It took less than three games for Tyrod Taylor to become one of the league's most expensive backup QBs. Acquired this offseason for first pick in the third round of the 2018 draft, Taylor left with a concussion late in the first half. He was good enough in the first two games, but was dreadful in this one. Realistically he won't return this season unless Baker Mayfield gets hurt.
Mayfield now inherits a team with significantly diminished prospects from what we saw this preseason, thanks to the unceremonious dismissals of Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman, and the non-signing of nothing-to-lose veteran Dez Bryant. Their 1-1-1 record could realistically become 2-7-1 heading into their Week 11 bye. They include contests against the Ravens, Chargers, Steelers, Chiefs, and Falcons. Then after the break, four of their final six games are on the road. Some would argue Mayfield's presence will keep them competitive. Maybe. But despite being armed with incredible talent, the rookie QB will face quite an uphill climb.
Yesterday's FF4W preview proved to be mostly accurate. Jarvis Landry produced another must-start performance. Quincy Enunwa led the way (though he didn't hit WR3 numbers), and as expected, no other Jet receiver was worth starting. And Isaiah Crowell was the better RB, with both he and Bilal Powell earning 12+ touches. Strangely, after seeing 14 targets in his first two games, David Njoku had only two last night. Yet he did more with those two (36 yards) than he did with his first 14 (33 yards). Njoku remains an enigma in an offense where he should be no worse than the #4 option. Perhaps Mayfield's presence will right that ship.
And a brief word on Sam Darnold: this is why we don't overpay for rookie QBs. I warned about this two weeks ago after his stunning two-TD debut. Since then he's thrown one TD pass and four interceptions. Four of his next five games are against the Jags, Broncos, Vikings, and Bears. Darnold is a deep-league dynasty hold and two-QB-league streamer. He doesn't belong on any other rosters, at least until much later this season.
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Unfortunately for those leaning on the very questionable Dalvin Cook, the Vikings don't need him this weekend against the Bills. Latavius Murray is one of this week's most hyped-up waiver options, and for good reason. In what's expected to be a blowout, Murray could be looking at 18+ touches before giving way to Mike Boone midway through the third quarter. We'll probably know later today whether Cook will sit.
Jay Ajayi is in a similar boat, particularly if T.Y. Hilton is forced to sit for Indy. The Eagles are a six-point favorite in what will be Carson Wentz's 2018 debut. The defending Super Bowl champs are playing the long game in a fairly weak division. Wentz needed time to mend. Alshon Jeffery remains on the shelf. Darren Sproles' final NFL season already is dealing with hiccups. So it wouldn't be surprising if Philly roles with Corey Clement so that their #1 RB can be close to 100% for an upcoming four-game stretch that'll include the Vikings, Panthers, and Jaguars. That, of course, would make Clement a must-start RB2+, with only the vastly inferior Wendell Smallwood challenging for touches.
Mayfield now inherits a team with significantly diminished prospects from what we saw this preseason, thanks to the unceremonious dismissals of Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman, and the non-signing of nothing-to-lose veteran Dez Bryant. Their 1-1-1 record could realistically become 2-7-1 heading into their Week 11 bye. They include contests against the Ravens, Chargers, Steelers, Chiefs, and Falcons. Then after the break, four of their final six games are on the road. Some would argue Mayfield's presence will keep them competitive. Maybe. But despite being armed with incredible talent, the rookie QB will face quite an uphill climb.
Yesterday's FF4W preview proved to be mostly accurate. Jarvis Landry produced another must-start performance. Quincy Enunwa led the way (though he didn't hit WR3 numbers), and as expected, no other Jet receiver was worth starting. And Isaiah Crowell was the better RB, with both he and Bilal Powell earning 12+ touches. Strangely, after seeing 14 targets in his first two games, David Njoku had only two last night. Yet he did more with those two (36 yards) than he did with his first 14 (33 yards). Njoku remains an enigma in an offense where he should be no worse than the #4 option. Perhaps Mayfield's presence will right that ship.
And a brief word on Sam Darnold: this is why we don't overpay for rookie QBs. I warned about this two weeks ago after his stunning two-TD debut. Since then he's thrown one TD pass and four interceptions. Four of his next five games are against the Jags, Broncos, Vikings, and Bears. Darnold is a deep-league dynasty hold and two-QB-league streamer. He doesn't belong on any other rosters, at least until much later this season.
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Unfortunately for those leaning on the very questionable Dalvin Cook, the Vikings don't need him this weekend against the Bills. Latavius Murray is one of this week's most hyped-up waiver options, and for good reason. In what's expected to be a blowout, Murray could be looking at 18+ touches before giving way to Mike Boone midway through the third quarter. We'll probably know later today whether Cook will sit.
Jay Ajayi is in a similar boat, particularly if T.Y. Hilton is forced to sit for Indy. The Eagles are a six-point favorite in what will be Carson Wentz's 2018 debut. The defending Super Bowl champs are playing the long game in a fairly weak division. Wentz needed time to mend. Alshon Jeffery remains on the shelf. Darren Sproles' final NFL season already is dealing with hiccups. So it wouldn't be surprising if Philly roles with Corey Clement so that their #1 RB can be close to 100% for an upcoming four-game stretch that'll include the Vikings, Panthers, and Jaguars. That, of course, would make Clement a must-start RB2+, with only the vastly inferior Wendell Smallwood challenging for touches.