Last night's game had four parts. The first spanned the first quarter, when the Steelers appeared to be in control with a 7-0 lead and offensive possession for more than 11 of the 15 minutes.
The second covered quarters 2 and 3, when Pittsburgh managed only three points on six drives, while the Browns racked up 9+ yards on 10 separate plays. When was the last time Cleveland did that in a game? Regardless, they did it all in less than two quarters, showing off a quick-strike ability that's been missing for years.
The third part began on that final 9+ yard play, which ended in a Deshaun Watson fumble -- his first of two turnovers in the span of five plays. The Steelers capitalized on that second turnover, getting their first of two fourth-quarter touchdowns that eventually tied the game. Pittsburgh's offense was clicking. Cleveland's had stalled.
The final part was Watson's third consecutive game-winning, fourth-quarter drive, when he connected with three receivers on four consecutive completions -- three of them for 10+ yards -- to set up the 55-yard field goal to win it.
This game epitomized the best and worst of both teams: extended droughts when fantasy managers keep refreshing their screens and nothing changes; and avalanches of big plays that led to one of the most unlikely fantasy-friendly Thursday night contests in recent memory.
11 guys had double-digit points: Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Watson, Quinshon Judkins, Denzel Boston, and KC Concepcion, and Harold Fannin. Except most of them probably weren't in starting lineups. Rodgers, Wilson, Freiermuth, Washington, and Watson were at best desperation starts in 12-team leagues. Concepcion was on the fringes after the slow start to his career. Even Judkins and Metcalf, who both entered the night averaging 8.9 points per game, might have been "hold-your-breath-and-hope" options.
One thought on Rodgers: incredibly, he's on pace for 4,246 passing yards. But for context, he's averaging 38.3 throws a game. That would be his career high. He also has a career-low completion percentage that's seven points below his career average, as well as a career-worst interception rate. He's nearly 43 years old. That combination -- massive yards, high usage, inefficiency, and old age -- don't fit together. Either he's on the verge of weekly startability if he and his receivers can get a little more in sync, or he's headed toward a crash.
And congrats to Doug Peters and Tim Kelley, who both picked the Browns winning 24-21. That turned out to be the closest score, which means you two split the prize, which I believe is a puppy. Or bragging rights. Probably bragging rights.
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