How did everybody do? That good/bad/mediocre? Great/tough/ok! If you followed any of my Saturday bargain/bust advice, the odds were good that you struck gold. I hit on seven of nine highly unconventional picks with Jacobi Meyers left to go. I might be offline most hours of most days, but I remain committed to zigging whenever the fantasy universe is wrongly zagging. Sometimes it doesn't work out; hopefully most of the time it does, as it did yesterday.
With that, as always, here's each Sunday team's most notable fantasy impact:
Falcons vs. Broncos -- I sound like a broken record, but it's only because it's important. Todd Gurley keeps putting up points because he's a high-usage, goal-line RB in a highly functional offense. It has nothing to do with his declining skills, which is why I urge people to snag Brian Hill given the odds Gurley sits, or is pushed aside, one or more games down the stretch. Gurley has the fourth worst YPC and the second fewest receptions per game among starting RBs. And you've known by views on Melvin Gordon for months--that he's painfully overrated--so I won't waste my breath on him again. Instead, Jerry Jeudy came through and now has 24 targets in his past two contests. He seems like the pretty clear #1 in Denver and is unrostered in many leagues.
Bills vs. Seahawks -- Despite Buffalo's offensive outburst, I was wrong to think their backfield would benefit. That said, Zack Moss fared well enough and took another step past Devin Singletary, as expected back in July. And DeeJay Dallas was limited because of game flow, but once again proved he's capable of helping fantasy managers if Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde continue to sit.
Titans vs. Bears -- It was A.J. Brown's turn over Corey Davis, and with Ryan Tannehill completing only 10 passes, there wasn't much left for anyone else (except a serviceable Jonnu Smith). And David Montgomery hit rock bottom. Since Week 3 he has one score on 3.2 YPC. When Nick Foles is outplaying the "franchise" RB, that's a problem. Also keep an eye on Montgomery this week, as he left yesterday with a potential concussion.
Colts vs. Ravens -- It's time to panic if you have Jonathan Taylor. Marlon Mack's injury was supposed to make him a top-16 RB in a run-friendly offense. Instead he's barely hanging on, and his fumble yesterday won't help. Meanwhile, Mark Andrew has now been unstartable in five of his last seven games, and in six of those he has three or fewer catches.
Chiefs vs. Panthers -- 13 combined touches for Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Le'Veon Bell in a 33-point KC performance. CEH clearly has the edge, as he should. Bell has been mostly unwatchable since coming over. And Christian McCaffrey appeared to hurt his ribs at the end of this one. Did you take my advice and sell high last week? While I couldn't have predicted a re-injury, the 3-6 Panthers will play it cautiously with CMC, and I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last 25+ touch game of the year.
Vikings vs. Lions -- Kirk Cousins rebounded as expected, and the bigger story is Dalvin Cook making a play for most valuable fantasy player. He had 13 touchdowns in 14 games last season and has 13 in only seven games this season. For Detroit, there are too many notable things: Matthew Stafford's injury, D'Andre Swift continuing to push past Adrian Peterson, and Danny Amendola earning the #1 wideout role with Kenny Golladay sitting.
Washington vs. Giants -- Kyle Allen's likely season-ending injury means Alex Smith is expected to shoulder the load, which is neutral news for Washington's receivers, but might be good news for J.D. McKissic, who enjoyed half a season's worth of check-downs en route to nine receptions on 14 targets. And Darius Slayton continues his descent to the waiver wire, while a momentarily rejuvenated Alfred Morris will prompt fantasy managers to over-spend this week on the veteran.
Jaguars vs. Texans -- Jake Luton's first completed pass proved to be his #1 highlight, and his only rushing attempt was #2. All you two-QB'ers take note: his weeks 15/16 are against Baltimore and Chicago. If you're headed toward a first-round bye, he's not a needed investment. And David Johnson's early exit means desperate managers should be prepared to grab the versatile Duke Johnson if you can.
Chargers vs. Raiders -- Justin Jackson's opening-drive injury gave Kalen Ballage a surprising career boost. If Jackson is slow to return, Ballage could lead this backfield again in Week 10. And Devontae Booker has never looked better. He'd be an automatic weekly starter if Josh Jacobs goes down.
Cowboys vs. Steelers -- A near upset. Garrett Gilbert might be Dallas's best QB not named Dak, though it's too early to know. Interestingly, Zeke Elliott's YPC has declined every game since Dak Prescott's injury (4.8, 4.1, 3.8, 3.3, 2.8). Tony Pollard is outplaying him. And have you sold high on James Conner? Maybe it's too late. He gets the Colts Week 16, by the way.
Cardinals vs. Dolphins -- Chase Edmonds did well enough to displace Kenyan Drake as the starter, and if Drake sits another week, Edmonds can cement his takeover. And Tua Tagovailoa proved me wrong, though Preston Williams' absence would be devastating if his injury's serious. While his targets have been low, Williams is unquestionably Miami's best or second best receiver.
Buccaneers vs. Saints -- I've repeatedly shared concerns about Tampa Bay's stacked offense--the risks it poses to fantasy managers. While yesterday might prove to be a fluke (the Bucs will score plenty of points most weeks), no one earned more than six targets, which is not a good sign. And Michael Thomas didn't seem to get re-injured, so that's the biggest news for a New Orleans squad making one more Drew Brees-era Super Bowl push.