A heckuva game last night to wrap up another eventful day of football. As always, here's the most notable fantasy storyline for each Sunday team:
Falcons vs. Lions -- Brian Hill's touches dipped, and Todd Gurley had a nice day despite running poorly for the second straight week. Gurley's now a hair under 4.0 YPC on the season, but seven TDs are keeping him very relevant. And here's a fun fact: Adrian Peterson's yards per carry has dropped in each game this season: 6.6, 5.9, 3.4, 3.3, 2.7, and 2.6 yesterday. D'Andre Swift is so, so close to claiming a bellcow role.
Bengals vs. Browns -- With Joe Mixon out, Joe Burrow had to do more, and he succeeded. With Andy Dalton struggling in Dallas, you have to wonder how good this team could have been if Burrow already had an NFL season under his belt. And while Baker Mayfield put doubters at bay for now, the big news is OBJ's knee injury could put Rashard Higgins on the weekly fantasy map.
Titans vs. Steelers -- I warned readers to sell high on Ryan Tannehill as his schedule turned from easy to rough. Although he deserves credit for mustering a solid QB2 performance, his value remains inflated (though not for long). And JuJu Smith-Schuster had his best outing since Week 1. A sign of things to come? Who knows with Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool also competing for targets.
Saints vs. Panthers -- Um, Tre'Quan Smith anyone? It was Marquez Callaway's turn, apparently. And Mike Davis's fantasy collapse is nearly complete.
Jets vs. Bills -- Yesterday I asked what many are probably asking: When will the Jets see what they have in La'Mical Perine? He scored, so that's a start. For a team going nowhere, it makes no sense to keep rolling out Frank Gore--as incredible a game as he is. And for Buffalo, the game shouldn't have been this close, and Zack Moss outplayed Devin Singletary. I've long maintained Moss is the better play in this backfield, but injuries have held him back.
Washington vs. Cowboys -- Two weeks ago, no one could have predicted this result. Fantasy-wise, my Is J.D. McKissic pick fell flat, as Antonio Gibson rumbled through a defeated Dallas D. And Andy Dalton's injury could actually be a net positive, as might force the team to sign (wait for it . . .) Colin Kaepernick. You heard it here first. It won't happen because of Jerry Jones. But still.
Texans vs. Packers -- David Johnson is now sub-3.9 YPC for his fourth straight season. And Jamaal Williams seized the opportunity, keeping A.J. Dillon at bay. Williams somehow has remained relevant as an occasional starter and clearly needs to be rostered in most leagues, even when Aaron Jones returns.
Raiders vs. Buccaneers -- Derek Carr fared well against stiff competition; that's good enough for most fantasy managers. And per yesterday's question, yes, Gronk seems to be "back," as does Leonard Fournette (never count out Fournette, it seems).
Broncos vs. Chiefs -- All summer and into the season I've maintained that Denver wasted its money on Melvin Gordon. Phillip Lindsay is arguably just as good, and side by side Lindsay often looks better. Gordon's two fumbles yesterday won't help, though Lindsay's Week 8 status (concussion) could force Denver to feed Gordon. And Le'Veon Bell looked good in limited action, and we'll have to wait another week or two to see how this backfield shakes out. My money's still on CEH as the 1A.
Patriots vs. 49ers -- If you hate New England, this was a joyous defeat. I warned some of you to bench Cam Newton, who's been awful in the passing game, no thanks to a lacking receiving corps, but we can't rule out Cam's shoulder as the culprit. And wow, Jeff Wilson. San Fran has four talented running backs--and I guess for good reason, since none of them can stay healthy. And you know there's a problem with Jerick McKinnon is your healthiest back. Keep an eye on Wilson's ankle injury and Tevin Coleman's impending return.
Charges vs. Jaguars -- Keenan Allen, folks. One of the most underrated wideouts this summer. Fell to the fifth round in too many leagues. And Gardner Minshew's days at the helm remain numbered.
Cardinals vs. Seahawks -- If Chase Edmonds isn't starting or at least splitting touches next week, I'm not sure what else the coaching staff needs to see. Kenyan Drake has been pretty awful in three of his last four contests, and there's no way Arizona wins this game without Edmonds. Finally, a few days ago I named D.K. Metcalf as a major sell-high wideout. You all don't come here for mainstream thinking, so when I write something that inspires a lot of push-back, I'm doing my job. Metcalf is incredibly talented. But he's not WR1 talented--at least not yet.