against the best defense
in the league (Jacksonville). McCown once again did it with Robby
Anderson, who caught his second touchdown in as many weeks. Anderson
caught all six of his targets for 104 yards and the aforementioned
score. He’s become a viable flex option. Jermaine Kearse
is just too inconsistent to rely on while Austin Seferian-Jenkins
continues to do the pass catcher version of plod his way to fantasy
numbers. ASJ only managed 28 yards last week, but he caught all
five of his targets, which is passable in PPR formats.
BUF FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.20
BUF FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.25
BUF FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.21
BUF FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.10
Running Game Thoughts: I’ll be honest – I have no
idea what the Jets are doing at running back. Elijah McGuire doesn’t
play much anymore, but Bilal Powell and Matt Forte are still forming
an incredibly undesirable committee. Powell dominated carries
last week 14-4. Neither he nor Forte was particularly effective
as the two combined for just 40 rushing yards. Forte led the team
in targets with seven, catching six for 45 yards. Powell caught
all three of his targets for 28 yards. I still think Powell has
RB2 upside if Forte would ever go away, but the latter seems less
and less likely to happen. Both backs completely face-planted
in Week 1 against the Bills, combining for 13 carries for 38 yards.
I see no reason to be optimistic about either one. On a short
week, look elsewhere if you can.
Passing
Game Thoughts: When we last saw Jared Goff, he was dismantling
the Cardinals in a 33-0 shutout two weeks ago. The NFL’s
best offense is rested and refreshed following the bye and now
visits the Giants in their lost season. Goff is a legitimate starting
option this week and the prospects of his top receiver, Robert
Woods, only improved Tuesday when Janoris Jenkins was suspended
indefinitely. The Giants have problems that run deep and this
is probably Ben McAdoo’s last season. The Rams are poised
to take advantage. Woods has caught five passes in each of his
last three games although he doesn’t yet have a touchdown
on the season. Those have been reserved for Cooper Kupp, who saw
a season high 10 targets against Arizona. Kupp has three touchdowns
on the year and is a worthy flex play as the de facto number two
receiver for Goff. Sammy Watkins has been an afterthought in this
offense and is droppable in all formats.
NYG FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.8
NYG FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.19
NYG FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.18
NYG FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.1
Running Game Thoughts: Todd Gurley is the top scoring non-quarterback
in fantasy thus far. He has been one of the best values of 2017.
He comes with a very high weekly floor and the only thing standing
between him and RB1 overall honors is durability, which he has
shown plenty of during his NFL career. Gurley has four 100-yard
rushing games this year and has rushed for five touchdowns while
adding three receiving scores as well. He’s a true three-down
all purpose back and is no match for the Giants. This is a game
the Rams should control, making it a near certainty that Gurley
touches the ball 25+ times. You start Gurley with confidence.
Passing
Game Thoughts: The Giants offense will revolve around Sterling
Shepard, who should be close to 100% recovered from his ankle
sprain, and Evan Engram, the Giants elite rookie TE1. Engram is
uncoverable by linebackers and a challenge for cornerbacks. He
had 12 targets in his last game and has been on the precipice
of a monster game for weeks. This could be it. The Giants can’t
run the ball so Eli Manning should be tossing up the rock a bunch
of times. He’s averaged 41 pass attempts in the Giants’
six losses and half of those passes could easily go to Engram
and Shepard, who is now the Giants’ number one receiver.
Manning’s volume stemming from projected negative game script
could push him to QB1 numbers this week. Aside from his two faceplants
against Denver and Seattle, Manning has actually been serviceable.
He threw multiple scores in the three games before those two and
could do it again this week.
LAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.24
LAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.2
LAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.26
LAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.27
Running Game Thoughts: Orleans Darkwa is technically the Giants’
lead back, but he has pretty much split snaps with Wayne Gallman.
The two have formed an undesirable committee with Shane Vereen
on passing downs. Ideally, Paul Perkins is inactive and one of
Darkwa or Gallman claims the role with the former being likely.
Darkwa is the best bet for a touchdown, but I would not consider
that an endeavor worth pursuing. He is averaging 5.4 yards per
carry, but outside of the Denver game, he hasn’t seen the
volume to make you feel confident having him in your starting
lineup. Gallman is only averaging 3.9 ypc making both RBs undesirable
options this week.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Great job cutting Kyle Sloter before the
season Denver. Your team definitely didn’t need to gamble
and see if he has anything. Instead, you now get the pleasure
of starting Brock Osweiler. Enjoy! What a disaster this is going
to be. It is hard to imagine anyone not named DeShone Kizer can
really be worse than Trevor Siemian has played, but if there is
one man up for the task, it’s Osweiler. Brocksteady has
been anything but over the course of his six year career. He has
a career completion percentage under 60% and when we last saw
him starting in Houston, he was throwing more interceptions (16)
than touchdowns (15). This is a lateral move, at best for Denver.
Demaryius Thomas will continue to a middling WR3 for as long
as he is not catching touchdowns, which has been for the entire
season. Thomas is on pace for just 80 catches, which would be
the lowest of his career since he was having balls thrown to him
by Tim Tebow. Thomas was an elite WR1 with elite Peyton Manning.
I’m not saying he’s a product of his QB, but his elite
play certainly was. With the medley of Osweiler, Seimian, and
a little Paxton Lynch, Thomas has been more of a WR2 and has barely
been a WR3 in 2017.
Emmanuel Sanders missed his last two games with his lingering
ankle injury, but looks poised to return this week, albeit certainly
at less than 100%. He has been more of a WR2 and has always been
the better value as his numbers are close to, if not better than
Thomas at a cheaper cost. Sanders was averaging 8.4 targets with
Siemian, which is right around his career average since he came
to Denver. Bennie Fowler is a truly horrendous football player
and has no business being on a football field, let alone starting.
If Sanders can’t go, you don’t want Fowler anyway.
A.J. Derby is nothing more than a last gasp TE stream.
PHI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.7
PHI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.28
PHI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.14
PHI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.8
Running Game Thoughts: Jamaal Charles is clearly the best RB on
this team right now and Vance Joseph is also clearly in over his
head as an NFL head coach. Charles is never going to get a chance,
which is almost unfathomable given that he’s averaging 4.7
yards per carry and, oh by the way, he’s Jamaal Charles.
C.J. Anderson had 78 yards on 15 carries last week, which was
more than his last two games combined. Devontae Booker continues
to eat into Anderson’s snaps and apparently Joseph said
that Booker would have been the starter heading into the season
if healthy. Booker could be a surprise value over the second half
of the season if he can usurp Anderson. The Eagles have the league’s
top rushing defense so this one is not easy, especially in a game
where the Broncos will be trailing and throwing a lot. If you’re
starting a Broncos’ RB, you’re hoping for receptions.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Week 4 was the last time Carson Wentz didn’t
throw multiple touchdowns in a game. Week 3 was the only other
time he threw just a single score. Even in a rain soaked blowout
where he only threw for 211 yards, Wentz still managed two touchdown
passes. The matchup against Denver is less than ideal and Wentz
has not yet reached matchup proof status, but unless your other
option is really good, you’re not sitting a QB as hot as
Wentz.
As for his receivers, you can certainly consider benching them.
Alshon Jeffery got lucky and caught a long touchdown pass last
week. I say lucky because there is no way he should have scored
on that play. It was embarrassing by San Francisco. The touchdown
salvaged his day, but this is now two games in a row with just
two receptions. Jeffery has caught three balls or fewer in five
games this season and just isn’t a big part of the passing
attack. That’s reserved for superstar Zach Ertz, who caught
another touchdown last week. He’s only not caught a touchdown
in three games this season. The TE is how to beat Denver as Travis
Kelce demonstrated last week making Ertz locked in as an elite
TE1 play. I’d say Nelson Agholor came back to reality last
week, but the truth is he never really left. Agholor’s touchdown
streak was unsustainable and he caught three passes for 26 yards
on just three targets last week. You are not using him against
Denver.
DEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.23
DEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.32
DEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.29
DEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.3
Running Game Thoughts: Trying to predict the Eagles backfield
on a weekly basis has been impossible all season. No one left
the picture this week, but instead, Jay Ajayi has been added to
it. Ajayi is a mediocre talent that can’t catch passes which
sounds a lot like LeGarrette Blount. Wendell Smallwood and Corey
Clement are mediocre talents that can catch passes. There is no
way to know what kind of role Ajayi will find for himself in Philly
having just joined the team. With Denver possessing one of the
league’s best run defenses, it is best to avoid all Eagles
running backs this week.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Alex Smith was merely mortal last week against
Denver as the Chiefs stalled out drive after drive, settling for
field goals. He also missed a number of throws he’s been
making all season. I would consider last week a blip on the radar
and nothing more. The Cowboys can be thrown on and this is a game
where the Chiefs will have to score points. Travis Kelce will
be a tough cover for the Cowboys. He’s caught at least four
passes in all but one game this season and has three 100-yard
receiving games. He’s an every week elite TE1 option. As
for Tyreek Hill, you know what the deal is. He’s a WR1 or
he’s a WR4. You just have to take the good with the bad.
Unfortunately, Andy Reid does not consider getting the ball to
Hill high priority. Hill is mostly a decoy with the occasional
deep ball that he either catches and has a great fantasy day or
doesn’t and, well, we saw what happened on Monday night.
Hill is going to finish the season as a WR2, but you won’t
necessarily like how he gets there. Last week was the first game
all season where Hill failed to reach four receptions. With the
Cowboys vulnerable over the top, this could be more of a boom
week for Hill. You’re not sitting him if you have him.
DAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.13
DAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.18
DAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.6
DAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.29
Running Game Thoughts: Kareem Hunt is not an elite RB1, but he
very well might be this week. He is not matchup proof and he’s
not the second coming of LaDainian Tomlinson but he is a very
good RB that is seeing high volume in a good offense. Hunt hasn’t
scored a touchdown in five weeks and hasn’t rushed for 100
yards in three. He has caught three passes in all but one game
this season and last week against Denver was the first time he
failed to reach 100 yards from scrimmage. With that being said,
Hunt should touch the ball at least 20 times against Dallas and
is an elite option this week against a suspect run defense.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Similar to the Chiefs last week, the Cowboys
also stalled out on many drives which led to field goals and Dak
Prescott’s worst fantasy line of the season (14-22, 143-0-0).
Prescott played fine, but Ezekiel Elliott stole all the touchdowns.
It broke Prescott’s streak of four consecutive three touchdown
games. His 16 rushing yards were tied for his lowest total on
the season. Prescott needs more help from Dez Bryant, who continues
to underwhelm. Bryant caught four balls for 39 yards last week.
He still doesn’t have a 100 yard game. This week, he will
face off with Marcus Peters, who is fresh off basically ending
Trevor Siemian’s career. Bryant’s struggles against
elite corners are well documented so Prescott may rely on Jason
Witten and others more in this game. Cole Beasley still needs
to clear the concussion protocol to play. He practiced Thursday,
but if he can’t get the full okay by Sunday, that opens
the door for better version of Cole Beasley – Ryan Switzer
– to make an impact. He’s not a fantasy option, but
he’s someone to keep an eye on.
KC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.9
KC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.16
KC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.1
KC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.15
Running Game Thoughts: My entire analysis for this game had to
be torn up. It started with: “It’s finally over.”
Oh how wrong that statement was. Apparently, it’s never
over. Just to recap, Ezekiel Elliott has now been officially suspended
and unsuspended at least five times this season. The latest temporary
stay is the simplest, yet most confounding of all. Elliott’s
legal team specifically asked for a stay to allow him to play
this week against Kansas City. As of now, he is still suspended
next week. If the 2nd Circuit does not issue a final ruling on
the merits on the injunction by next week, Elliott will undoubtedly
ask for yet another temporary stay pending their decision. This
could be a weekly thing until a final ruling comes down.
For fantasy purposes, this is both fantastic and terrible. It’s
great that Zeke is playing this week, but now we are one more
week away from any suspension rendering Zeke completely useless
the rest of the fantasy season. As for this week, the Chiefs have
been gashed on the ground and Elliott is coming off a 33 carry,
150-yard, two touchdown performance. It was his third consecutive
100-yard game. He’s scored five touchdowns and rushed for
297 yards in his last two games. Zeke is on fire and Sunday’s
game should feature a lot of points. You can put your Alfred Morris,
Rod Smith, and Darren McFadden arrows back in the quiver.
Passing
Game Thoughts: To quote the late great Dennis Green, “they
are who we thought they were.” One week after the Raiders’
offensive explosion against Kansas City, they came back to reality
against the Bills. Derek Carr did throw for 313 yards and a touchdown,
but he also tossed two interceptions. Amari Cooper’s return
to relevance lasted all of one week. He saw 10 targets, which
is encouraging, but caught only half of them for 48 yards. He
still hasn’t matched his Week 7 yardage total in his other
seven games combined and hasn’t caught more than five passes
in any other game. Cooper has proven his ceiling knows no bounds,
but he’s also proven how rarely he will reach it.
This is a very favorable spot for the Raiders offense, but matchup
hasn’t mattered for Cooper yet. Michael Crabtree also caught
five out of 10 targets last week, but he managed 83 yards. That’s
the difference between Cooper and Crabtree. Even on down weeks,
Crabtree’s floor is significantly higher. He is the better
bet for a touchdown this week and every week. Jared Cook will
never be the player he was projected to be years ago but that
doesn’t mean he can’t help fantasy teams. Cook only
has one touchdown on the season, but he’s averaging just
under four receptions per game, which is good enough for me in
2017 at the TE position.
MIA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.22
MIA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.22
MIA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.24
MIA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.11
Running Game Thoughts: Marshawn Lynch returns from his one-game
suspension this week, which is bad news for the Raiders rushing
attack for fantasy purposes. Lynch offers no value to the Raiders
or fantasy owners. The one thing he does do is make DeAndre Washington
and Jalen Richard, both of whom had usable games last week, unplayable.
Washington caught eight passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. Richard
caught five passes for 35 yards. The two added minimal yardage
on the ground as the Raiders were in pass mode for much of the
game. Lynch will not be catching many passes and the Raiders should
not experience as much negative game script, if any this week.
With so many viable fantasy options on bye, you may be forced
into using one of these three RBs. It’s nothing more than
a plug and pray move.
Passing
Game Thoughts: I thought Matt Moore was an upgrade over
Jay Cutler. I was very, very wrong. Cutler returns this week to
remind everyone that although he’s better than Moore, it’s
not by much. Cutler has proven to be incapable of taking advantage
of even the softest of matchups. The Raiders defense gets more
of a boost from facing Cutler than Cutler does against the Raiders
defense. DeVante Parker is set to make his return from an ankle
injury. He was off to a strong start this season with 69 yards
or more in each of his first three games and has a high ceiling
for this week’s matchup. Jarvis Landry always comes with
a high floor. He’s caught at least five passes in every
game this season and although he’s been held under 50 yards
four times and hasn’t hit 100 yards yet (despite having
a 13 reception game), Landry is locked in as a strong WR2 play.
With Parker and Landry around, there isn’t much left for
the likes of Kenny Stills, who had been serviceable during Parker’s
absence, and Leonte Carroo, who showed signs of life last week,
albeit during a blowout loss.
OAK FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.17
OAK FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.6
OAK FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.16
OAK FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.17
Running Game Thoughts: The Dolphins just traded Jay Ajayi to the
Eagles, which is interesting for a 4-3 team. I know they’re
a fraud. They know they’re a fraud. But even so, as Herman
Edwards said, “you play to win the game! Hello!” Trading
Ajayi doesn’t really hurt the Dolphins because Ajayi isn’t
all that good to begin with, but it’s still a curious move
unless they’re smarter than I’m giving them credit
for. For fantasy, it creates a guessing game between Kenyan Drake
and Damien Williams. Drake has never been a feature back in his
career even going back to college. He is the quintessential satellite
back. Williams is far more suited for a bigger workload. However,
Drake is ahead of Williams on the depth chart and has seen more
touches on the season. Both will play, but how this shakes out
is anyone’s guess. On a week full of byes, both are worth
owning. Hopefully, you don’t have to start either, but if
you do, you could do worse.
Passing
Game Thoughts: In a disappointing 20-15 loss at home last
week to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, Matthew Stafford and
the Detroit Lions epitomized what it means to struggle in the
red zone, with five Matt Prater field goals and zero touchdowns.
To put their ineptitude in context, only five quarterbacks in
the history of the NFL have managed to throw for over 420 yards
and fail to record a touchdown, with Mark Brunell, Joe Montana,
and Warren Moon joining Stafford on the list (Stafford achieved
the feat in 2012 vs. the Falcons). But of those five 420-plus
passing performances without a passing TD, only Montana and the
49ers and Stafford and the Lions managed to fail to score an offensive
touchdown of any kind in their respective games.
Look for Stafford and the passing game to get back on track this
week against a Packers team that ranks 16th in points allowed
on the season to opposing quarterbacks. All seven quarterbacks
who have faced the Packers this season have managed to score at
least 11 fantasy points, with Dak Prescott and Drew Brees each
scoring over 25 points. Two of Stafford’s three most significant
games in 2016 came against the Packers, including a 385/3 game
for 32.4 points in Lambeau last year.
The surprise return of Golden Tate from a shoulder injury was
a boost for Stafford last week against the Steelers. Although
the two did not hook up for a touchdown, Tate’s presence
in the slot gave Stafford a much-needed outlet against the league’s
No.1 ranked pass defense.
Somewhat surprisingly, one area in which the Lions have struggled
in the passing game are throws out of the backfield. With accomplished
pass-catching weapons in Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah, the
Lions rank 16th as a team in receptions by running backs, with
only one passing touchdown out of the backfield in Week 1 for
Theo Riddick.
If there were ever a week for Lions running backs to get some
action in the passing game, it would be this week against Green
Bay. The Packers are tied for second in receiving touchdowns allowed
to opposing backs, with Tevin Coleman, Giovani Bernard, and Jerick
McKinnon all reaching the end zone this season through the air.
GB FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.16
GB FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.4
GB FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.10
GB FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.32
Running Game Thoughts: The offseason
additions of offensive linemen TJ Lang and Ricky Wagner were made
to help a struggling run game that ranked 30th in rushing yards
per game in 2016. Through seven games in 2017, not much has changed
for the anemic ground game of the Lions, as Detroit ranks 29th
among 32 teams, with 488 yards on 148 carries (3.29 YPC).
The offseason hype of Ameer Abdullah taking over as the bellow
running back has not materialized, with head coach Jim Caldwell
using a stable of running backs, including Dwayne Washington and
Zach Zenner for short yardage work, while Theo Riddick continues
to be the primary third-down back. Due to the specialization of
duties and the overall struggles of the offense to run the ball,
none of the Lions RBs have been good for fantasy owners in 2017.
Abdullah owners snake bitten by the offseason hype might be able
to cash in on their disappointing draft pick this week against
a Packers defense that has allowed the fourth-most points to opposing
backs. Green Bay has allowed a touchdown or 100-yard rusher in
all seven games this season, with Mark Ingram joining the list
of players to torch the Packers last week when he rushed for 105
yards and a score on 22 carries.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Brett Hundley’s first career NFL start
was a disappointment on every level, as the former UCLA Bruin
completed just 12-of-25 passes for 87 yards and zero touchdowns
in Green Bay’s 26-17 loss at home to the Saints. Owners
who started Hundley in the game were bailed out with a rushing
touchdown and 44 rushing yards on three attempts, but the 87 yards
of passing offense killed the value of all Packers receivers.
Jordy Nelson registered is lowest point total in nearly two seasons,
while Davante Adams caught just two balls for 12 yards.
On a positive note, the bye week came at a perfect time for the
Packers, as Hundley and head coach Mike McCarthy certainly could
use the extra week of preparation for the Lions, a team the 18th
most points to opposing quarterbacks. Of the seven quarterbacks
who have faced Detroit this season, only Cam Newton has thrown
for three touchdowns in a game, and only two QB’s have scored
more than 20 fantasy points.
The way to beat the Lions this season is on the ground, as Detroit
has allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns and the 15th most
rushing yards. This bodes well for Aaron Jones owners, but those
unfortunate owners (myself included) who invested early draft
capital in Nelson and Adams are likely poised for another disappointing
day. The touchdown upside, especially for Nelson, make them viable
plays in that one touchdown off of play action in the red zone
can make them worthy starts. But relying solely on touchdown upside
from a struggling quarterback making his second career start is
not exactly comforting.
The Lions ability to confuse quarterbacks and force interceptions
is the most concerning factor in this game, as Detroit ranks third
in interceptions on the season and Hundley has thrown four picks
in 58 pass attempts. With little or no downfield threat (Hundley
ranks dead last in completion percentage on passes 15-yards or
more), the Lions will likely focus on jumping short and intermediary
routes, opening the door for another lousy performance by Hundley
and the Packers passing game.
DET FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.18
DET FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.7
DET FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.8
DET FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.14
Running Game Thoughts: The ground attack for the Packers proved
to be the only successful aspect of the offense Week 7 against
the Saints, and will likely once again be the best way for Mike
McCarthy’s team to move the ball this week against the Lions.
The Lions enter Week 9 allowing just under 20 fantasy points per
game to opposing running backs, with an opposing running back
scoring either a rushing or receiving touchdown in all but one
of the team’s seven games.
Rookie Aaron Jones took advantage of his opportunity when incumbent
starter Ty Montgomery suffered multiple broken ribs earlier in
the year. Jones has been impressive with two 19-point performances
in his last three games, including a 17/131/1 game two weeks ago
against the Saints. McCarthy continues to say that Montgomery
will continue to be a part of the offense going forward, but it
seems highly unlikely that Jones will be benched after two impressive
games.
Look for the Pack to lean heavily on Jones with Monty working
in as a change of pace and receiving weapon. McCarthy will need
to establish the run to give Hundley easy reads off of play action,
and the Packers want to keep the ball out of Matthew Stafford’s
hands by winning time of possession. Unfortunately, a negative
game script of the Lions defense forcing turnovers is in play
here and Jones may not get the 17 carries he received two weeks
ago with the Packers chasing points.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Believe it or not, Week 9 will be the first
divisional game of the year for Atlanta. Matt Ryan has fared pretty
well against the Panthers in his career. He dropped nearly 800
passing yards and six touchdowns on them last year alone so he
should be confident despite being on the road. If the running
game struggles, the Falcons would be wise to put the game into
Ryan’s hands. Doing so would certainly help Julio Jones’
chances of finding the end zone. The perennial All-Pro has only
one touchdown on the year making him a disappointment for those
who invested a first round pick on him in redraft leagues. He’s
too good to bench when healthy and two of his best performances
this year came on the road. Mohamed Sanu has taken advantage of
the defensive focus on Jones. Six games in and the former Bengal
is already halfway to his 2016 totals. His role in the offense
has clearly shifted as he is more involved, however he doesn’t
see many balls down the field and isn’t involved near the
goaline. He should be a decent PPR flex this week but his ceiling
remains too low to plug him into traditional scoring leagues.
Atlanta has refrained from using the tight end much in 2017.
CAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.28
CAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.30
CAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.25
CAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.20
Running Game Thoughts: Devonta Freeman was limited in practice
this week with shoulder and/or neck issues. He is expected to
play but his owners may want to consider going in another direction
anyway. Freeman’s sore shoulder will likely limit his involvement
in the passing game and he has carried the ball 13 or fewer times
in five of six career games against the Panthers. Even the staunchest
of supporters should not overlook the fact that Carolina has allowed
the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past
three weeks. Add it all up and there is a recipe for Tevin Coleman
to garner more of the spotlight in Week 9. The former third round
pick in 2015 is averaging a robust 5.4 yards per carry on the
season and has proved himself capable of handling more carries
in the past. Even if Freeman is able to maintain his typical role
in the offense Coleman has a good shot at being a factor in the
passing game. The boost in value this week puts him on the edge
of the RB2 ranks and makes him a decent choice for your flex slot
in deeper formats.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Kelvin Benjamin’s trade to the Bills
was a bit unexpected but at least it shows that fantasy owners
were not the only folks frustrated with the talented receiver.
Benjamin’s departure was helped by the improvements of Devin
Funchess this season. He becomes the top receiving threat for
Carolina this weekend. The Falcons pass defense has been good
this year but they have fallen off over the past few games. Given
the lack of options in the passing game and inability to get the
chains moving on the ground, he’s set to see a fair amount
of work. However, that also means he will draw more attention
from the defense, making it tougher on Cam Newton. Russell Shepard
moves up a rung on the receiver depth chart. He offers deep speed
to the offense but until Newton becomes a better passer it will
be tough for Shepard to make a big impact in the fantasy realm.
Curtis Samuel should also see a few more snaps this weekend. The
Panthers are the only team in the league to not register a touchdown
from their tight ends. Ed Dickson is in line for another start
with Greg Olsen slowly making progress towards a return in Week
11. The veteran backup may get a few more looks in the evolving
passing game but he’s a risky play nonetheless.
ATL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.21
ATL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.12
ATL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.20
ATL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.24
Running Game Thoughts: The Panthers’ struggling running
game could barely muster up a solid performance against one of
the worst defenses in the NFL last week. At this point, fantasy
owners shouldn’t trust any of the Panthers’ backs
in standard starting lineups. Jonathan Stewart did find the end
zone a week ago but his work load has dwindled in a fizzling offense.
Christian McCaffrey has been excellent as a receiver out of the
backfield but has been even worse than Stewart when asked to rush
the football. The rookie has failed to average 3.0 yards per carry
over the past five weeks. I think the Panthers will be forced
to try and get the ball into McCaffery’s hands more often
if they have any chance at winning this game. I’d prefer
to keep him benched outside of PPR leagues, but he is arguably
the team’s best playmaker on offense this week and worthy
of flex consideration.
Passing
Game Thoughts: The Bengals passing game has been pretty
tame this season. Andy Dalton continues to be more average than
above average for fantasy purposes with touchdown passes in five
straight games (good) with an average of only 241.8 passing yards
during that span (meh). He’s not horrible at covering a
bye but his fantasy stock is about to take a hit as the team embarks
on the first of three straight road games this weekend in Jacksonville.
The unfavorable matchup is a bad omen for A.J. Green. Cincinnati’s
All-Pro receiver enters the week as the third best fantasy wideout
(standard scoring) but he won’t have an easy time getting
open against the Jacksonville secondary. With Tyler Boyd out and
Brandon LaFell nursing a hamstring injury, Joe Ross could be in
store for more playing time. Ross will have an opportunity to
take advantage of the double teams Green will draw but I remain
skeptical that Dalton will have success throwing to an inexperienced
rookie receiver or tight end. Fantasy owners would be wise to
stay away from everyone in the passing game for Week 9.
JAC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.32
JAC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.13
JAC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.32
JAC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.13
Running Game Thoughts: Cincy hasn’t made it easy for fantasy
owners to figure out what to do with their running backs. Rookie
Joe Mixon seems to be the best option this weekend but the offensive
line has not always been able to open up holes for the youngster
casting storm clouds on his fantasy potential each week. Mixon
has seen more work in the passing game of late so maybe that is
a sign that they are starting to believe in him as their primary
rusher within a RBBC that also includes Giovani Bernard and the
corpse of Jeremy Hill. Neither of Mixon’s counterparts should
take away much work as the team squares off against a Jags defensive
front that has yielded 848 rushing yards in only seven games.
Mixon represents the team’s best option near the goal this
week so I’m bullish on his chances to find the end zone.
Passing
Game Thoughts: It took a game without their star running
back for Blake Bortles to remind everyone that he can still throw
the ball. His Week 7 showing produced his first (and possibly
last) game with over 300 passing yards on the year but he still
failed to throw for more than one touchdown. That limited ceiling
continues to hamper Jacksonville’s pass catchers. Allen
Hurns may be worthy of a spot start if Marqise Lee continues to
be slowed by a knee injury. Lee has been dealing with the injury
for a couple of weeks now and has been limited in practice. Dede
Westbrook got healthy over the team’s bye week and could
start to see more snaps in the offense-especially if Lee is on
a snap count. It may be a week early, but there is an opportunity
for Westbrook to contribute to the passing attack before the end
of the season. Westbrook, a rookie fourth-rounder, could add a
spark to the passing attack and much needed depth to the roster.
CIN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.26
CIN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.24
CIN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.27
CIN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.21
Running Game Thoughts: After a week of rest Leonard Fournette
returned to practice this week. He quickly returns to must start
status going up against a Bengals defense that has been one of
the ten friendliest to opposing running backs over the past three
weeks. The Jaguars’ rookie running back continues to be
a force for his fantasy owners. He has averaged 21 carries, 99
rushing yards and a touchdown in his first six games as a pro.
Chris Ivory carried the ball 17 times for 47 yards and a score
while filling in as the starter. The former Saint and Jet should
continue to see about ten touches a game in the Jags’ rush
offense but that might not be enough to make him a worthwhile
starting in all but the deepest of leagues.
Passing
Game Thoughts: The Ravens’ passing game has been
suspect before Joe Flacco took a shot to the head in Week 8. Flacco
made it through concussion protocol this week and has been cleared
to play. This is a wonderful matchup on paper but I’m not
sure there is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. This is
the same unit that currently ranks dead last in passing yards
per game and while Flacco may be symptom free, I’m not so
sure John Harbaugh wants to see his quarterback take another hit
to the head anytime soon. The most glaring reason for not liking
the Ravens passing game this week, however, is the emergence of
Alex Collins and the running game. The only player getting consistent
looks in the confined passing scheme seems to be Jeremy Maclin.
There isn’t much to love here but he’s better than
a goose egg and you can do worse than taking a flier on a receiver
playing the Titans. Everyone else in the passing game will struggle
to see enough volume in what should be a battle on the ground.
TEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.12
TEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.21
TEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.13
TEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.19
Running Game Thoughts: Baltimore enters this week fresh off its
thrashing of the Dolphins a week ago. Alex Collins is the buzz
of the NFL and fantasy leagues across the globe. Simply put, Collins’
performance showed that he has the potential to wrangle away the
lion’s share of the backfield duties for the foreseeable
future. The Ravens’ struggles in the passing game only give
the coaching staff more reason to try and ride Collins as far
as he can take them. There isn’t too much behind Collins
either. Terrance West and Danny Woodhead are dealing with injuries
so Javorius Allen is holding down the backup role again this week.
Allen will see most of his work on passing downs but I do not
expect him to receiver enough touches to be a factor in PPR leagues.
Passing
Game Thoughts: As bad as the Ravens have been passing the
ball, it is the Titans that have thrown for the fewest touchdowns.
With the calendar flipping to November, Tennessee has more interceptions
(6) than touchdowns (5) with the fourth fewest passing attempts
in the league. This is far from a fantasy gold mine and it might
need to get worse before it gets better with the Ravens coming
to town Week 9. Baltimore has allowed the fewest fantasy points
to opposing quarterbacks over the past five weeks. Marcus Mariota
has tossed exactly one touchdown over the last two games and hasn’t
been running since coming out of the bye in Week 5. Additionally,
his eight rushing yards on three attempts comes after posting
116 rushing yards on 20 attempts in the first four games. Mariota
is looking less and less ownable in fantasy leagues these days
and shouldn’t come anywhere near your Week 9 starting lineup.
Tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) continued to miss practice this
week and appears to be headed towards a “game-time decision”
so be sure to have alternative plans in place for Sunday. Eric
Decker has struggled to find consistent targets and that will
open the door for rookie Corey Davis to finally see some snaps
or even start this weekend. Typically, a high-profile rookie getting
playing time has a larger fantasy impact but until the Titans
make improvements elsewhere Davis’ fantasy prospects this
week are reduced. Walker’s absence and less familiarity
with his other two options, will give Mariota more reason to look
for Rishard Matthews.
BAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.30
BAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.10
BAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.31
BAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.7
Running Game Thoughts: The bye week came at a good time for DeMarco
Murray. That doesn’t mean he is completely over his ongoing
hamstring woes but it does help his cause to be a viable starter
in Week 9. After being limited in practice early in the week,
Murray was able to put in full practices and is on track to start
against the Ravens. Baltimore has not been quite as good stopping
the run as they have the pass in 2017. Tennessee continues to
give Murray enough work to make him a useful fantasy option as
he plays through his ailments so get him into your lineups. Meanwhile,
the constant up and down fantasy value of Derrick Henry keeps
his owners in limbo again this week. He has seen back-to-back
games with double digit carries and can add a catch or two in
the passing game. It would be easier to plug Henry in if the offense
had found its groove but as it stands he is a slight risk as a
flex and stretch to fill your second RB slot if you are thin at
the RB position.
Passing
Game Thoughts: After seeing 14 more passes come his way
against the Bengals in Week 8, Jack Doyle enters the week with
the fourth most targets amongst all tight ends this season. Jacoby
Brissett has seemingly found a true complement to T.Y. Hilton
in the passing game and it doesn’t look like Doyle’s
role is going to subside anytime soon. The Colts’ two most
consistent pass-catchers will be putting plenty of pressure on
Houston’s defense that will already be feeling the pain
of a less potent offense. Meanwhile, Donte Moncrief has not been
able to find any consistency within this Brissett-led offense.
He failed to catch a single pass in the Colts’ loss last
week and hasn’t scored since Week 4. It may be time for
fantasy owners to move on if they haven’t done so already.
Can Donte Moncrief or Kamar Aiken take advantage of the extra
room left by the defense’s efforts to stop Hilton? Kamar
Aiken would seem to have a shot at earning more snaps if he can
outplay Moncrief so continue to monitor this passing game. Andrew
Luck’s season officially ended this week with him being
placed on IR with continued shoulder discomfort following off-season
surgery.
HOU FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.2
HOU FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.29
HOU FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.7
HOU FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.6
Running Game Thoughts: If it sounds like a broken record then
you are hearing things perfectly clear. Frank Gore gets his typical
work in each week to net his owners about 8-10 fantasy points.
PPR owners usually average double digits but the impact is similar
- the veteran running back is extremely valuable in the roster
flexibility he affords his owners during bye weeks and as a flex
option more often than not. In his last two games at Houston,
Gore has rushed the ball at least 22 times in route to posting
fine fantasy outings. He is a little older this time around and
the coaching staff has changed but I’d feel alright putting
a gamer in my flex spot for this divisional matchup. The hype
train surrounding Marlon Mack has been losing steam ever since
his nine-carry, 91-yard outing against the 49ers back in Week
5. His PPR value has a pulse now that he has garnered 11 targets
over the past two weeks; a trend that should continue this week
in Houston.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Houston was dealt a crushing blow on Thursday
when they learned rookie quarterback DeShaun Watson had torn his
ACL at practice in a non-contact injury. The ramifications of
this injury are vast but I will focus on the immediate fantasy
impact for Week 9. Tom Savage is back in at quarterback this week.
The offense that had set the NFL on fire over the past month has
been reduced to a flickering candle. Savage had a rocky start
as the team’s opening day starter logging more fumbles than
touchdowns. Do not expect the offense to shrivel up without Watson
in the huddle, but everyone must be downgraded. DeAndre Hopkins
reverts back to being a WR2 in favorable matchups while Will Fuller
will become a touchdown dependent fantasy player that will struggle
to make the same big plays his owners had come to expect. Ryan
Griffin should get one more start before C.J. Fiedorowicz returns
from a concussion and he may be the lone beneficiary of the quarterback
switch. Griffin had become an afterthought once the vertical passing
game took off with Watson under center but he has a chance to
pass for a starting fantasy TE now that he will be serving as
a safety outlet for Savage. I’m not saying he’s a
surefire top-ten tight end, but he could help teams in deeper
pools.
IND FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.5
IND FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.3
IND FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.5
IND FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.12
Running Game Thoughts: Lamar Miller, D’Onta Foreman and
now Alfred Blue are getting carries in the Houston backfield.
Be assured, Miller is the leader of this group for Week 9 after
seeing a season-high 21-carries and a touchdown against the Seahawks
in Week 8. He’s been a top-ten performer at his position
for several weeks now and HC Bill O’Brien will likely turn
to his veteran running back even more in the wake of Watson’s
injury. While there is a potential for more touches this week,
anyone who followed the Texans last season knows that there is
a real risk of teams loading up against the rush without the threat
of a legitimate passing game. Savage has the ability to be adequate
in this game so I wouldn’t do anything drastic like bench
Miller for Week 9. However, his owners may want to take a long
look at his rest of the way value moving forward. D’Onta
Foreman become an even more valuable handcuff. He would benefit
if the Texans revised offense becomes more conservative in Savage’s
first game back.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Jameis Winston walks into an ideal situation
for fantasy success this weekend. Playing on the road against
a high scoring divisional team usually results in a lot of throws
for a quarterback and plenty of fantasy points for his owners.
However, that hasn’t been the case for Winston when playing
against the Saints in his young career. In his last outing at
the Super Dome, Winston showed that he may have turned the corner
in his ability to play through adversity and keep his team in
the game. He has better weapons this time around and comes into
this game with a head coach that won’t have any issues slinging
the ball all over the field. The regular names should be in your
lineups this week. Mike Evans is among the hottest fantasy receivers
in the game and caught seven of eight balls thrown to him in their
last encounter with New Orleans. When the Saints roll the coverage
towards Evans they will have to account for Jackson and Brate
as well. Since taking over as the starter last season, the 26-year
old Harvard alumnus has quietly emerged as one of the better weekly
fantasy plays at the TE position. He comes into this game trying
to add a seventh consecutive game with at least 60-yards receiving
so keep him locked into your Week 9 lineup. DeSean Jackson’s
catch-rate is below 50% but he should get enough volume as the
Saints try to contain Evans to be squeeze out a useful WR3 fantasy
day.
NO FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.14
NO FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.14
NO FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.17
NO FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.26
Running Game Thoughts: Doug Martin has yet to win a game in 2017
and there has to be some frustration building. He has seen his
fantasy point totals decline four straight weeks and his owners
are questioning whether to start him despite the fact he is still
getting about 15 touches per game. Your patience will be rewarded
this week. Part of the reason for the dull numbers is due to the
tough opponents so look for Martin to bounce back to his usual
self in this contest. Over the past three weeks, the Saints have
given up on average 101 rushing yards and four receptions per
game to opposing running backs. I wouldn’t expect the Bucs
to churn out 200 yards on the ground, but Martin belongs in the
RB2 mix for Week 9 and could easily outperform his expectations
should he find his way into the end zone. Tampa is barely using
Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims as backups so Martin’s
owners need not worry.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Start ‘em if you get ‘em! New
Orleans is next in line for the punching bag that is the Tampa
Bay Buccaneer defense. Unlike last week, Drew Brees shouldn’t
have many issues picking apart the opposing team’s secondary
and move the team up and down the field on Sunday. Willie Sneed’s
involvement in the offense is about the only headache fantasy
owners are forced to deal with heading into Week 9. The coaches
have indicated a desire to get him more involved in the offense
where he had earned his quarterback’s trust prior to opening
the year on suspension. Until he is back in the lineup and playing
the majority of the offensive snaps, however, Sneed belongs glued
to your fantasy bench. That solidifies Ted Ginn Jr. as a decent
WR3 this weekend but isn’t quite enough to make Brandon
Coleman an ownable fantasy commodity. The one player not getting
much love in this offense is TE Coby Fleener. With three or fewer
targets in four of the past five contests he continues to be a
low end TE2 this year.
TB FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.6
TB FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.11
TB FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.2
TB FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.23
Running Game Thoughts: Don’t look now but Alvin Kamara
and Mark Ingram are making a case to be the most dynamic pair
of running backs in the NFL (that includes division rival Atlanta).
This week, Ingram figures to run angry after losing a couple of
fumbles last week. New Orleans top dog in the backfield has reached
pay dirt in each of his last three games and is a solid bet to
do so again in Week 9. Ingram is in the midst of logging his fifth
consecutive season with a YPC over 4.0 making him one of the best
fantasy tailbacks to own. However, he is on pace to set a career-high
in receptions as well after catching 30-of -38 passes through
seven games. That is impressive considering backfield mate Kamara
has averaged six targets a game himself. Expect the Saints to
continue to lean on the rushing attack to control the game throughout
on their way to securing their sixth victory of the season.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Kirk Cousins suffered his first sub-20 point
fantasy day this past week as the Redskins fell to the Cowboys
in what was expected to be a fairly big fantasy day for Cousins
and the Washington offense. The Dallas defense had been a sieve
for most of the first half of the season but the numerous injuries
across the Washington offensive line proved to be too much as
the Dallas defensive line shut down the run, generated pressure
all afternoon and was able to force two turnovers from Cousins
in an ugly, rain-soaked contest. Cousins and the Redskins now
go from a friendly home matchup to a terrifying road matchup in
Week 9 against one of the league’s best secondaries, the
Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle did get lit up by Deshaun Watson this past week however
they had previously been their usual, dominant selves, which leads
to the expectation that there will be a return to the norm this
week. The Redskins will still likely be without Trent Williams
at left tackle along with other injuries across the offensive
line, which shouldn’t give fantasy owners much excitement
for any of these Washington receivers, who have been inconsistent
at best this season. Jamison Crowder (hamstring) finally had his
best fantasy day of the season this past week, catching nine passes
for 123 yards although he still has not scored this season. Meanwhile,
Josh Doctson has overtaken Terrelle Pryor in the starting lineup,
leaving Pryor to fend for scrap time with the likes of Ryan Grant.
At tight end, frustration for fantasy owners continues as the
Redskins will once again be without tight end Jordan Reed whose
injured hamstring could cost him multiple weeks and he has already
been ruled out for this weekend’s contest. Vernon Davis,
who has been essentially a plug-and-play TE1 anytime Reed been
out of the lineup, should be a hot waiver wire target, especially
with as many byes as there are and the general lack of production
coming from the position throughout the league this season. Cousins
himself could be a borderline QB1 in this matchup but the upside
isn’t great in this extremely difficult road matchup behind
a patchwork offensive line.
SEA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.19
SEA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.26
SEA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.12
SEA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.18
Running Game Thoughts: With Rob Kelley getting back to full health,
many believed that the Redskins would attempt to deploy a more
run-heavy offensive gameplan against the Cowboys in Week 8, especially
in a game that ended up being played in ugly weather conditions.
The team did give him a carry near the end zone which he was able
to turn into his first touchdown of the season, thus saving what
was otherwise an ugly stat line, but the 47-to-12 snap count in
Chris Thompson’s favor seems to indicate that the Redskins
have a clear pecking order in their backfield. Rookie Samaje Perine
is now droppable in most formats as he has not seen a single snap
over the past two weeks since Kelley’s return but Kelley
himself is nothing more than a touchdown-or-bust type of Flex
option, preferably in non-PPR formats.
A matchup against a surging Seattle team in a game that the Redskins
could find themselves behind in does look like a potentially nice
PPR fantasy day for Thompson, who currently leads all running
backs with 442 receiving yards this season. The Seahawks are one
of the best defenses in the league against the run and they’ve
been particularly good at limiting opposing backfields from producing
in the passing game, although the truth is that they really haven’t
played many backfields with even an above-average pass catcher,
let alone one who possesses the playmaking ability of a guy like
Thompson. Most running backs don’t possess much upside in
matchups like these, but Thompson is a true RB1 in PPR formats
because he’s the kind of player who can thrive even in garbage
time if necessary.
Passing
Game Thoughts: We predicted it last week and Russell Wilson
certainly came through with a gigantic fantasy day in a shootout
win over the Texans. Wilson threw for a whopping 452 yards and
four touchdowns while adding 30 yards as a runner in what was
his biggest fantasy day since Week 12 of the 2015 season. The
Seahawks seem to have essentially given up on running the football
this season so it all rests on Wilson’s shoulders. The Seahawks
did also make a move this week to improve their offensive line,
adding veteran Duane Brown at left tackle in a trade with their
opponent from this past week, the Texans. Brown had only played
in the Texans-vs-Seahawks game after holding out to start the
season but should still be an improvement for an otherwise terrible
Seattle offensive line. While this should also help the running
game, what it primarily does is give Wilson some additional peace
of mind on his blind side, potentially leading to more time in
the pocket which could lead to more deep shots down the field.
This bodes well for receiver Paul Richardson who now seems to
have a firm grip on the team’s second WR spot as he has
now out-snapped Tyler Lockett in three straight contests. Richardson
exploded with his first 100-yard game of the season against the
Texans, catching six passes for 105 yards and a pair of touchdowns;
extending his team-leading receiving touchdown total to five on
the season. He has now scored in back-to-back weeks and is beginning
to look more like a viable fantasy starter, at least as a Flex
option.
Fellow wideout Doug Baldwin has had some ups and downs throughout
the season but his 15 receptions over the past two weeks show
us that he is still very much the top receiving option in this
offense. While there is concern of cornerback Josh Norman being
lined up on Baldwin and taking him away, the reality is that Baldwin
will likely avoid Norman for most of the afternoon as he plays
most of his snaps out of the slot and Norman almost exclusively
plays outside in the Washington scheme. This could mean nice value
in DFS for Baldwin as fantasy owners worry about a potentially
difficult matchup that is unlikely to materialize on the field.
Another excellent fantasy option in this suddenly potent Seattle
passing game has been tight end Jimmy Graham who has now scored
four touchdowns over his past three contests. Graham could’ve
had even more this past week if he had held onto a wide open deep
pass down the sidelines that he dropped, but fantasy owners won’t
complain about the two-touchdown performance. Graham is once again
a set-and-forget TE1 provided that his banged up ankle does not
hold him out of this game.
WAS FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.15
WAS FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.15
WAS FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.28
WAS FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.4
Running Game Thoughts: Running game? Who needs a running game
when your quarterback is throwing for 450 yards? That seems to
be the Seahawks gameplan at the moment as the team is just not
generating push along their offensive line and their backs are
certainly not creating their own production. The team did add
left tackle Duane Brown this week, which could help in the running
game, but that alone isn’t likely to change things in a
dramatic way for this pathetic unit. For what it’s worth,
Eddie Lacy is expected to start but Thomas Rawls seems to have
established himself as the clear top dog in this ugly backfield
as he led the team with 41 snaps while no Seattle other tailback
had more than 16, but even Rawls only saw six total touches (which
he turned into an impressive negative one rushing yard) in this
past week’s victory over the Texans. It’s not smart
to trust anyone in this backfield for the time being, but Rawls
has the highest upside - albeit not much upside at all - of the
bunch in this matchup against a Redskins defense that got run
over for 150 yards and a pair of scores by Ezekiel Elliott this
past week.
Passing
Game Thoughts: A matchup against a mediocre Los Angeles
secondary was expected to give at least some production for Drew
Stanton and the Arizona passing game the last time we saw this
unit back in Week 7, but Stanton is simply not any good - at least
for fantasy purposes. Stanton threw for just 66 total yards in
that contest with no touchdowns and an interception, narrowly
escaping negative points for the week at a position that it is
almost impossible to get negative points at in a full game. Now
coming off of a bye week, there is some hope as the Cardinals
will have had a full two weeks to prepare for a winless team with
a terrible defense. Even still, it’s hard not to question
the upside of the Arizona passing game as long as Stanton is behind
center. They weren’t really lighting the fantasy world on
fire even when Carson Palmer was healthy and this is a substantial
and obvious downgrade.
Still, a player like Larry Fitzgerald is likely to garner enough
targets to justify at least WR2 numbers in this great matchup.
Fitz was held to just 32 yards on four receptions earlier this
season when these teams played, but he did get into the end zone.
Fitzgerald has an excellent recent track record against the 49ers
and he does have WR1 upside in this matchup. Unfortunately, the
other pass catching options in this offense are just too hit-or-miss
to trust. John Brown has seen the second-most playing time out
of the Arizona receivers since coming back but he’s still
conceding way too much time to the likes of J.J. Nelson and Jaron
Brown to make him a viable fantasy starter until we see him create
some chemistry with Stanton.
SF FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.3
SF FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.1
SF FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.11
SF FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.30
Running Game Thoughts: If Arizona is going to make a run at the
playoffs this season without Carson Palmer or David Johnson, you
get the feeling that it’s going to have to be on the shoulders
of a return to glory from running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson
exploded in his first game with the Cardinals back in Week 6 against
the Buccaneers, but was then held in check in the Cardinals blowout
loss to the Rams.
Negative game script could very well lead to some ugly fantasy
outlooks for Peterson going forward, however there is plenty of
reason to be hopeful this week in what is statistically the best
matchup in the league for opposing running backs, against the
49ers. San Francisco has been absolutely humiliated by opposing
running games in almost every game this season. Even the Cardinals,
prior to acquiring Peterson, saw their duo of Chris Johnson and
Andre Ellington produce 167 yards from scrimmage in what was a
low-scoring contest. This game figures to be fairly low scoring
again yet Peterson is almost certainly in line to see upwards
of 15 to 20 touches as long as he can stay healthy. If he’s
able to do that, there’s a real potential for him to surprise
many critics and finish as a RB1 this week, especially in non-PPR
formats. Ellington is also a player to keep an eye on as he could
be back from the quadriceps injury that held him out in recent
games. If he does play, Ellington could be useful as a desperation
Flex play in PPR formats as he was a major part of the Cardinals
passing attack when these teams played back in Week 4.
Passing
Game Thoughts: A trade for Jimmy Garoppolo this week does
not necessarily indicate the end of the C.J. Beathard era, but
it certainly puts the pressure on the young quarterback to find
his stride quickly before he finds himself sitting behind another
young, potential franchise quarterback. Beathard hasn’t
been good thus far, which obviously helped lead to the 49ers trading
for Garoppolo yet he hasn’t been terrible from a fantasy
standpoint. A 215-yard average through the air with two passing
touchdowns in three games is certainly nothing to write home about
but he has actually been decent from a fantasy perspective due
to his ability to pick up additional points with his legs. Beathard
has rushed for an average of 28 yards per game and he also ran
for a touchdown. Those aren’t Tyrod Taylor or Deshaun Watson
numbers though it’s better than most and enough to help
anchor him into low-end QB2 consideration.
Unfortunately, the cloudy injury status of top wide receiver
Pierre Garcon does cast further doubt on an already bad passing
game, as Garcon’s injured neck has held him out of practice
early in the week and landed him on IR Thursday night. Wide receivers
Marquise Goodwin and Aldrick Robinson stand to see an uptick in
playing time, although neither player is worth playing as anything
other than a lottery ticket in DFS formats. Tight end George Kittle
continues to run plenty of routes and he’s seeing a decent
number of targets however the inconsistent play of Beathard hasn’t
led to many red zone opportunities for this offense, thus significantly
limiting Kittle’s upside and keeping him outside of the
TE1 conversation.
ARI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.4
ARI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.23
ARI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.3
ARI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.16
Running Game Thoughts: Like their Week 9 opponents, the 49ers’
best chance to win this game would seem to be their running game.
While their passing game has struggled to generate much of anything
all season, running back Carlos Hyde does currently rank inside
the top 10 at his position in PPR formats. Hyde’s usage
in the short passing game has seen a significant spike this season
with the new coaching staff in town while he’s still seeing
between 12 to 16 carries most weeks. This high usage has meant
a decent floor for Hyde with the potential for touchdowns, as
he has scored four times so far this season. One thing to watch
out for, however, is the ballooning playing time for Matt Breida,
who saw 21 snaps this past week - his highest total since Week
5. Hyde still out-snapped Brieda by over a two-to-one margin this
past week against the Eagles, but Breida could be utilized more
if the 49ers fall behind on the scoreboard. Fortunately for Hyde
owners, a sudden offensive explosion by the Cardinals seems fairly
unlikely, so the 49ers should stay close enough on the scoreboard
that Hyde will get around his usual number of touches, which is
enough to make him a borderline RB1 here in Week 9.