COLTS 45 JETS 30
Carson Wentz, Jonathan Taylor, and the Indianapolis Colts remain white-hot as they defeated the New York Jets 45-30 on Thursday Night Football. Carson Wentz is a streaming option at the quarterback position as he completed 22 of 30 for 272 and three touchdowns. Jonathan Taylor continues as the RB1 overall with 200 yards of offense and two touchdowns with 21 touches. Nyheim Hines also had a great game with 108 total yards with a touchdown on ten touches. Hines is a weekly flex option. Michael Pittman Jr. is the tried and true top pass-catching option for the Colts–Pittman Jr. hauled in five of six targets for 64 yards and a touchdown. The Jets offense is in transition at the quarterback position, from Zach Wilson to Mike White to Josh Johnson. Michael Carter is the top back in the Jets offense as he totaled 86 yards on 14 touches. Elijah Moore is establishing himself in the Jets offense more and more every week. Moore caught seven of eight targets for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
BROWNS 41 BENGALS 16
Denzel Ward took a Joe Burrow interception back 99-yards for a touchdown. The Cleveland Browns never looked back in a 41-16 victory. In his first game post-Odell Beckham Jr.–Baker Mayfield played his best game of the season, completing 14 of 21 for 218 yards and two interceptions. Due to the lack of passing volume, I still wouldn’t recommend Mayfield as a streaming option. Nick Chubb was tremendous as he totaled 163 yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches. Chubb leads the Browns backfield, no matter who he is sharing the backfield with. Donovan Peoples-Jones steps into the role left behind from ODB. Peoples-Jones caught two passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. The Browns pass rush got after Joe Burrow all afternoon long. Burrow completed 28 of 40 for 282 yards and two interceptions. Ja’Marr Chase struggled as he caught six of thirteen for 49 yards. Tee Higgins did slightly better as he hauled in six of eight targets for 78 yards. Do not panic when it comes to the Bengals passing game–continue to roll out this trio. Continue to start Joe Mixon as well–Mixon remains locked into a productive role with 110 yards and two touchdowns on 18 targets.
BRONCOS 30 COWBOYS 16
This game was all Denver Broncos from the opening coin-flip. Teddy Bridgwater was efficient as he completed 19 of 28 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos run game had their way all afternoon long– Javonte Williams rushed for 111 yards on 17 carries, and Melvin Gordon III totaled 95 yards and a touchdown on 23 touches. The Broncos backfield remains split down the middle–you know what to expect. Jerry Jeudy continues to reestablish as the primary pass-catching option for the Denver Broncos with six catches on eight targets for 69 yards. Tim Patrick continues to be flex-worthy with four catches on five targets for 85 yards and a touchdown. You are right to be concerned for Courtland Sutton, as he was only targeted twice in this game. Forget this game if you are a fantasy manager of the Dallas Cowboys players. Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Dalton Schultz are weekly starters.
DOLPHINS 17 TEXANS 9
If you watched this game–I’m sorry. In one of the ugliest contests you will ever see, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Houston Texans 17-9. Jacoby Brissett was playing for an injured Tua Tagovailoa–monitor Tua’s availability for this week. With DeVante Parker injured, Jaylen Waddle and Mike Gesicki continue to lead the passing game for the Dolphins. Waddle caught eight of ten targets for 83 yards, while Gesicki caught four of eight targets for 53 yards. Both players remain flex options in a depressing offense. The Texans’ quarterback situation is in disarray, and they cannot run the football. The only player you can start is Brandin Cooks–who caught six of thirteen targets for 56 yards.
FALCONS 27 SAINTS 25
The Atlanta Falcons upset the New Orleans Saints 27-25 and now find themselves in the middle of a playoff push. Matt Ryan was sensational in this one as he completed 23 of 30 for 343 yards and three touchdowns. Based on this performance and how well the Falcons’ are utilizing their playmakers, Ryan is on the streaming radar. The Falcons cannot run the football, but they can get Cordarrelle Patterson open in space. Patterson totaled 139 yards on 15 touches. We do not know the long-term status of Calvin Ridley–so we are proceeding as if Patterson is the top option in the Falcons’ offense. Kyle Pitts caught three of seven targets for 62 yards, on the verge of a much larger game. Pitts remains a top-five fantasy tight end. Olamide Zaccheaus caught all three of his targets for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Zaccheaus will not replicate these numbers moving forward, but he is worthy of a waiver wire pickup this week. Trevor Siemian was the starter over Taysom Hill. Siemian completed 25 of 41 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Keep a keen eye on this quarterback situation as depending on who is under center, the Saints’ offense will be dramatically different. You know that the Saints’ offense will lean heavily on Alvin Kamara as Kamara totaled 104 yards and a touchdown on 17 touches. Mark Ingram II is gaining more traction in the Saints’ offense with 64 yards on 14 touches. You cannot trust a Saints receiver in fantasy football.
GIANTS 23 RAIDERS 16
The New York Giants pulled off a shocking upset of the Las Vegas Raiders 23-16. Devontae Booker continues to lead the Giants offense in the absence of Saquon Barkley. Booker totaled 122 yards on 24 touches as a solid RB2. When your quarterback, Daniel Jones, throws for 110 yards–you cannot trust any pass-catchers in the Giants’ offense. How the Giants won this game is mind-boggling. Derek Carr was off all game long as he completed 30 of 46 for 296 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Raiders backfield is now producing two fantasy options in Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake. Jacobs totaled 95 yards on 17 touches, while Drake totaled 100 yards on ten touches. Jacobs remains a low-end RB2, and Drake remains a high-upside flex option. Darren Waller is the only mainstay of the receivers on this team. Waller caught seven of eleven targets for 92 yards.
PATRIOTS 24 PANTHERS 6
The New England Patriots and their balanced offense pulled away from the Carolina Panthers 24-6. We have to begin with breaking down the Patriots’ backfield. Damien Harris found the end zone, but he only totaled just 33 yards on 16 touches. Rhamondre Stevenson was the most effective back for the Patriots on Sunday as he totaled 106 yards on 12 touches and is deservedly of more work moving forward. Brandon Bolden totaled 81 yards on ten touches. I believe Harris remains a low-end RB2, but Stevenson is a flex option as well. It is not advisable to start any Patriots’ receivers. Christian McCaffrey came back and took over his every-down role immediately. C-Mac totaled 106 yards on 18 touches and is reclaiming his spot as a top-five fantasy running back. Monitor the quarterback situation for the Panthers. Sam Darnold has been horrendous and is due for a benching. PJ Walker would take over for Darnold. I don’t know how much more upside Walker can present, but I do know it can’t be worse than Darnold.
JAGUARS 9 BILLS 6
What are we supposed to say about the Jaguars/Bills debacle? The one player on the Jaguars’ side worth talking about is Dan Arnold. Arnold continues to produce as a low-end TE1 with four catches and 60 yards. Carlos Hyde was the starter at running back for the Jaguars’ in this one. The early reports out of Jacksonville are that James Robinson should be back this week to reclaim his every-down role. Toss this game in the trash can if you are looking at the Buffalo Bills. The Bills do not run the ball well in the traditional sense, and it caught up to them in this one. The Bills are one of the better offenses in the league, play the Jets next–expect a HUGE bounce-back performance from Josh Allen and company.
RAVENS 34 VIKINGS 31
The Baltimore Ravens outlasted the Minnesota Vikings in overtime 34-31. Lamar Jackson continues to be a fantasy dynamo as he completed 27 of 41 for 266 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Jackson also ran for 120 yards on 21 carries. Lamar Jackson is running for the QB1 overall and is a walking, talking, video game. DeVonta Freeman and Lev Bell split the Ravens’ backfield work. Freeman ran for 79 yards on 13 carries, and Bell ran for 48 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Freeman remains the preferred flex play from this backfield. Marquise Brown was the most heavily utilized receiving option with nine catches on twelve targets for 116 yards. Brown is a weekly WR2. Mark Andrews hauled in five of ten targets for 44 yards and is on the fringe of top-five TE status. Rookie receiver Rashod Bateman is emerging in the Ravens’ offense with five catches on eight targets for 52 yards. Kirk Cousins had a solid performance completing 17 of 28 for 187 yards and three touchdowns. The Vikings coaching staff spoke about getting Dalvin Cook more involved this week, and they did, with 122 yards on 20 touches. Cook is a top-five fantasy back for the remainder of the season. Justin Jefferson totaled 80 yards and a touchdown on four touches–locked and loaded WR1. I would be more concerned with Adam Thielen, who only had two catches for six yards in this one.
CHARGERS 27 EAGLES 24
Justin Herbert led the Los Angeles Chargers to a road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles 27-24. Herbert was amazing as he completed 32 of 38 for 370 total yards and three touchdowns. Justin Herbert had it working with Keenan Allen all afternoon long. Allen caught 12 of 13 targets for 104 yards and is back to a low-end WR1 value. Mike Williams has slowed down due to a knee injury hauling in two of five targets for 58 yards. Austin Ekeler injured a finger in this game and missed some time, but did return. Ekeler totaled 82 yards on 20 touches remaining a high-end RB1. The Eagles’ offense continues trending as one of the most run-heavy approaches in the league as Jordan Howard led the effort with 71 yards and a touchdown on 17 touches. Boston Scott rushed for 40 yards on ten touches. DeVonta Smith has taken over as the top pass-catcher for the Eagles with five catches on six targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. Smith is a low-end WR2/high-end flex option. Dallas Goedert continues his low-end TE1 ways with three catches for 43 yards.
CHIEFS 13 PACKERS 7
The Kansas City Chiefs won an ugly affair over the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers 13-7. All the questions surrounding ‘what is wrong with the Chiefs offense?’ Patrick Mahomes has been terrible lately. Mahomes completed 20 of 37 for 166 yards and a touchdown. Listen to me! If someone in your league is willing to sell low on Patrick Mahomes, go and get him now! Tyreek Hill continues to dominate the targets as he caught four of eleven for 37 yards. To reiterate, if you have a fantasy manager who is panicking on Tyreek Hill–go and get him! Travis Kelce was back to his dominant self with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Darrel Williams dominated the rushing work with 77 total yards on 22 touches. Jordan Love made his debut, completing 19 of 34 for 190 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. No takeaways on the receiving side of things with Rodgers missing the game. Monitor the Packers backfield as it continues to trend to a committee approach with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon splitting the workload.
CARDINALS 31 49ERS 17
Backup quarterback Colt McCoy stepped in, and stepped up, replacing an injured Kyler Murray in leading the Arizona Cardinals to a 31-17 victory. The story from this one was James Conner dominating the 49ers’ defense with 173 total yards and THREE touchdowns on 26 touches. James Conner leads the NFL in touchdowns and is a legit RB1 for the time being. DeAndre Hopkins also missed this game, and in his absence, Christian Kirk played well–Kirk hauled in all six of his targets for 91 yards. George Kittle returned to his first action in a month and dominated as he caught six of eight targets for 101 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Aiyuk is out of the dog house and caught six of eight for 89 yards and a touchdown. I don’t want to trust Aiyuk in my fantasy lineups quite yet, I want to see it again next week. Deebo Samuel was just ok in this one as he caught five of nine for 63 yards. Elijah Mitchell ran for 36 yards on eight carries, but it was encouraging to see him catching all five of his targets for 43 yards.
TITANS 28 RAMS 16
The shocking Sunday action continued as the Tennessee Titans upset the Los Angeles Rams 28-16. The Tennessee Titans’ backfield was a topic of much conversation this week. Adrian Peterson rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown on ten carries, Jeremy McNichols rushed for 24 yards on seven carries, and D’Onta Foreman ran for 29 yards on five carries. I would still expect Peterson to emerge and produce RB2 numbers moving forward. A.J. Brown is the only pass-catcher you want for the Titans as he hauled in five of eleven targets for 42 yards. Messy game all the way around for the Los Angeles Rams. Matthew Stafford was erratic as he completed 31 of 48 for 294 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Stafford continued to target his best buddy Cooper Kupp. Kupp caught 11 of 13 for 96 yards. Kupps’ counterpart Robert Woods caught seven of ten for 98 yards. Status quo here for the Rams’ receivers–Kupp remains one of the best receivers in fantasy football, and Woods remains a low-end WR2. Tyler Higbee remains involved in the Rams offense as he caught five of ten for 51 yards and remains a low-end TE1.
STEELERS 29 BEARS 27
The nightcap for week nine was a good one, as the Pittsburgh Steelers held off the Chicago Bears 29-27. Najee Harris continues to dominate the touches with 78 yards and a touchdown on 25 touches. Harris remains a rock-solid RB1. Pat Freiermuth has been awesome lately. Freiermuth caught five of six for 43 yards and two touchdowns and has earned a top-ten TE evaluation. Diontae Johnson continues to be the preferred option at wide receiver for the Steelers. Johnson caught five of six for 56 yards. Chase Claypool continues to be involved with three catches on five targets for 30 yards. Justin Fields has arrived. Fields completed 17 of 29 for 291 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Justin Fields also ran for 45 yards on eight carries. If Justin Fields continues to play this way, he will be a streaming quarterback option. David Montgomery returned and immediately took over the Bears’ backfield once again–totaling 80 yards on 15 touches. Darnell Mooney rewarded his fantasy managers with 56 total yards and two touchdowns on four touches. As Allen Robinson declines, Darnell Mooney continues to emerge. Keep an eye on Cole Kmet–this was his best game of the season, hauling in six of eight targets for 87 yards.
I like beer. I like football. Sometimes, both at the same time.
You must log in to post a comment.