BUCCANEERS 28 EAGLES 22
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers built an early lead in this one and never looked back on their way to a 5-1 start to their season. Tom Brady was the steady hand that kept the Bucs offense on course once again as he completed 34 of 42 for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Leonard Fournette is the CEO of the Buccaneers backfield–totaling 127 yards of offense and two touchdowns on 22 carries and six catches. Fournette is now a high-end RB2 based upon his early-season performance. Antonio Brown was the main pass-catcher against Philadelphia–Brown hauled in nine of thirteen targets for 93 yards and a touchdown. Chris Godwin caught all five of his targets for 43 yards. Mike Evans caught just two of four targets for 27 yards. Evans, Godwin, and Brown remain mid-WR2 in an offense that spreads the ball around. The Bucs featured O.J. Howard in this one with six catches on seven targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. I wouldn’t get too excited as Rob Gronkowski will be due back soon. It isn’t always pretty with Jalen Hurts, but he continues to produce like a mid-QB1 for your fantasy team. Hurts completed 12 of 26 for 115 yards, a touchdown, and an interception–but Hurts lifts your fantasy team with his ground game, 44 yards, and two touchdowns on ten carries. Miles Sanders has done the heavy lifting in the Eagles backfield as of late–56 yards on nine carries in this one. Kenneth Gainwell did not register a carry. I would remain hands off of this backfield for the time being. With only 115 yards passing, you can imagine that the receiving department was a forgettable one. It is worth noting that Zach Ertz ended his illustrious Eagles career with four catches on six targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals this week–Ertz will bring late TE1 value to the Arizona offense.
JAGUARS 23 DOLPHINS 20
We travel to London for our ‘call of the week’ as we had the Jaguars upsetting the Dolphins–and by the exact final score of 23-20! While facing an onrush of defenders, quarterback Trevor Lawrence continues to display poise in the pocket while completing 25 of 41 for 319 yards and a touchdown. James Robinson was the only Jaguars back to record a touch in this one–Robinson compiled 101 total yards and a touchdown on 20 touches. The Jaguars’ offense has simplified to feature the two primary pass-catchers: Marvin Jones Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. Jones led the efforts catching seven of ten targets for 100 yards and a touchdown. Shenault caught six of ten targets for 54 yards. Both Jones and Shenault remain flex options for your fantasy team. Tua Tagovailoa returned to action to add juice to the Dolphins’ offense as he completed 33 of 47 for 329 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Jaylen Waddle continues to be the focal point of the Dolphins passing attack. Waddle hauled in 10 of 13 targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Keep in mind that both DeVante Parker and Will Fuller remained absent from this contest. I would continue to view Waddle as a high-end flex option. Mike Gesicki picked up some momentum when Jacoby Brissett was under center for the Dolphins, and it was nice to see this momentum carry over in the return of Tua. Gesicki caught eight of nine targets for 115 yards and is now firmly in the TE1 mix. The Dolphins’ lack of a ground game has been the most concerning development. Myles Gaskin rushed for nine yards on five carries in this one–you cannot trust any running back in the Dolphins offense.
PACKERS 24 BEARS 14
Following a stunning opening loss to the New Orleans Saints, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have reeled off five straight victories. Rodgers was steady in this one completing 17 of 23 passes for 195 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score. Aaron Rodgers continues to play at a high level and remains a fantasy QB1. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon continue to split the backfield duties. Jones had 110 yards of total offense and a touchdown on 17 touches–remaining a locked-in RB1. Dillon rushed for 59 yards on 11 carries and is an every-week flex play. A quiet day for Davante Adams with four catches on five targets for 89 yards–expect a bounce-back performance next week for the top receiver in fantasy football. Justin Fields is making strides, albeit small ones. Fields completed 16 of 27 for 174 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The good news for fantasy players is that Fields also ran for 43 yards in this one–making him a far more appealing fantasy option. In the absence of David Montgomery and Damien Williams, Khalil Herbert looked the part as he rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Herbert will remain a solid RB2 if Williams misses any more time. Darnell Mooney was once again the most targeted pass catcher for the Chicago Bears. Mooney hauled in five of eight for 45 yards and a touchdown. Mooney is a boom or bust flex option until we see more passing volume from the Bears offense. Allen Robinson II continues his ho-hum performance this year, catching four of seven targets for 53 yards. Leave A-Rob on your bench.
BENGALS 34 LIONS 11
The Cincinnati Bengals continued their hot start as they thoroughly dismantled the Detroit Lions 34-11. Joe Burrow was highly effective as he completed 19 of 29 for 271 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. The balance that the Bengals offense has struck this year will limit Burrow’s fantasy upside, but he remains a low-end QB1. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were both targeted six times. Chase caught four of six for 97 yards. Higgins caught three of six for 44 yards. Chase remains a borderline low-end WR1/high-end WR2, and Tee Higgins remains a low-end WR2. The Bengals coaching staff mentioned that Joe Mixon was returning to a full workload and did not lie. Mixon totaled 153 yards and a receiving touchdown on 23 touches. Mixon is a lock and loaded RB1 moving forward. Bench Tyler Boyd when the Bengals are at full strength as he is the low man on the totem pole. The Lions could not get their running game going in this one, which led to their eventual demise. D’Andre Swift only ran for 24 yards on 13 carries. Swift bailed out fantasy managers with five catches for 43 yards and a touchdown and is still a shaky RB2. T.J. Hockenson getting back involved in the offense is what the Lions need for success. Hockenson caught eight of eleven targets for 74 yards. You are not allowed to start a Lions wide receiver in fantasy–don’t get mad at me–I don’t make the rules.
COLTS 31 TEXANS 3
The Indianapolis Colts throttled the Houston Texans 31-3. Jonathan Taylor remained hot as he totaled 158 total yards and two touchdowns on just 15 touches. Carson Wentz didn’t have to do much in this one completing 11 of 20 for 223 yards and two touchdowns. I still wouldn’t start him in fantasy just yet. Michael Pittman Jr. was not as involved in the offense as we thought–a disappointing result of two catches for 35 yards. T.Y. Hilton triumphantly returned to vanquish the Texans’ defense once again with four catches on as many targets for 80 yards. Trust Pittman Jr. as a flex option and fade all other Colts’ pass-catchers until further notice. The Texans remain an abysmal franchise with little to excite you. Mark Ingram II continues to carry the load with 73 yards on 18 carries. A floor flex-play with no ceiling. Brandin Cooks remains the alpha and the omega for the Texans’ offense–nine catches on thirteen targets for 89 yards. Cooks is the only recommended fantasy play as a WR2.
RAMS 38 GIANTS 11
In this article a week ago, I mentioned that the Rams offense would do whatever it wants against a hapless Giants defense. The Rams scored 38 consecutive points to romp the Giants 38-11. Matthew Stafford continues to be in complete control–completing 22 of 28 for 251 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. Cooper Kupp dominated with nine catches on twelve targets for 130 yards and two touchdowns–challenging Davante Adams for the top receiver spot in fantasy. Robert Woods caught two of five targets for 31 yards and a touchdown–Woods is just a flex play at this juncture. Darrel Henderson Jr. totaled 107 yards and two touchdowns on 23 touches. We mentioned that Henderson is a sneaky low-end RB1 in the Rams offense, and we are sticking to it. The Giants continue to be a dysfunctional M*A*S*H unit. Kadarius Toney started this game on fire with three catches on as many targets for 36 yards on the opening drive. Believe it or not, Toney was then injured and had to leave the game. The Giants cannot catch a break on the offensive side of the ball. Sterling Shepard returned and immediately gained his role in the offense back.–catching ten of fourteen targets for 76 yards and has high-end flex value. Devontae Booker continues to lead the Giants backfield in the absence of Saquon Barkley. Booker totaled 69 yards on 16 touches–giving you a floor flex play.
CHIEFS 31 FRANCHISE TEAM 13
The Kansas City Chiefs needed this game to get back into contention for the AFC West, and they did what they needed to in defeating the Washington Franchise Team 31-13. Patrick Mahomes completed 32 of 47 for 397 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Chiefs offense is as electric as any in the league–Mahomes remains in the running for the top quarterback in fantasy football. Tyreek Hill caught nine of twelve for 76 yards and a touchdown, remaining a top-five fantasy wide receiver. Travis Kelce caught nine of eleven for 99 yards, remaining a mainstay at the top of the tight end position. Mecole Hardman has been heavily involved in the offense two weeks in a row–catching four of five targets for 62 yards and is now a weekly flex play. In the absence of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams took hold of the Chiefs backfield. Williams had 89 total yards and two touchdowns on 24 touches. Williams is playable as a low-end RB2 until CEH returns. Antonio Gibson left this game early and did not return. Gibson has battled a shin issue all season long–keep an eye out on the injury report. If Antonio Gibson were to miss any action, Jaret Patterson would jump to the top of your waiver wire priority. Taylor Heinicke was underwhelming in this one completing 24 of 39 for 182 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Terry McLaurin could not get it going in this one hauling in four of eight for just 28 yards. McLaurin remains a WR2 for me, and if you can ‘buy low’ on him, I would. Ricky Seals-Jones continues to fill in for the every-down role left behind by Logan Thomas. RSJ caught four of six targets for 58 yards and a touchdown–remaining a low-end TE1 play while Thomas is out. J.D. McKissic paced the team in activity as he totaled 110 yards on 16 touches, including eight receptions. McKissic would remain a flex option if Gibson has to miss time or not.
VIKINGS 34 PANTHERS 28
The Minnesota Vikings appear to have righted the ship and defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-28 behind a balanced offensive attack. Kirk Cousins completed 33 of 48 for 373 yards and three touchdowns. Cousins has been erratic this season, but you could be worse as a QB1. Dalvin Cook returned to action this week and immediately dominated the workload with 140 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries. Cook should now be considered a top-five back moving forward. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen continue to dominate the targets in the Vikings offense–Thielen caught 11 of 13 targets for 126 yards and a touchdown while Jefferson hauled in eight of fourteen targets for 80 yards. You know what these two players are–start them accordingly. K.J. Osborn played well in this one with six catches for 78 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Sam Darnold continues to tumble following his early-season fantasy success. Darnold completed just 17 of 41 for 207 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. I don’t know how you can trust Sam Darnold in fantasy at the moment–despite 48 additional rushing yards. DJ Moore and Robby Anderson dominated the targets but did nothing with them. Moore caught five of thirteen for 73 yards. Anderson caught three of eleven for 11 yards and a touchdown. For fantasy purposes, rip up what we saw from Carolina and take a fresh look moving forward.
RAVENS 34 CHARGERS 6
The most shocking result of the weekend has to be the Ravens dismantling the Chargers 34-6. Lamar Jackson did very little in this one completing 19 of 27 for 167 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions–chipping in his customary 51 yards rushing. The Ravens ran for 187 yards on 38 carries, splitting carries to Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman, and Lev Bell. Latavius Murray was still the starter–he would be the most recommended play from this backfield, but only as a flex option. Mark Andrews continues his trend of successful performances hauling in five of six targets for 68 yards and a touchdown. Outside of Travis Kelce, I’m not sure there’s another tight end in the game you want more than Mark Andrews. Marquise Brown was not essential in this game catching four of five for 35 yards–his fantasy value remains unchanged. Rashod Bateman made his NFL debut and will be a regular piece of the Ravens offense for the foreseeable future. Bateman reeled in four of six targets for 29 yards. Rashod Bateman is not a recommended fantasy play at this time, but keep an eye on his development. You take this game film and throw it in the trash if you are evaluating the Chargers. When Justin Herbert leads the Chargers in rushing–you know it was an odd day. Herbert did complete 22 of 39 for 195 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Keep an eye on Mike Williams throughout the Chargers’ bye week. Williams injured his knee in week five, played hobbled this week, and left the game without returning. If anyone could use the rest during the bye week, it is Mike Williams. Keenan Allen remains a ‘buy low’ candidate for me as he caught all five of his targets for 50 yards. Austin Ekeler, despite his rushing struggles, remains a top-five fantasy running back for me as he hauled in four of seven targets for 48 yards.
CARDINALS 37 BROWNS 14
Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals continue to mystify defenses around the league on their way to a 6-0 start to the season. The Cardinals dominated the Browns the entire game, and it never felt close. Murray completed 20 of 30 for 229 yards and four touchdowns as he continues his case for Fantasy and NFL MVP. Christian Kirk was the most targeted pass-catching option in this one hauling in five of eight targets for 75 yards and a touchdown–as his role continues to grow, you can make Kirk a fantasy flex-play. A.J. Green continues to produce with five catches on six targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. I continue to expect a decline from A.J. Green, but I cannot stand in the way if someone wants to play him in their flex position. I am concerned about what the outcome will be if DeAndre Hopkins does not find the end zone. Hopkins hauled in three of four passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns. James Conner continues to receive a ton of touches in games the Cardinals are icing the clock. Conner rushed for 71 yards on 16 carries and is also a flex-viable option for your fantasy team. The Cleveland Browns continue to unravel before our eyes. The Browns were missing both starting offensive tackles in this one. The Browns running back situation went from bad to worse as Nick Chubb was absent from this one, and then Kareem Hunt went down due to a calf injury. Hunt will miss several weeks, and Nick Chubb’s status for the Thursday Night game is unknown–so the next man up for the Browns will be D’Ernest Johnson. Odell Beckham Jr. continues to operate as the primary target. ODB left this game due to an injury but returned to haul in five of eight targets for 79 yards. In the absence of Jarvis Landry, Donovan Peoples-Jones stepped up to catch four of five targets for 101 yards and two touchdowns. ODB is a flex-only option, and you can’t rely on DPJ quite yet. Keep an eye on Baker Mayfield as well. He seems confident that he will play this Thursday, but he is injured, and I don’t trust him against a Broncos defense that needs a win.
RAIDERS 34 BRONCOS 24
After a week of turmoil in and around the Raiders organization, Las Vegas dominated the Broncos in Mike High 34-24. Derek Carr had the long ball working as he completed 18 of 27 for 341 yards and two touchdowns. Carr spread the ball around evenly to all of his pass-catchers. Darren Waller hauled in all five of his targets for 59 yards. The results have not been great lately for Waller fantasy managers, but given the landscape of the tight end position, Darren Waller remains a top-three fantasy option. Henry Ruggs III continues to excel as the Raiders’ primary deep threat catching three of four targets for 97 yards and a touchdown. Josh Jacobs returned to the Raiders lineup to dominate the touches–totaling 82 yards and a touchdown on 17 touches. Jacobs is a low-end RB2 for the moment. Kenyan Drake was electric in this one and worth noting. Drake only touched the ball six times but turned those touches into 73 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos’ offense never appeared to be in sync on Sunday. Teddy Bridgewater was up and down–completing 35 of 49 for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Broncos backfield that gives us all fantasy headaches continued on Sunday. Javonte Williams had 53 yards on 11 carries, as Melvin Gordon had 50 yards on ten carries. This backfield splits 50/50, and you cannot trust either back as anything more than a flex play. Bridgewater locked in on his primary targets in this one. Courtland Sutton hauled in eight of fourteen for 94 yards and a touchdown. Sutton remains a low-end WR2. Noah Fant saw a spike in involvement as he reeled in nine of eleven targets for 97 yards and a touchdown. Fant is an inconsistent option at the tight end position but still offers top-ten value.
COWBOYS 35 PATRIOTS 29
Dallas Cowboys defeated the New England Patriots in walk-off fashion 35-29 in overtime. Dak Prescott was incredible down the stretch completing 36 of 51 for 445 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Dak remains a top-five option at the quarterback position. CeeDee Lamb emerged as the Cowboys’ top pass-catcher in this one as he hauled in nine of eleven targets for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Lamb is now a bonafide WR1. Amari Cooper remains a mid-WR2 with an uneven performance in this one–Cooper caught five of eight for 55 yards. Dalton Schultz continues his top-five tight end pursuit with five catches on six targets for 79 yards. Ezekiel Elliott was rock-solid in this one with 119 total yards of offense on 24 touches. Zeke remains a top-five fantasy back. Mac Jones continues to show glimpses as an unfinished product completing 15 of 21 for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The Patriots ground game, namely Damien Harris, got it going in this one. Harris rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Harris remains a mid-RB2. Rhamondre Stevenson had an eye-opening day. Stevenson has eight touches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Without James White in the Patriots’ offense, there is a role for a pass-catching back–pay attention to see if Stevenson can claim that vacated role. Hunter Henry is startable as a low-ceiling TE1–Henry caught both of his targets for 25 yards and a touchdown. Jakobi Meyers is the only pass-catcher worth playing as a flex option. Meyers hauled in five of six targets for 44 yards on Sunday.
STEELERS 23 SEAHAWKS 20
The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning their season around and are back to .500 following a 23-20 overtime victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Rookie running back Najee Harris continues to lead the way with 127 yards of offense and a touchdown on 30 touches. The Steeler bell-cow seems a lock for rookie of the year and is a top ten fantasy back moving forward. Big Ben was taking the underneath stuff in this one completing 29 of 40 for 229 yards and a touchdown. Diontae Johnson is the main cog in the Steelers passing attack hauling in nine if thirteen targets for 71 yards. Johnson remains a mid-WR2. Chase Claypool was an afterthought in this one catching only two of seven targets for 17 yards–expect a squeaky-wheel game in the not-so-distant future. Pat Friermuth continues to become a bigger portion of the game plan week in and week out–Friermuth caught all seven of his targets for 58 yards and is now a top twelve fantasy tight end. The biggest takeaway for Seattle is that without Russell Wilson in the lineup, the passing game will suffer dramatically. Geno Smith completed 23 of 32 for 209 yards and a touchdown–he wasn’t horrible, but the upside isn’t there without Russ. Tyler Lockett feels the effects more than anyone in the offense as Lockett was reduced to two catches on seven targets for 35 yards. Don’t start Tyler Lockett until Russell Wilson returns. DK Metcalf returned solid value with six catches on seven targets for 58 yards but is more of a low-ceiling WR2. Alex Collins looked great running the ball for 101 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Collins did leave this game with an injury– monitor his progress this week.
TITANS 34 BILLS 31
In one of the largest upsets of the season, Tennessee knocked off Buffalo 34-31 in an instant classic. Derrick Henry once again led the Titans with 156 yards of total offense and three touchdowns on 22 touches. Henry is the best running back in the world and fantasy football–end of the story. A.J. Brown anchored the receiving core with seven catches on nine targets for 91 yards. Brown looked as healthy as he has all season long–fire him up as a low-end WR1 moving forward. Julio Jones caught three of five targets for 59 yards but left this game due to a hamstring issue–continue to monitor his progress this week. Josh Allen looked every bit the top quarterback in fantasy football completing 35 of 47 for 353 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. We have been anxiously awaiting the Stefon Diggs breakout, and here it was–hauling in nine of eleven targets for 89 yards and a touchdown. Cole Beasley continues to produce like a WR2 in PPR leagues especially–Beasley caught seven of nine for 88 yards and a touchdown. Emmanuel Sanders is locked in as a top pass-catching option in this offense reeling in five of eight targets for 91 yards as a flex-option with upside. Devin Singletary and Zach Moss split the workload to little success. If forced to start one, it would be Moss as a flex-option only.
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