After five straight 20+ point fantasy performances to start the season, Jalen Hurts looked more like a deeer-in-headlights rookie for most of the game. In fairness, this was only Hurts' 10th career NFL start. But with Richard Sherman exiting early, Hurts failed to capitalize against a beatable Bucs defense and couldn't seem to find his receivers--chief among them, #1 Eagle wideout DeVonta Smith. But whether due to tentativeness or great Tampa Bay field coverage, Hurts could not get much going until after the game was out of reach.
But fantasy-wise, Hurts came alive for managers when it mattered most, thanks in part to surprisingly effective running by Miles Sanders to move the chains, and thanks to Hurts' guttiness and timely playmaking. His passing remains suspect. His decision making is sub-par. Yet he still produced an elite QB1 performance, and it's scary to think what kind of cornerstone fantasy player he can become if he refines his game.
Zach Ertz came through as expected. But it was a step back for Smith, who trailed Quez Watkins in targets, receptions, and yards. Of course, there will be plenty of better days ahead, starting with soft matchups against the Raiders and Lions the next two weeks. Smith is a fantastic buy-low option. And keep an eye on Ertz and Dallas Goedert. There are reports that the Eagles might try to trade one before the NFL deadline. If it happens, the TE who stays clearly would see a value boost, while the one packing his bags probably would join a better passing offense, but perhaps with more receivers to compete against for targets. It's a situation to monitor closely.
Philadelphia's running games was anemic for most of the game as anticipated against a Bucs' D that came prepared. A deep pass to Kenneth Gainwell running behind the secondary (from what I could tell) could have led to a touchdown in the first half, but Hurts missed him badly. Both Sanders will be a fringe streamer the next two games, and that's being generous. Both he and Gainwell entered the week as back-end RB3s (#32 and #30, respectively). It's hard to imagine either finishing in the top 30.
For the Bucs' offense, Leonard Fournette simply dominated. It looked like he could gain 3-4 yards whenever he wanted, and engineered some big games on the ground and through the air that highlighted the ever-widening gap between Fournette and his former equal, Ronald Jones. Fournette's grip on a starting job hasn't been this strong since possibly his rookie year.
Elsewhere, O.J. Howard was the biggest surprise. After catching only four balls this year--including a measly 2-19-0 effort in Week 5 with Rob Gronkowski sidelined--the former high-profile prospect had his best fantasy day since Week 9 of the 2018 season. However, he'll remain benchable once Gronk returns. And Antonio Brown once again paced Tampa Bay receivers. Entering the week he was the 13th best fantasy WR in points per game, and he's quite to move higher after the dust settles on Week 6. Meanwhile, Darius Slay appeared to hold Mike Evans in check, so don't freak out over Evans; someone had to take a backseat, and unfortunately it was him. And Chris Godwin was barely adequate--a result of Howard and Fournette combining for 12 catches.
As for the final score predictions, I guessed 27-20, which I think marks the third time in four tries that I almost hit it on the nose. Adam Noslekim was the closest non-blogger, guessing 31-20. So great job, Adam.
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Monday/Tuesday/Friday Fantasy Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-mood-for-fantasy-football/id1580114372
But fantasy-wise, Hurts came alive for managers when it mattered most, thanks in part to surprisingly effective running by Miles Sanders to move the chains, and thanks to Hurts' guttiness and timely playmaking. His passing remains suspect. His decision making is sub-par. Yet he still produced an elite QB1 performance, and it's scary to think what kind of cornerstone fantasy player he can become if he refines his game.
Zach Ertz came through as expected. But it was a step back for Smith, who trailed Quez Watkins in targets, receptions, and yards. Of course, there will be plenty of better days ahead, starting with soft matchups against the Raiders and Lions the next two weeks. Smith is a fantastic buy-low option. And keep an eye on Ertz and Dallas Goedert. There are reports that the Eagles might try to trade one before the NFL deadline. If it happens, the TE who stays clearly would see a value boost, while the one packing his bags probably would join a better passing offense, but perhaps with more receivers to compete against for targets. It's a situation to monitor closely.
Philadelphia's running games was anemic for most of the game as anticipated against a Bucs' D that came prepared. A deep pass to Kenneth Gainwell running behind the secondary (from what I could tell) could have led to a touchdown in the first half, but Hurts missed him badly. Both Sanders will be a fringe streamer the next two games, and that's being generous. Both he and Gainwell entered the week as back-end RB3s (#32 and #30, respectively). It's hard to imagine either finishing in the top 30.
For the Bucs' offense, Leonard Fournette simply dominated. It looked like he could gain 3-4 yards whenever he wanted, and engineered some big games on the ground and through the air that highlighted the ever-widening gap between Fournette and his former equal, Ronald Jones. Fournette's grip on a starting job hasn't been this strong since possibly his rookie year.
Elsewhere, O.J. Howard was the biggest surprise. After catching only four balls this year--including a measly 2-19-0 effort in Week 5 with Rob Gronkowski sidelined--the former high-profile prospect had his best fantasy day since Week 9 of the 2018 season. However, he'll remain benchable once Gronk returns. And Antonio Brown once again paced Tampa Bay receivers. Entering the week he was the 13th best fantasy WR in points per game, and he's quite to move higher after the dust settles on Week 6. Meanwhile, Darius Slay appeared to hold Mike Evans in check, so don't freak out over Evans; someone had to take a backseat, and unfortunately it was him. And Chris Godwin was barely adequate--a result of Howard and Fournette combining for 12 catches.
As for the final score predictions, I guessed 27-20, which I think marks the third time in four tries that I almost hit it on the nose. Adam Noslekim was the closest non-blogger, guessing 31-20. So great job, Adam.
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Monday/Tuesday/Friday Fantasy Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-mood-for-fantasy-football/id1580114372