Another Sunday in the books. I missed on my DFS 50/50 lineup and hit 7 of 12 (58%) of my weekly against-the-grain bargains/busts. As always, let's try to make sense of it, highlighting each team's most significant fantasy impact:
Patriots -- There's plenty that could be discussed: Sony Michel dominating touches (and fumbling), Rex Burkhead rewarding desperate fantasy managers, . . . But this isn't intended to be a complete rundown of each game. The most important fantasy impact was Antonio Brown leading the receiving corps with eight targets and a touchdown. He's the huge weekly fantasy gamble; either the hammer will drop, or he'll help lead the Patriots to another title.
Dolphins -- Suppose some team has to be the worst. But Miami's worse than the worst. Preston Williams salvaged a 4-63 day. While this franchise will continue to shed talent, Williams isn't going anywhere, and is now a must-roster in every league as their likely #1 receiver going forward.
49ers -- Sure, it was against Cincinnati. But Jimmy G. had an impressive road performance. While there's much to talk about, the biggest story was Deebo Samuel, who was Jimmy's #1 target and receiver. Oh, and this summer I pushed all of you to avoid George Kittle at his aggressive overall ADP, and more recently to sell high heading into Week 2. Its not too late, but it's getting close. Unlike last year, Kittle is one of many good offensive options.
Bengals -- As subscribers know, I dropped Joe Mixon in my rankings in August when Cincy's sub-par o-line got worse. Sure, he might have been less than 100% today. But Mixon won't be the RB1 nearly every expert envisioned.
Chargers -- Austin Ekeler continues to shine without Melvin Gordon. Remember, he was a solid RB3 last year, and will continue to be a weekly starter until Gordon (presumably) returns.
Lions -- Kenny Golladay came through after a week in which other Lion receivers played more prominent roles. Golladay is and will remain this unit's biggest talent.
Vikings -- Loved Dalvin Cook heading into the opener. Warned against him heading into yesterday. Was flat-out wrong. His 75-yard run is what makes this guy a top-5 RB.
Packers -- I tried to trade for Aaron Jones this week. Was unsuccessful. And then he went and did what Aaron Jones can do. An RB1 as long as he's healthy.
Colts -- It's a little worrying when a capable backup outperforms your starter. Jordan Wilkins did that yesterday, picking up 82 yards on five carries vs. Marlon Mack's pedestrian 20-51 line. There's probably little to worry about, but it's worth bringing up given Indy's multi-faceted backfield.
Titans -- Derrick Henry got it done again. Nice to see the team feeding him.
Bills -- When will Buffalo turn to Devin Singletary? Two straight impressive performances, but not yet enough touches to merit starting with confidence.
Giants -- The team wants to keep running Eli Manning out there as long as they're in playoff contention. Sadly, everyone knows where this team's headed. Daniel Jones would breathe life into an often lifeless offense, lifting the fantasy prospects of all core players.
Seahawks -- An impressive road win. Most notably, Chris Carson lost his second fumble in as many weeks. Rashaad Penny ran better. Peter Carroll doesn't owe Carson a long leash. One of many backfields that got a lot more interesting.
Steelers -- My repeated, amplified James Conner warnings all summer might have had merit. No RB was more overrated from my perspective, and through two games he's been pretty awful. Add in an injury--as well as an injury to Ben Roethlisberger--and things are looking dicey. To repeat: He wasn't highly touted coming out of college, played out of his mind in Pittsburgh's second-highest-scoring offense in history, and has nowhere to go but down. Even if his injury isn't serious, Jaylen Samuels will continue cutting into his workload next week.
Cowboys -- Michael Gallup once again led the team in receptions. He's becoming a must-start in favorable matchups. Unfortunately, word late last night is he's headed for an MRI on his knee.
Redskins -- Rookie Terry McLaurin strengthened his grip on the #1 receiver job, while Adrian Peterson (3.7 YPC since the start of 2016) will continue to be a TD-dependent RB4 until Derrius Guice (barring a setback) returns.
Cardinals -- In his last 29 games spanning four different seasons, David Johnson has averaged 3.6 YPC. He returned from an injury scare, so that shouldn't be a concern. But his long-time inefficient running certainly is.
Ravens -- This summer I warned against Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews. Awaiting your much-deserved "You know nothing about the Ravens" insults.
Jaguars -- Never understood the hype surrounding Dede Westbrook this summer. He's officially droppable in a bottom-10 offense. Might get a decent performance here and there, but I wouldn't sit around waiting for it.
Texans -- Never expected Carlos Hyde to ring up back-to-back impressive outings. Hats off to those who paid little for him.
Chiefs -- Damien Williams' injury could open the door for Darwin Thompson. In other words, if Williams misses time, he could realistically return as Kansas City's #3 back.
Raiders -- Was last week's win over Denver a fluke? Not really; the Broncos aren't very good. The concern with rookie Josh Jacobs going forward is game flow: He had five carries in the first eight minutes, and then seven more in the next 52 minutes. With Oakland expected to play from behind most weeks, Jacobs will be a situational RB2/3.
Bears -- A shocking comeback win. Most notably, David Montgomery took over with 19 touches, while Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis combined for nine. Those who drafted Montgomery early can rest a bit easier; after a rough opening weekend, he'll be the clear 1A the rest of the way.
Broncos -- Was adamant this summer that Royce Freeman, not Phillip Lindsay, was the Denver RB to draft. Freeman has become one of two bright spots on a team that will be no better than 2-7 when they reach their Week 10 bye.
Saints -- Drew Brees' injury is a minor fantasy shockwave and major real-world shockwave. Teddy Bridgewater proved somewhat capable in a tough road matchup, and in his first extended action in four years. But if Brees is forced to sit next week in Seattle, everyone will take a hit.
Rams -- Jared Goff wasn't as amazing as I predicted he'd be yesterday. But he still posted QB1 numbers. He remains one of fantasy's most underrated QBs.
Eagles -- Aside from the rash of injuries to Philly receivers (we'll know more about some of them soon enough), I'm focused on the running game--or the lack of a running game. Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard are canceling each other out fantasy-wise, and even combined they aren't producing. Six of their next eight matchups will be tough. Nothing to do but wait it out and hope the RB you have rises to the top.
Falcons -- Ready to hit the Devonta Freeman panic button? The rapidly worsening offensive line isn't helping. But no excuses: my preseason call looks pretty bad right now, and Ito Smith's terrific one-cut run in the third was more than anything we've seen out of Freeman. While the veteran still has time, averaging 12.5 touches per game simply won't get it done.
Patriots -- There's plenty that could be discussed: Sony Michel dominating touches (and fumbling), Rex Burkhead rewarding desperate fantasy managers, . . . But this isn't intended to be a complete rundown of each game. The most important fantasy impact was Antonio Brown leading the receiving corps with eight targets and a touchdown. He's the huge weekly fantasy gamble; either the hammer will drop, or he'll help lead the Patriots to another title.
Dolphins -- Suppose some team has to be the worst. But Miami's worse than the worst. Preston Williams salvaged a 4-63 day. While this franchise will continue to shed talent, Williams isn't going anywhere, and is now a must-roster in every league as their likely #1 receiver going forward.
49ers -- Sure, it was against Cincinnati. But Jimmy G. had an impressive road performance. While there's much to talk about, the biggest story was Deebo Samuel, who was Jimmy's #1 target and receiver. Oh, and this summer I pushed all of you to avoid George Kittle at his aggressive overall ADP, and more recently to sell high heading into Week 2. Its not too late, but it's getting close. Unlike last year, Kittle is one of many good offensive options.
Bengals -- As subscribers know, I dropped Joe Mixon in my rankings in August when Cincy's sub-par o-line got worse. Sure, he might have been less than 100% today. But Mixon won't be the RB1 nearly every expert envisioned.
Chargers -- Austin Ekeler continues to shine without Melvin Gordon. Remember, he was a solid RB3 last year, and will continue to be a weekly starter until Gordon (presumably) returns.
Lions -- Kenny Golladay came through after a week in which other Lion receivers played more prominent roles. Golladay is and will remain this unit's biggest talent.
Vikings -- Loved Dalvin Cook heading into the opener. Warned against him heading into yesterday. Was flat-out wrong. His 75-yard run is what makes this guy a top-5 RB.
Packers -- I tried to trade for Aaron Jones this week. Was unsuccessful. And then he went and did what Aaron Jones can do. An RB1 as long as he's healthy.
Colts -- It's a little worrying when a capable backup outperforms your starter. Jordan Wilkins did that yesterday, picking up 82 yards on five carries vs. Marlon Mack's pedestrian 20-51 line. There's probably little to worry about, but it's worth bringing up given Indy's multi-faceted backfield.
Titans -- Derrick Henry got it done again. Nice to see the team feeding him.
Bills -- When will Buffalo turn to Devin Singletary? Two straight impressive performances, but not yet enough touches to merit starting with confidence.
Giants -- The team wants to keep running Eli Manning out there as long as they're in playoff contention. Sadly, everyone knows where this team's headed. Daniel Jones would breathe life into an often lifeless offense, lifting the fantasy prospects of all core players.
Seahawks -- An impressive road win. Most notably, Chris Carson lost his second fumble in as many weeks. Rashaad Penny ran better. Peter Carroll doesn't owe Carson a long leash. One of many backfields that got a lot more interesting.
Steelers -- My repeated, amplified James Conner warnings all summer might have had merit. No RB was more overrated from my perspective, and through two games he's been pretty awful. Add in an injury--as well as an injury to Ben Roethlisberger--and things are looking dicey. To repeat: He wasn't highly touted coming out of college, played out of his mind in Pittsburgh's second-highest-scoring offense in history, and has nowhere to go but down. Even if his injury isn't serious, Jaylen Samuels will continue cutting into his workload next week.
Cowboys -- Michael Gallup once again led the team in receptions. He's becoming a must-start in favorable matchups. Unfortunately, word late last night is he's headed for an MRI on his knee.
Redskins -- Rookie Terry McLaurin strengthened his grip on the #1 receiver job, while Adrian Peterson (3.7 YPC since the start of 2016) will continue to be a TD-dependent RB4 until Derrius Guice (barring a setback) returns.
Cardinals -- In his last 29 games spanning four different seasons, David Johnson has averaged 3.6 YPC. He returned from an injury scare, so that shouldn't be a concern. But his long-time inefficient running certainly is.
Ravens -- This summer I warned against Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews. Awaiting your much-deserved "You know nothing about the Ravens" insults.
Jaguars -- Never understood the hype surrounding Dede Westbrook this summer. He's officially droppable in a bottom-10 offense. Might get a decent performance here and there, but I wouldn't sit around waiting for it.
Texans -- Never expected Carlos Hyde to ring up back-to-back impressive outings. Hats off to those who paid little for him.
Chiefs -- Damien Williams' injury could open the door for Darwin Thompson. In other words, if Williams misses time, he could realistically return as Kansas City's #3 back.
Raiders -- Was last week's win over Denver a fluke? Not really; the Broncos aren't very good. The concern with rookie Josh Jacobs going forward is game flow: He had five carries in the first eight minutes, and then seven more in the next 52 minutes. With Oakland expected to play from behind most weeks, Jacobs will be a situational RB2/3.
Bears -- A shocking comeback win. Most notably, David Montgomery took over with 19 touches, while Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis combined for nine. Those who drafted Montgomery early can rest a bit easier; after a rough opening weekend, he'll be the clear 1A the rest of the way.
Broncos -- Was adamant this summer that Royce Freeman, not Phillip Lindsay, was the Denver RB to draft. Freeman has become one of two bright spots on a team that will be no better than 2-7 when they reach their Week 10 bye.
Saints -- Drew Brees' injury is a minor fantasy shockwave and major real-world shockwave. Teddy Bridgewater proved somewhat capable in a tough road matchup, and in his first extended action in four years. But if Brees is forced to sit next week in Seattle, everyone will take a hit.
Rams -- Jared Goff wasn't as amazing as I predicted he'd be yesterday. But he still posted QB1 numbers. He remains one of fantasy's most underrated QBs.
Eagles -- Aside from the rash of injuries to Philly receivers (we'll know more about some of them soon enough), I'm focused on the running game--or the lack of a running game. Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard are canceling each other out fantasy-wise, and even combined they aren't producing. Six of their next eight matchups will be tough. Nothing to do but wait it out and hope the RB you have rises to the top.
Falcons -- Ready to hit the Devonta Freeman panic button? The rapidly worsening offensive line isn't helping. But no excuses: my preseason call looks pretty bad right now, and Ito Smith's terrific one-cut run in the third was more than anything we've seen out of Freeman. While the veteran still has time, averaging 12.5 touches per game simply won't get it done.