Changing things up a bit on this Monday morning. A brief outline of what we might expect in tonight's Colts-Steelers game, as well as some overarching fantasy takeaways from yesterday's game--including some impactful injuries that might generate popular (or under-the-radar) waiver claims.
Tonight I've got Indy winning 26-16. The Steelers are yielding the third-most passing TDs. I expect Alec Pierce to bounce back after averaging only 5.1 fantasy points in his last five games. For most of you, that might not matter; if you're still competing, you probably know who you're starting. Still, the Colts have three excellent wideouts, and Pierce can't be overlooked. He earned eight targets last week. The yardage will return.
Speaking of which, after averaging 42+ pass attempts in his first seven games, since returning to the starting lineup, Matt Ryan has averaged only 30 attempts. This seems like a clear indication that head coach Jeff Saturday wants to run the offense through Jonathan Taylor, with Ryan offering situational support through the air. That should leave room for one or two Colt receivers to shine. Not bad given how rough this offense looked only a few weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Indy's D is elite against the run. But I'm expecting Kenny Pickett to feed Najee Harris through the air more than usual; the Colts are surrendering the fifth-most RB receptions. Pittsburgh probably can't win with Pickett throwing to his wideouts 30+ times. I think Harris will be heavily involved even if he can't muster more than 45 yards on the ground, and if any Steeler not named Najee scores, my money's on Pat Freiermuth.
As always, leave your prediction below.
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As for yesterday, another thrilling set of games. Some fantasy thoughts in no particular order:
Don't get caught up in the Mike White or Zonovan Knight hype. They faced an extraorinarily porous Bears defense that presssures QBs less than nearly every othe team. White is a highly immobile quarterback. The Jets are on the road against the Vikings and Bills next. White and (if Michael Carter is out) Knight have tougher sledding ahead.
Elijah Mitchell might miss time with what's reportedly an MCL injury. Jordan Mason will be a hot waiver add, and for good reason. It appears the Niners are keeping Christian McCaffrey's workload in check with an eye toward the postseason. Smart move. Mason showed some versatility in the passing game in college. Perhaps that could translate to streaming value in fantasy.
Bucs offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs was carted off. If his injury is as serious as appears, Tom Brady and his receivers will take another hit. Brady's already facing more pressure than he's dealt with in years, and it shows.
Allen Robinson will miss the rest of the season. Van Jefferson is the new Rams #1 WR. In the right matchups, he'll be worth plugging in. But what an ugly situation for the defending champions, which are on a trajectory to be the worst Super Bowl defending champs (based on W-L record) in history.
Travis Etienne was knocked out with a foot injury. I picked the wrong weak to give up on JaMycal Hasty. With Darrell Henderson nowhere to be found, Hasty could be an excellent streamer for RB-needy teams if Etienne sits in their next game.
Finally, Darnell Mooney left with an ankle injury. It was already hard to trust him. If he has to miss time, my biggest question is whether any other Chicago WR will be worth rostering. Honestly, I can think of 20+ other players on waivers worth picking up first.
Tonight I've got Indy winning 26-16. The Steelers are yielding the third-most passing TDs. I expect Alec Pierce to bounce back after averaging only 5.1 fantasy points in his last five games. For most of you, that might not matter; if you're still competing, you probably know who you're starting. Still, the Colts have three excellent wideouts, and Pierce can't be overlooked. He earned eight targets last week. The yardage will return.
Speaking of which, after averaging 42+ pass attempts in his first seven games, since returning to the starting lineup, Matt Ryan has averaged only 30 attempts. This seems like a clear indication that head coach Jeff Saturday wants to run the offense through Jonathan Taylor, with Ryan offering situational support through the air. That should leave room for one or two Colt receivers to shine. Not bad given how rough this offense looked only a few weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Indy's D is elite against the run. But I'm expecting Kenny Pickett to feed Najee Harris through the air more than usual; the Colts are surrendering the fifth-most RB receptions. Pittsburgh probably can't win with Pickett throwing to his wideouts 30+ times. I think Harris will be heavily involved even if he can't muster more than 45 yards on the ground, and if any Steeler not named Najee scores, my money's on Pat Freiermuth.
As always, leave your prediction below.
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As for yesterday, another thrilling set of games. Some fantasy thoughts in no particular order:
Don't get caught up in the Mike White or Zonovan Knight hype. They faced an extraorinarily porous Bears defense that presssures QBs less than nearly every othe team. White is a highly immobile quarterback. The Jets are on the road against the Vikings and Bills next. White and (if Michael Carter is out) Knight have tougher sledding ahead.
Elijah Mitchell might miss time with what's reportedly an MCL injury. Jordan Mason will be a hot waiver add, and for good reason. It appears the Niners are keeping Christian McCaffrey's workload in check with an eye toward the postseason. Smart move. Mason showed some versatility in the passing game in college. Perhaps that could translate to streaming value in fantasy.
Bucs offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs was carted off. If his injury is as serious as appears, Tom Brady and his receivers will take another hit. Brady's already facing more pressure than he's dealt with in years, and it shows.
Allen Robinson will miss the rest of the season. Van Jefferson is the new Rams #1 WR. In the right matchups, he'll be worth plugging in. But what an ugly situation for the defending champions, which are on a trajectory to be the worst Super Bowl defending champs (based on W-L record) in history.
Travis Etienne was knocked out with a foot injury. I picked the wrong weak to give up on JaMycal Hasty. With Darrell Henderson nowhere to be found, Hasty could be an excellent streamer for RB-needy teams if Etienne sits in their next game.
Finally, Darnell Mooney left with an ankle injury. It was already hard to trust him. If he has to miss time, my biggest question is whether any other Chicago WR will be worth rostering. Honestly, I can think of 20+ other players on waivers worth picking up first.