We have nearly reached the season's midway point. Nine of the top preseason RBs have missed time with injuries, as have six of the top 8 WRs. Massive point potential can be found among nearly every league's free agents. There are no excuses for missing out on "next-up" fantasy performers. Every team rolls with 11 offensive players. Surely we can find a spot-start RB or WR to get us through some rough patches.
With that in mind, here are the fantasy storylines I'm watching in today's games--many of which consist of guys who, as we all now know, were deemed worthless only a few weeks ago.
Bills vs. Patriots -- New England is 35-4 vs. Buffalo in roughly the past 20 years, though their last two contests have been close. Buffalo hasn't won more than nine games only once during this span (10 last year). Today will be a statement game for the ascending Bills, and as always I'm watching this backfield to see if my favored preseason pick (Zack Moss) continues to challenge Devin Singletary for the 1A role. And can Cam Newton destined for bottom-12 numbers for weeks to come?
Bengals vs. Titans -- Will Joe Burrow (13th best fantasy QB) be a QB1 this season? If he can thrive against Tennessee, he'll have a fairly easy schedule the rest of the way besides two matchups against Pittsburgh.
Browns vs. Raiders -- Is Rashard Higgins capable of being a weekly top-35 WR? And is Josh Jacobs' 3.4 YPC due to tough opponents, is he hitting a wall, is he hurt? Since busting out with 35.9 points in Week 1, he's averaged only 12.3 since.
Lions vs. Colts -- Can D'Andre Swift be a weekly starter--even against a tough Indy D? And are the Colts ready to cut Jonathan Taylor loose?
Packers vs. Vikings -- Will Jamaal Williams cement his position as Aaron Jones' handcuff? And I'm wondering if Irv Smith is poised to earn top-16 TE recognition.
Chiefs vs. Jets -- The most mismatched opponents in the 2020 season. It would be shocking if K.C. wins by less than five touchdowns. Le'Veon Bell's usage alongside CEH remains the most interesting storyline, while Lamical Perine is poised to take another step forward in a dismal situation.
Dolphins vs. Rams -- It's rare for a head coach to bench his quarterback when the team is overachieving. But after four straight 20+ point fantasy performances during which Miami's gone 3-1, Ryan Fitzpatrick heads to the bench--likely to keep his trade value as high as possible. Rookie Tua Tagovailoa will take over in a little-to-gain, much-to-lose situation against a capable Rams defense. Tua's ability to quickly transition to the NFL will dictate whether his surrounding talent gain or lose fantasy value.
Ravens vs. Steelers -- Best game of the day if you're a fan of great football. Harder to read from a fantasy perspective. The J.K. Dobbins vs. Gus Edwards battle will be fascinating. And who's Pittsburgh's top fantasy receiver this year? We might not know 'til December.
Broncos vs. Chargers -- Melvin Gordon has scored in four of five starts and has faced some tough defenses. But is he a sell-high RB in an offense that has so much trouble moving the ball? (Yes, I really think he is.) And is it fair to say Justin Herbert is now an unquestioned weekly fantasy starter?
Bears vs. Saints -- Will Nick Foles get mercifully benched, and if so, can Mitch Trubisky be better? (Yes, I really think he would be.) And can Tre'Quan Smith capitalize?
Seahawks vs. 49ers -- If Chris Carson can't go, someone will have a shot at moving up the depth chart behind him. For San Francisco, JaMycal Hasty and Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon are a backup cluster in perhaps the deepest backfield in NFL history. Hasty is the most fascinating of the three, as we know what the other two can and can't do, and neither has seized the handcuff job yet.
Eagles vs. Cowboys -- Dallas's season probably comes down to this game, while Philly will be the clear NFC East favorites if they prevail. For the Eagles, how will Jalen Reagor's return impact what has been a pretty consistent top-line WR pecking order the past few weeks? And for Dallas there's so much to choose from, but my attention is mostly on Zeke Elliott and whether there's an outside chance (simply spitballing here) that the Cowboys could ship him out for the right price (and if a team wanted to take on his salary, with an out after 2022).