Approaching the first Sunday in November, and the chaos keeps mounting. Michael Thomas getting another surgery. Rashod Bateman getting surgery. Dozens of fantasy-relevant questionable tags, with dozens of previously "undraftable" players now helping fantasy managers.
As always, here's my take on tomorrow's games, highlighting the most important fantasy storyline for each team--the "if this, then that" scenario that could elevate or crash players' values.
Falcons vs. Chargers -- Is Drake London startable in deep leagues in a plus matchup? Strange to think that after three straight impressive performances to start the season, he's averaged only 2.8 receptions for 26 scoreless yards since Week 4. And for the Chargers, is Justin Herbert still a must-start QB, even against the lowly Falcons defense? He's my guy on my fantasy team. But I'm nervous.
Bears vs. Dolphins -- Although he might not play more than half the snaps, Chase Claypool could elevate Justin Fields . . . or reduce Darnell Mooney to completely unstartable. And how engaged will the newly acquired Jeff Wilson be alongside/behind Raheem Mostert?
Bengals vs. Panthers -- Joe Burrow is on pace to take over 62 sacks, and the Bengals' passing attack underwhelmed on Monday in Cleveland. I'm curious whether that was a blip, or if we should be concerned. I'm think Burrow bounces back. And could D'Onta Foreman be a top-5 RB the rest of the way? Think about this: he helped replaced Derrick Henry last season, and now has helped replaced CMC. Those are four giant shoes to fill, and he's been beyond excellent. With Chuba Hubbard hobbled, Foreman can push Hubbard into fantasy oblivion with another great performance.
Lions vs. Packers -- If you're betting, I'd take the over on 49.5 points. Assuming D'Andre Swift starts, will he outperform Jamaal Williams? Basically, who's the safer start? And can Romeo Doubs be the Packers' No. 1? It's a question many have asked all season.
Patriots vs. Colts -- Is Damien Harris oficially benchable in all 12-team fantasy leagues? And can Deon Jackson dominate again, and potentially push for a weekly 1B role whenever Jonathan Taylor returns.
Jets vs. Bills -- Can we trust Garrett Wilson, or is this passing attack simply too dysfunctional--especially against the Bills' impressive defense? And will we see more of Nyheim Hines tomorrow than we did when he was a Colt?
Commanders vs. Vikings -- I was higher on Brian Robinson than Antonio Gibson beginning in August. About 10 days ago I shifted toward Gibson, especially in PPR. Until/unless Robinson gets work in the passing game, he'll be entirely TD-dependent in a sub-par offense. And T.J. Hockson: will this be a statement game for the newest Viking?
Jaguars vs. Raiders -- I'm high on the up-and-down Trevor Lawrence. But if he can't shine against the anemic Raiders defense, it'll spell trouble. And the last gasp for the 2-5 Raiders. Beyond primary playmakers Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams, will Hunter Renfrow or Mack Hollins be a fantasy streamer? (I believe one of them will be.)
Cardinals vs. Seahawks -- I've got Arizona winning this one in a rematch of their Week 6 loss. Whether or not James Conner returns, Eno Benjamin is a fascinating fantasy play: four games with 3.2 YPC or less, and three games with 7.0 YPC or more. The Seahawks are beatable on the ground. Benjamin (and/or Conner) could get some good run. For Seattle, I'm interested in seeing whether Travis Homer gets more work. Had bet on DeeJay Dallas since late last season, and clearly was wrong. Homer's the handcuff (for now).
Buccaneers vs. Rams -- Another rematch, though this one's from last season's playoffs. From my vantage point, this game is about which of the last two Super Bowl champions is worse? I don't see a scenario where the Bucs lose this one. Can Leonard Fournette snap out of his slump? And will any L.A. running back get more than 25 rushing yards?
Chiefs vs. Titans -- Tennessee hasn't faced a team nearly this good since getting crushed by Buffalo in Week 2. It's basically Derrick Henry vs. 53 Chiefs. Henry's hit 30+ touches in three straight games. Believe it or not, I'd be very concerned about starting him tomorrow as a top-16 RB. Maybe top 24 if he gets some receptions. But if this game's out of reach by halftime, what incentive would the 5-2 Titans have to keep running him into the ground? Oh, and I'm curious whether Jerick McKinnon can assert himself more in K.C.'s backfield.
Good luck with waivers today. As always, I'm around as much as I can be.
As always, here's my take on tomorrow's games, highlighting the most important fantasy storyline for each team--the "if this, then that" scenario that could elevate or crash players' values.
Falcons vs. Chargers -- Is Drake London startable in deep leagues in a plus matchup? Strange to think that after three straight impressive performances to start the season, he's averaged only 2.8 receptions for 26 scoreless yards since Week 4. And for the Chargers, is Justin Herbert still a must-start QB, even against the lowly Falcons defense? He's my guy on my fantasy team. But I'm nervous.
Bears vs. Dolphins -- Although he might not play more than half the snaps, Chase Claypool could elevate Justin Fields . . . or reduce Darnell Mooney to completely unstartable. And how engaged will the newly acquired Jeff Wilson be alongside/behind Raheem Mostert?
Bengals vs. Panthers -- Joe Burrow is on pace to take over 62 sacks, and the Bengals' passing attack underwhelmed on Monday in Cleveland. I'm curious whether that was a blip, or if we should be concerned. I'm think Burrow bounces back. And could D'Onta Foreman be a top-5 RB the rest of the way? Think about this: he helped replaced Derrick Henry last season, and now has helped replaced CMC. Those are four giant shoes to fill, and he's been beyond excellent. With Chuba Hubbard hobbled, Foreman can push Hubbard into fantasy oblivion with another great performance.
Lions vs. Packers -- If you're betting, I'd take the over on 49.5 points. Assuming D'Andre Swift starts, will he outperform Jamaal Williams? Basically, who's the safer start? And can Romeo Doubs be the Packers' No. 1? It's a question many have asked all season.
Patriots vs. Colts -- Is Damien Harris oficially benchable in all 12-team fantasy leagues? And can Deon Jackson dominate again, and potentially push for a weekly 1B role whenever Jonathan Taylor returns.
Jets vs. Bills -- Can we trust Garrett Wilson, or is this passing attack simply too dysfunctional--especially against the Bills' impressive defense? And will we see more of Nyheim Hines tomorrow than we did when he was a Colt?
Commanders vs. Vikings -- I was higher on Brian Robinson than Antonio Gibson beginning in August. About 10 days ago I shifted toward Gibson, especially in PPR. Until/unless Robinson gets work in the passing game, he'll be entirely TD-dependent in a sub-par offense. And T.J. Hockson: will this be a statement game for the newest Viking?
Jaguars vs. Raiders -- I'm high on the up-and-down Trevor Lawrence. But if he can't shine against the anemic Raiders defense, it'll spell trouble. And the last gasp for the 2-5 Raiders. Beyond primary playmakers Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams, will Hunter Renfrow or Mack Hollins be a fantasy streamer? (I believe one of them will be.)
Cardinals vs. Seahawks -- I've got Arizona winning this one in a rematch of their Week 6 loss. Whether or not James Conner returns, Eno Benjamin is a fascinating fantasy play: four games with 3.2 YPC or less, and three games with 7.0 YPC or more. The Seahawks are beatable on the ground. Benjamin (and/or Conner) could get some good run. For Seattle, I'm interested in seeing whether Travis Homer gets more work. Had bet on DeeJay Dallas since late last season, and clearly was wrong. Homer's the handcuff (for now).
Buccaneers vs. Rams -- Another rematch, though this one's from last season's playoffs. From my vantage point, this game is about which of the last two Super Bowl champions is worse? I don't see a scenario where the Bucs lose this one. Can Leonard Fournette snap out of his slump? And will any L.A. running back get more than 25 rushing yards?
Chiefs vs. Titans -- Tennessee hasn't faced a team nearly this good since getting crushed by Buffalo in Week 2. It's basically Derrick Henry vs. 53 Chiefs. Henry's hit 30+ touches in three straight games. Believe it or not, I'd be very concerned about starting him tomorrow as a top-16 RB. Maybe top 24 if he gets some receptions. But if this game's out of reach by halftime, what incentive would the 5-2 Titans have to keep running him into the ground? Oh, and I'm curious whether Jerick McKinnon can assert himself more in K.C.'s backfield.
Good luck with waivers today. As always, I'm around as much as I can be.