Thanks to Ben Packard for pointing out yesterday that Cleveland once again will face heavy winds, meaning the Browns and Texans might have to focus a lot more on the run. The reports I read last night said "dangerously windy," which is about two notches above "windy." Snow and rain don't impact offenses the way heavy winds do, so certainly something to consider before starting Jarvis Landry, Will Fuller, etc. Of course, nothing's automatic, and passes will be thrown. It's just that the probability of big passing numbers has dropped. And the Packers and Jaguars might face nearly similar challenges (up to 25 MPH winds) in Green Bay.
With this in mind, here are the fantasy storylines I'm most interested in today:
Browns vs. Texans -- Nick Chubb is back, and the question is how involved he'll be after a six-week layoff. I'd be shocked if he's eased back in. Kareem Hunt hasn't exactly dominated in Chubb's absence, though he's faced some very tough opponents. I think Chubb will slide back into the 1A slot immediately with Cleveland just outside the final playoff spot and needing this win. And can Duke Johnson do enough in David Johnson's absence to secure a larger role when David eventually returns?
Lions vs. Washington -- I want to see if T.J. Hockenson will continue to dominate targets (18 in his last two games, which isn't too shabby for the preseason consensus 14th-ranked TE, thanks in part to Kenny Golladay's injury). And will there ever be a streamable #2 wideout for Washington?
Packers vs. Jaguars -- Allen Lazard is a capable #2 receiver in a powerful offense if/when he's back. And can Jake Luton prove last week's solid debut wasn't a fluke?
Giants vs. Eagles -- Can Wayne Gallman be consistently fantasy relevant with Devonta Freeman on the shelf? And how will a healthier and deeper receiving corps impact Travis Fulgham?
Panthers vs. Buccaneers -- Teddy Bridgewater has been better than I expected in two of the last three weeks, but he's still only 21st in per-game fantasy QB scoring. Is he a bottom-half fantasy quarterback, or can he get to the next level? And once again, how can Tom Brady adequately feed so many receivers?
Raiders vs. Broncos -- Same question about Derek Carr as a I have about Bridgewater. Carr's tied with him for 21st in per-game production. I think he's better than this. And with 24 targets in his last two contests, is Jerry Jeudy officially a weekly fantasy starter? Keep in mind he's caught only 49% of his targets.
Dolphins vs. Chargers -- Can DeVante Parker seize on Preston Williams' offense just as he did last season? The short answer is "most likely 'no.'" And how can Kalen Ballage, who wasn't good enough for the Dolphins or Jets, be on the cusp of fantasy relevance?
Cardinals vs. Bills -- Can Chase Edmonds take advantage of the opportunity if Kenyan Drake sits--and if Drake plays, who will lead the backfield? And as always, Buffalo's backfield battle is both interesting, and favors Zack Moss.
Rams vs. Seahawks -- Darrell Henderson has been one of my favorite sell-high RBs. And how will this back-up backfield shake out?
Saints vs. 49ers -- Is Michael Thomas still an elite WR? And can Jerick McKinnon continue to lead this backfield (for now)?
Steelers vs. Bengals -- Are we ready to trust Eric Ebron? And is Tee Higgins the unquestioned #2 receiver for Cincy?
Patriots vs. Ravens -- Will Jakobi Meyers take any kind of hit with N'Keal Harry expected to return? And Mark Andrews has caught more than three balls only once since the opening weekend. Is he no better than a TD-dependent TE for now?