As always, here's my Monday morning rundown of the most significant fantasy impact for each Sunday team:
Vikings -- Saturday's column: "[Sam] Darnold's pace *seems* to be unsustainable. Unless he's forced to throw a lot more, we should expect some regression." Sunday: Darnold plummeted back to earth, in part because of Aaron Jones's relatively early departure, and in part because . . . well, because he's probably not an elite QB to begin with. But he's still very good, and that was my whole point this summer. As for Jones, hopefully Minnesota's upcoming bye week is all he needs to get healthy.
Jets -- Saturday's column: "With the Jets in the running for Davante Adams, this might be the last chance managers can 'sell high' on Garrett Wilson. A poor performance from Wilson could box managers into a corner. A great performance could help anxious managers unload him at a half-decent price." Sunday: "Things couldn't be clearer. Aaron Rodgers peppered Wilson with 22 looks. Rodgers' reportedly low ankle sprain and Wilson's ridiculous target share -- never mind the possibility of landing Adams and/or the running game returning to form -- all make Wilson one of the biggest sell-high WRs.
Bears -- Saturday's column: "I'd sell high on [D'Andre Swift] before Sunday. And if he does it again, I'll eat my words." Eating my words. While Roschon Johnson poached two scores and Swift's efficiency remained lacking, the latter's usage is undeniable. Swift remains relevant, at least for now, and Johnson is obviously a must-roster RB -- not just because of his scores, but because he's the #2 RB in a potentially ascending offense.
Panthers -- Andy Dalton might not be on the hot seat after replacing Bryce Young, but it sure isn't a cold seat. If he doesn't show well at home next week vs. Atlanta, it won't get any easier the following weeks @Washington and @Denver.
Bengals -- Saturday's column: "Can Chase Brown again outperform Zack Moss and generate clear distance between them?" Sunday: Yes, there's a bit more daylight. Not much, but enough to differentiate for sit/start decisions.
Ravens -- Saturday's column: "No Baltimore player is on pace for 710+ receiving yards. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are the only 'safe' fantasy starters these days." Sunday: Well that changed in a hurry. Lamar Jackson came one throw short of tying his career high for pass attempts, leading to two great WR performances, two great TE performances, and one adequate TE performance (poor Mark Andrews, or at least his fantasy version).
Patriots -- Saturday's column: "Rhamondre Stevenson has been a sell-high RB for weeks. Now there's buzz that Antonio Gibson could supplant him as the 1A. Tomorrow is pivotal for both backs -- and for fantasy managers who rostered one of them." Sunday: I underestimated Rhamondre. Still, I wouldn't feel comfortable starting him.
Dolphins -- Saturday's column: "Can Jaylen Wright remain viable as this backfield gets healthier?" Sunday: De'Von Achane's injury opened the door for him and Raheem Mostert, who combined for 34 touches. Wright seems like the clear #3 RB with a great shot at pushing for #2 duties (i.e. leapfrogging the aged Mostert) at some point this year.
Commanders -- Saturday's column: "Cleveland's D should be the biggest test of Jayden Daniels' young career." Sunday: Daniels found a way, even if it wasn't pretty. That's what high-floor, high-ceiling quarterbacks do.
Browns -- Saturday's column: "It's code red for managers clinging to the hope that [Deshaun Watson] rebounds." Sunday: I think head coach Kevin Stefanski is scared to make a QB change, or else he's been instructed not to by higher-ups. Either way, this is a disaster several years in the making. Cleveland is staring at (my guess) a 2-7 record when they enter their Week 10 bye. At that point, this franchise might not be able to delay the inevitable.
Jaguars -- Saturday's column: "How much can we trust Travis Etienne?" Sunday: Not enough. The receptions were great. And Tank Bigsby crushed him on the ground.
Colts -- Saturday's column: "Trey Sermon is on the verge of earning his first start since 2021, when he was a highly touted third-round rookie. Can he deliver at or above expectations?" Sunday: Beyond my expectations. He didn't catch many balls in college, so going 6-25 through the air was a shocker.
Texans -- Saturday's column: "Once again, I firmly believe Houston's handcuff RB is not currently on their roster." Sunday: Cam Akers finally looked good in regular season action, though journeyman Dare Ogunbowale dominated touches. It'll remain an interesting backfield if Joe Mixon misses more time.
Bills -- Saturday's column: Dalton Kincaid is good. Sunday: Not good enough, though he co-led Buffalo with six targets -- albeit with Khalil Shakir out. He's still a riser, though the rise might be more gradual than anticipated.
Broncos -- Saturday's column: "Is Courtland Sutton the only Denver player worth rostering?" Sunday: No, Javonte Williams is heating up.
Raiders -- Saturday's column: "All eyes should be on Jakobi Meyers and, in particular, 2023 third-rounder Tre Tucker." Sunday: Tucker was the #2 WR in targets, but it didn't count for much.
49ers -- Saturday's column: Is Jauan Jennings capping the ceilings of the "big three"? Sunday: It was Brandon Aiyuk's and George Kittle's turn. Still, Jennings had more targets than Deebo Samuel, maintaining at least a little fantasy anxiety in this receiving corps.
Cardinals -- Saturday's column: "James Conner is on pace for a career-high 298 touches and has missed 3+ games in five of the past six years." Sunday: Now it's 309. Stay tuned.
Rams -- Saturday's column: "Until Cooper Kupp returns, this still appears to be Tutu Atwell vs. Jordan Whittington through the air." Sunday: More of the same.
Packers -- Saturday's column: "There's a realistic scenario where Dontayvion Wicks finishes the season as Green Bay's #2 WR." Sunday: He led the team with seven targets but couldn't generate much offense. If he's rostered in your league, your opponent might drop him Wednesday. Make space if you can.
Seahawks -- Saturday's column: "Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a respectable 33 targets, but only 226 scoreless yards. I'm still bullish," Sunday: First touchdown and a respectable seven targets.
Giants -- Saturday's column: Can Jalin Hyatt get a shot? Sunday: Not a chance. Darius Slayton made the most of the opportunity. I'd be shocked if he isn't traded these next few weeks.
Steelers -- Saturday's column: "Justin Fields has 43 TD passes in 42 career starts. It helps explain why George Pickens is the WR36 and one of only three top-48 WRs without a score." Sunday: More of the same. While Pickens will have more good games this season, his floor is one of the lowest among team #1 WRs.
Cowboys -- Saturday's column: "Again, Jalen Tolbert: Will he step up with Brandin Cooks sidelined, and might this signal an unofficial elevation to the #2 WR job?" Sunday: Yes. 13+ points in three of his last four outings. His likely breakout was discussed in August. Now it's reality.
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