Just when it looked like the 2015 version of Cam Newton was back (seven TDs and one turnover in his previous two games), last night showed two things: (1) Cam's floor remains among the league's highest, as he's able to manufacture points most other QBs can't; and (2) his erratic throws are alarming. He was 28-for-52 against one of the league's worst past defenses. While not all of his interceptions were his fault, he threw poorly enough to warrant concern.
And it's not due to center Ryan Kalil's absence. Kalil's presence Week 1 didn't elevate Cam to near-elite levels, and his absence ever since didn't prevent Cam from going off in weeks 4 and 5. This is really a Cam issue. Hopefully he can right the ship. Carolina has enough weapons to have a top-5 offense.
After a strong start to the season, Jonathan Stewart didn't show up for the second straight game. Again, we can blame the offensive line. But since the 30-year-old isn't involved in the passing game, he's almost entirely TD-dependent these days.
And Devin Funchess returned to earth. If you read my warnings and sold high, fantastic. If you don't agree with me and kept him, hope he rebounds for you.
For Philly, Carson Wentz has proved me wrong most of the season. What an incredible sophomore season. And speaking of wrong, LeGarrette Blount continues to remind me that my premature assessment of the end of his career was unwarranted. He remains as TD-dependent as any "starting" RB (we'll see what happens when Wendell Smallwood returns), but he's manufactured RB1/2/3 production in four out of five games.
And Nelson Agholor: some of you heeded my call to grab him and start him last week. He's one of the most undervalued receivers in fantasy.
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Around the league, Ezekiel Elliott moved another step closer to being suspended. But nothing's happening until it actually happens, so let's put the brakes on this news for now. He has been, and will remain, a big-time RB1 risk--particularly if his suspension overlaps with the fantasy playoffs. Alfred Morris is my pick to earn most of the carries if/when Elliott sits.
Dolphins head coach Adam Gase recently commented that Kenyan Drake is Jay Ajayi's handcuff. My pick to back up Ajayi since June (despite the depth chart continually showing Damien Williams in that spot), Drake should be rostered in all leagues where 8+ handcuffs are rostered. In other words, while he's not in the Derrick Henry tier, he'll be an instant RB2/3 if Ajayi goes down.
Speaking of Henry, buy low. He's one of the most volatile fantasy stocks out there--a guy who a few weeks ago looked like a sure-fire RB2+ . . . until DeMarco Murray returned and put an end to that talk. Still, OC Terry Robiskie offered yesterday that Henry will get more run. Given Henry's recent lack of production, you should be able to get him for very little.
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said Thanksgiving is the "earliest" David Johnson could return. If you're holding him in a re-draft league, ask yourself whether it's worth it. In leagues with deep benches, sure. But if most of your bench is on bye or hurt, and if an elite RB handcuff or a WR3+ is available, it's time to make a move.
And it's not due to center Ryan Kalil's absence. Kalil's presence Week 1 didn't elevate Cam to near-elite levels, and his absence ever since didn't prevent Cam from going off in weeks 4 and 5. This is really a Cam issue. Hopefully he can right the ship. Carolina has enough weapons to have a top-5 offense.
After a strong start to the season, Jonathan Stewart didn't show up for the second straight game. Again, we can blame the offensive line. But since the 30-year-old isn't involved in the passing game, he's almost entirely TD-dependent these days.
And Devin Funchess returned to earth. If you read my warnings and sold high, fantastic. If you don't agree with me and kept him, hope he rebounds for you.
For Philly, Carson Wentz has proved me wrong most of the season. What an incredible sophomore season. And speaking of wrong, LeGarrette Blount continues to remind me that my premature assessment of the end of his career was unwarranted. He remains as TD-dependent as any "starting" RB (we'll see what happens when Wendell Smallwood returns), but he's manufactured RB1/2/3 production in four out of five games.
And Nelson Agholor: some of you heeded my call to grab him and start him last week. He's one of the most undervalued receivers in fantasy.
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Around the league, Ezekiel Elliott moved another step closer to being suspended. But nothing's happening until it actually happens, so let's put the brakes on this news for now. He has been, and will remain, a big-time RB1 risk--particularly if his suspension overlaps with the fantasy playoffs. Alfred Morris is my pick to earn most of the carries if/when Elliott sits.
Dolphins head coach Adam Gase recently commented that Kenyan Drake is Jay Ajayi's handcuff. My pick to back up Ajayi since June (despite the depth chart continually showing Damien Williams in that spot), Drake should be rostered in all leagues where 8+ handcuffs are rostered. In other words, while he's not in the Derrick Henry tier, he'll be an instant RB2/3 if Ajayi goes down.
Speaking of Henry, buy low. He's one of the most volatile fantasy stocks out there--a guy who a few weeks ago looked like a sure-fire RB2+ . . . until DeMarco Murray returned and put an end to that talk. Still, OC Terry Robiskie offered yesterday that Henry will get more run. Given Henry's recent lack of production, you should be able to get him for very little.
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said Thanksgiving is the "earliest" David Johnson could return. If you're holding him in a re-draft league, ask yourself whether it's worth it. In leagues with deep benches, sure. But if most of your bench is on bye or hurt, and if an elite RB handcuff or a WR3+ is available, it's time to make a move.