Fantasy Football Forecast: Waiver Wire & Trade Advice for Week 9 (2023)

Fantasy Football Forecast: Waiver Wire & Trade Advice for Week 9 (2023)

Welcome back, everybody! We’ve got NFL Week 8 wrapped up and a lot to recap from ALL the action! Hopefully, you have enjoyed the new version of the 2023 usage report. While slightly altered from previous installments, I think it pack a punch that is exactly what fantasy managers want and NEED as they make transactions heading into the next week.

Again, we live in the year 2023, where bite-size and easy-to-digest content is the way, the masses consume content. My goal with this weekly piece is to provide you with the KEY ACTION items – waiver wire pickups, trade, add, drop, stash, buy, sell, start, sit, etc. – for your fantasy football team based on what happened the previous week. Let me do the work of scouring through the data, so you can just follow my lead. As my college marketing professor always said, “Keep it simple, stupid.” The KISS mantra is at its finest.

As always, I’ll be citing data and what I watched on film from the weekend’s past matchups highlighting what matters most and what’s potentially just noise. I will make a strong effort to feature players who are coming off polarizing performances, as they are sure to be the ones fantasy managers have the most question marks about. Note that If I omit a certain player(s), it’s likely because their role/usage did not change from the week prior. Want to save valuable space for players whose stock is rising/falling, as this is where we can take advantage as savvy fantasy gamers.

And for those tuning into the usage report for the first time; the idea behind the usage report has always been about identifying which players are running routes, seeing high snap shares, and earning high-value targets as these tend to be precursors for future fantasy production. And sometimes they don’t always show up in the normal box score.

So, without further ado…let’s roll out the red carpet for the 2023 Usage Report for Week 8, to prepare for success in Week 9. The Fantasy Football Week 9 Rankings Forecast features Waiver Wire Pickups and Buy Low/Sell High Trade Targets.

Let’s ride. Because the forecast calls for more action in the upcoming Week 9 slate even though the dreaded bye weeks after returned.

For some overarching data points, check out my Twitter/X thread that covers some important nuggets from Week 8’s action…

Snap counts:

Week 9 bye weeks

  • Denver Broncos
  • Detroit Lions
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • San Francisco 49ers

Week 10 bye weeks

  • Chiefs
  • Rams
  • Dolphins
  • Eagles

Week 11 bye weeks (No Week 12 bye weeks)

  • Falcons
  • Colts
  • Patriots
  • Saints

Fantasy Football Forecast

Buffalo Bills

Buy James Cook, Sell Gabe Davis, Add Khalil Shakir, Add Leonard Fournette

James Cook carried the ball 14 times for a total of 67 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He didn’t score any touchdowns but had a long run of 18 yards. Latavis Murray started (eye roll) and had 5 carries for 7 yards, averaging 1.4 yards per carry. Came in at the goal line as he often does and got stuffed. Both guys only caught one pass on one target, while Cook dominated the route share (61%).

Overall, Cook played 67% of the snaps to Murray’s 33%. Cook’s snaps increased from last week and that makes him a buy. The Bills cannot be pleased with how ineffective Murray has been as a rusher, and I’d think that makes them lean MORE into Cook as the season progresses. He has seen some red zone work this season, so it’s at least an idea the Bills have toyed with, and I think they go back down that road based on how Murray has underwhelmed as the red zone back recently. He hasn’t scored since Week 3. On the year, Cook and Murray each have 14 red zone carries.

But over the last two weeks, Cook has out-touched Murray 31 to 12.

And with the addition of Leonard Fournette – signed to the team on Monday – I think that means it’s curtains for Murray. Neither Murray nor Damien Harris has panned out as a compliment to Cook. Fournette has a better skill set, so I think his addition is more of how displeased the Bills are with Murray, not Cook. Therefore, if a manager in your league views this as a death knell for Cook, I’d gladly take them off their hands.

The Bengals, Broncos, Jets and Eagles are the Bills’ next four games before a Week 13 bye week.

Khali Shakir WAS a stand-out and reliable target for Josh Allen, catching all 6 passes thrown his way for 92 yards. He WAS involved from the get-go as his playing time increased with the Bills operating more out of 11 personnel due to the injuries to tight ends, Dawson Knox and Quintin Morris. He is the clear-cut WR3 ahead of Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty. I am frustrated at myself for not acknowledging this sooner…as the prop bet on Shakir entering Thursday night at 18.5 yards WAS EASY money. He WAS coming off a 4-catch game in Week 7…so the writing WAS on the wall he would be more involved. He’s a perfect 10-for-10 for 127 yards in his last 2 games.

In deeper leagues with bye weeks coming up you could do worse than playing a WR in a potential shootout next week that runs a route on 72% of Allen’s dropbacks.

Gabriel Davis WAS heavily targeted, with 12 passes thrown his way (30% Target share). He caught 9 of them for 87 yards and scored 1 touchdown. As always with Davis, you sell high while you can. His status as the No. 2 on this offense might not be as dialed in, with guys like Shakir and Kincaid starting to surge. He and Kincaid have had identical target shares in the last two weeks. But Kincaid has a superior target rate per route run (22% to 17%) as does Shakir (19%).

Stefon Diggs also had 12 targets and hauled in 9 receptions for 70 yards.

Rookie tight Dalton Kincaid caught 5 passes out of 7 targets for 65 yards. He scored 1 touchdown (18% Target share).

Last week, Kincaid ran a route on 63% of the dropbacks while playing 61% of the snaps. In Week 8, he ran a route on 85% of the dropbacks while playing 84% of the snaps.

Wheels ARE up for the rookie tight end.

The Bengals and Broncos are the Bills’ next two games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sell/Hold Mike Evans, Hold Rachaad White

Nothing too different happened on Thursday night regarding the Buccaneers’ player usage. Rachaad White remained the primary ball-carrier and snap leader (82%). White had 9 carries for 39 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. His best run of the night WAS erased by a holding penalty.

Chase Edmonds (fresh off IR) and Ke’Shawn Vaughn combined for 4 carries for 6 yards.

But more importantly, White led the team in receiving with 7 receptions for 70 yards (18% Target share). Edmonds caught 2 passes for 16 yard (12% snap share, 8 snaps).

The overall receiving usage will keep White relevant especially since it has improved dramatically over the last three weeks with White totaling 17 targets over that span. He’s never going to have any BOOM weeks with how bad the Buccaneers’ OL is at run-blocking, so he remains a hold as a volume-based fantasy RB2.

Chris Godwin caught 5 passes for 54 yards and scored 1 touchdown, with an average of 10.8 yards per reception (7 targets).

Mike Evans had 3 receptions for 39 yards and scored 1 touchdown (6 targets). Evans has 5 TDs this season but has seen his yardage dip slightly under 50 yards in two of his last three games. He’s scoring TDs at a higher rate than he should have based on his expected TD output of 2.9.

If I could sell high, I think I would.

Cade Otton caught 4 passes for 27 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per reception (6 targets). Not going overboard here as a lot came in garbage time.

The Texans, Titans, 49ers and Colts are ALL on the docket the next 4 games for Tampa Bay.

Carolina Panthers

Drop Miles Sanders, Hayden Hurst, Add Jonathan Mingo/Chuba Hubbard

The Panthers’ rushing attack had a challenging day, with Chuba Hubbard leading the ground game, accumulating 28 yards on 15 carries. 5 red-zone carries but no TDs.

Miles Sanders took a MAJOR backseat with just two carries for zero yards…

Raheem Blackshear and Hubbard each received 2 passes, earning two targets each.

Sanders played just 18% of the snaps. He’s cooked folks. Hubbard played 67% of the snaps as the team’s starter. $5K on DK in Week 9.

Adam Thielen WAS the primary target for Bryce Young, racking up 72 yards on 8 receptions. This gave him a Target share of 35.5% on 11 targets. Jonathan Mingo also contributed significantly with 62 receiving yards on 4 receptions on 5 targets. It WAS Mingo’s best game to date as he made the most of his opportunities.

D.J. Chark managed 23 receiving yards on 2 receptions, leading to a Target share of 10% (4 targets). Led the team in air yards as well.

Those are the clear-cut top 3 WRs, running in the new offense called by Thomas Brown. He comes from the Rams so we are going to see strict 11 personnel like this every single week moving forward.

The remaining targets were spread among several players, with Tommy Tremble scoring a touchdown on one of his two receptions.

Also, super noteworthy that Tremble played AHEAD of Hayden Hurst. Hurst only played 33% of the snaps to Tremble’s 54%. Hurst ran more routes, so it’s likely better to just avoid and not chase the Tremble TD score.

Indy and Chicago. Schedule easing up until Dallas and Tennessee in the following weeks.

Houston Texans

Buy Nico Collins/Tank Dell, Hold Dameon Pierce

Dameon Pierce led the rushing efforts with 46 yards on 12 carries. The Texans’ rushing game WAS effective, scoring two touchdowns in total. C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ quarterback, also contributed to the ground game with a rushing touchdown. Pierce got stuffed twice at the goal line and just got unlucky without a score. Woof.

Devin Singletary added 13 receiving yards on 2 receptions (2 targets) while carrying the ball 10 times for 30 yards. Pierce out-carried Singletary 7 to 4 in the first half.

Piece only played 2 more snaps than Singletary (43% vs. 40%), so the split usage WAS carried over from before the bye week. Split routes, although Mike Boone also snuck in a fair share of route participation.

Can’t sell Pierce until he scores, so he’s a hold. But the back-to-back games with more Singletary is a trend working against Pierce no doubt.

Noah Brown led the way with 57 receiving yards on 3 receptions (2nd in routes with no Robert Woods). Nico Collins WAS another significant contributor, recording 30 receiving yards on 4 receptions (25% Target share). Could have more production given his nearly 100 air yards.

Tank Dell: 4 targets / 17% Target share. Still led the team in routes run (93%).

Dalton Schultz also saw 5 targets but caught just 2 for 5 yards (21% Target share). All dump-off targets near the LOS with a full-time role intact.

Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Arizona and Jacksonville over the next month.

So yes, you best be scooping up Nico Collins/Tank Dell shares ASAP Rocky fam. Collins is $5,800 on DraftKings in Week 9. Dell is $5.3K.

Los Angeles Rams

Sell Darrell Henderson, Add Royce Freeman, Buy Puka Nacua

Royce Freeman led the rushing attack with 44 yards on 9 carries, including a rushing touchdown. Darrell Henderson carried the ball 12 times for just 31 yards. Hendo started but the carry totals were 5-4 in the first half. Henderson led the way with 54 receiving yards on 3 receptions.

Freeman out-snapped Henderson (53% vs 47%), with both seeing 1 red-zone carry. Split routes as well. But it’s the second straight game Freeman has been more efficient and effective rusher than Hendo. Therefore I am trying to push Henderson out and hope Freeman can take over in the long run.

Matthew Stafford suffered a hand/thumb injury and did not finish the game. Sean McVay said it doesn’t seem good.

Tyler Higbee and Puka Nacua were also key contributors, recording 45 and 43 receiving yards, respectively. 7 targets each (22% Target share) with the rookie seeing two in the red zone.

Additionally, Cooper Kupp saw 10 targets (31% Target share). But caught just 4 passes for 21 yards. Woof. Kupp WAS Rypien’s most-targeted player (50% Target share, 5 targets).

Tutu Atwell also played more than he traditionally has in past weeks. Not sure if it’s actionable at this point.

The Rams get GB and Seattle up next with a Week 10 bye week in between. Then it’s Arizona, Seattle, Baltimore and Washington.

I’d presume that Stafford might miss at least Week 9 to get healthier over the bye. The Rams are starting to become “who we thought they were” as a bad team.

Nobody is going to buy Rams WRs/RBs with their QB situation currently in limbo. However, If I were to go after a player in trade despite the QB concerns, it would be for Nacua. Just a bet on an uber-talented rookie WR. Would be more worried about Kupp if he doesn’t have Stafford.

Dallas Cowboys

Buy Tony Pollard, Add Brandin Cooks/Jake Ferguson

The Cowboys’ rushing attack WAS led by Tony Pollard, who carried the ball 12 times for 53 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. No TDs again. Only 1 target in another blow-out home win for the Cowboys. Buy low. The TDs have to come at some point. Pollard is the RB6 in expected fantasy points per game this season. And he is averaging nearly the EXACT same points per game as did last season at (12.2 vs 12.3) through 8 weeks. Finished as RB4 the rest of the way. Buy Low.

Quarterback Dak Prescott had an outstanding game through the air, completing 25 of 31 passes for 304 yards. He threw four touchdown passes and WAS intercepted once, resulting in an impressive passer rating of 133.7.

CeeDee Lamb WAS the standout performer, catching 12 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. 41% Target share. Nobody else saw more than 4 targets (Brandin Cooks/Jake Ferguson). They both scored. Cooks operated as the WR2 and is a sneaky play next week versus a beatable Eagles secondary.

Make sure Ferguson is not available on waivers either. Great schedule rest of the season and he’s Prescott’s favorite red-zone option.

The schedule: Eagles, Giants, Panthers, Commanders and Seahawks

Pittsburgh Steelers

Sell Najee Harris/George Pickens, Buy Diontae Johnson

The Steelers’ rushing attack WAS led by Jaylen Warren, who carried the ball 5 times for 19 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Najee Harris mustered just 7 carries for 13 yards. 4 for 8 in the 1st half.

But both guys were involved in the passing game – Jaguars continue to BLEED points to RBs as receivers. 5 targets for Najee and Warren. Harris continues to point in an upward trajectory with pass-game usage, although there is some stench attached to his receiving usage as it came late in the game in desperation time.

But the split usage continued. Harris 52%, Warren 48% snap share. Warren ran more routes and saw his receiving usage bounce back after a down week. He’s still very much the preferred pass-catcher.

Kenny Pickett left the game with an injury. They play on Thursday night and there is not optimism that he will play.

Mitchell Trubisky played the entire second half and should start on Thursday.

Targets w/ Trubisky…

Diontae Johnson WAS the top target overall for the Steelers, catching 8 passes for 85 yards. 14 targets / 32.6% Target share. Also WAS being used much more downfield with a whopping 188 air yards. A true target commander with a potential untapped ceiling if he continues to see usage farther downfield. He has a 25% Target share through three games averaging 5-plus catches per game.

George Pickens scored the only touchdown for the Steelers on a 22-yard reception. 5 targets but just one catch. 81 air yards.

With Trubisky last season, Diontae Johnson posted much better numbers. Would expect him to be Steelers WR1 in a great matchup versus Tennessee in Week 9.

Johnson’s targets with Trubisky games in 2022: 12, 10, 11, 8, 10.

Pickens in those same games: 3, 2, 7, 3, 5

The Steelers schedule: Titans (TNF), Packers and Browns.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Buy Christian Kirk, Sell Calvin Ridley, Crown Travis Etienne.

The rushing attack WAS primarily led by Travis Etienne, who carried the ball 24 times for 79 yards, Left the game briefly with an injury (gulp) but returned just in time. Etienne also contributed in the passing game, catching 3 passes for 70 yards (6 targets), including a 56-yard touchdown reception. League-winner.

89% snap share despite battling an injury. Absolute ANIMAL. Crown him.

The top receiving targets for the Jaguars were Evan Engram and Calvin Ridley. Engram caught all 10 of his targets for 88 yards, showcasing his reliability. Ridley secured 6 receptions for 83 yards, making several key plays. Each saw 10 targets, and 31% Target share. Ridley also continued to see high downfield looks with a 60% air yards share.

Christian Kirk saw just 5 targets. 4 for 46. Still ran a full allotment of routes. As always is the move with the Jaguars, you buy low after down games. The same is said with Calvin Ridley after he posted a strong output, leading the team in routes run and air yards.

But if you can’t get anything worthwhile, both guys are holds with favorable matchups post bye week.

Bye Week, 49ers, Titans, Texans.

Minnesota Vikings

Sell Alexander Mattison, Buy Cam Akers

Kirk Cousins will the rest of the season with a torn Achilles. As a guy hitting free agency, this is just horrible (horrible in general).

Alexander Mattison carried the ball 16 times for 31 yards. Unfortunately, the ground game struggled, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. Despite the limited success on the ground, Cam Akers punched in a rushing touchdown to help the Vikings reach the end zone. Akers rushed 9 for 19 with the TD on 1 of 2 red-zone touches.

8 of Akers’ 9 carries were in the first half. Mattison had just four carries in the first half and zero targets, despite running all the routes. Each guy finished with 1 target.

Mattison played 61% of the snaps to Akers’ 24%.

Before leaving the game, Kirk Cousins displayed his typical efficiency, completing 23 of 31 passes for 274 yards. He threw two touchdown passes and didn’t have any interceptions, achieving a remarkable passer rating of 122.2. Backup quarterback Jaren Hall stepped in and contributed 23 yards through the air on 4 attempts.

K.J. Osborn WAS the primary target for the Vikings, catching 8 passes for 99 yards. Tight end T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison were also pivotal in the passing game, combining for 174 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Osborn: 10 targets / 28.6% Target share.

Hockenson: 9 targets / 25.7% Target share.

Addison: 8 targets / = 22.9% Target share.

Minnesota takes on Atlanta (no Grady Jarrett) and New Orleans in their next two games, followed by Broncos, Bears, Raiders and Bengals.

Nobody is going to want to buy Vikings players with Cousins out for the year. Even though we see decent play at times from Nick Mullens, the Minnesota stock is down badly.

Here’s how to approach it. Buy the backfield. Akers szn. I say this because last season, we saw an injured-plagued Rams offense lean on the ground game without Stafford. Coming from a similar philosophy, I’d bet we see Minnesota embrace the run game more with a major downgrade at QB.

The Vikings have one of the most favorable schedules for fantasy RBs over the rest of the season.

Green Bay Packers

Buy Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, Add Jayden Reed

The Packers’ rushing game WAS anchored by Jordan Love, who demonstrated his mobility and rushed for 34 yards on 4 carries. However, the ground game saw limited success in terms of touchdowns and yards with the RBs. A.J. Dillon rushed for 11 yards on 6 carries, 3 coming inside the red zone.

Aaron Jones, 7 for 29 with 2 red-zone attempts and 2 red-zone targets.

A.J. Dillon also contributed significantly in the passing game, catching all 5 of his targets for 41 yards.

Both guys split backfield work with a dead-even 51% snap share split. The only positive out of this game is that Jones played a season-high in snaps. If the Packers are going to turn this around, it will because on the heels of Jones’ second-half surge.

If you need a spark at RB, a healthy Jones gives you the most bang for your buck. Panthers/Vikings in the fantasy playoffs.

Jayden Reed WAS a top target for Love, recording 83 receiving yards on 4 receptions on 6 targets (15% Target share). Add Reed if you need a plug-in option during bye weeks.

Christian Watson: 8 targets / 19.5% Target share. 3 for 33 with multiple red-zone target misses. Also, another week with 100-plus air yards but to no avail.

Nobody wants Watson or anything to do with the Packers at this point. But the usage is there to still acquire a WR with a week-winning upside. Buy low and then flip after the massive game. He’s under $5K on DraftKings this week.

Romeo Doubs: 9 targets / 22% Target share. 4 for 18 but scored. Also saw 100 air yards. Still producing despite QB issues. Would sell, but not sure he has any name cache to get any deal done.

Aaron Jones: 5 targets / 12.2% Target share. 4 for 17.

Luke Musgrave: 3 targets / 7.3% Target share. 2 for 9. He can be dropped. Too many mouths to feed and he isn’t stepping up to command targets.

Love continues to “spread the wealth” amongst his pass-catchers with a relatively flat Target share.

The Rams, Steelers, Chargers, Lions, Chiefs, Giants and Buccaneers are next for the GB Packers.

Tennessee Titans

Sell Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins

On the ground, Derrick Henry WAS his usual dominant self, rushing for 101 yards on 22 carries. Although he didn’t find the end zone, his ground game WAS a key factor in moving the chains. The Falcons lost Grady Jarrett and that helped the Titans run game.

Tyjae Spears had just 3 carries for 27 yards. Both RBs saw 4 targets.

Spears played 44% of the snaps to Henry’s 65%.

I’ve been trying to sell Henry all year. Take advantage of the gift you got in Week 8 to ship him off. Even though the Steelers’ run defense is not great – Cameron Heyward could return soon off the IR – the Titans play so poorly on the road with their terrible OL unit.

The Titans are on the road for their next three games…

Rookie quarterback Will Levis shined, completing 19 of 29 passes for 238 yards, with no interceptions and four touchdown passes. Levis showcased excellent decision-making and efficiency, earning a remarkable passer rating of 130.5.

However, let’s not get lost and overly obsessed with the 4 passing TDs. Three came on deep balls, which is not easily replicated. Especially when Levis orchestrated an offense that only converted 5 third downs. They punted 8 times. Only the Jets/Giants punted more in Week 8.

DeAndre Hopkins WAS Levis’ primary target and had a spectacular game. He caught 4 passes for a whopping 128 yards and found the end zone three times. Only 6 targets but a 21% Target share.

Like with Henry, I am not risking hitching my wagon to Hopkins-Levis for the remainder of the season. Just cash out. This will be Hopkins’ best game of the season.

Additionally, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine contributed significantly with a 33-yard touchdown reception (2 targets).

Chigoziem Okonkwo saw for a 20.7% Target share, but had a massive drop. 4 for 23 yards. Woof. Great usage per usual but nothing to show for it (74% route participation).

Treylon Burks also saw more downfield shots from Levis, finishing with 81 air yards on just 2 targets. Operated as the clear WR2. Desperation play versus a leaky Steelers secondary.

The Steelers, Buccaneers, Jaguars and Panthers over the next 4 games. Three road games in a row.

Atlanta Falcons

Buy Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Add Jonnu Smith

Bijan Robinson led the way with 62 yards on 11 carries, including a touchdown run on 1 of 2 red-zone carries. Tyler Allgeier carried the ball 8 times for 31 yards. Robinson also had 5 targets but somehow caught zero? One WAS erased by a penalty. Also dropped another and had one tipped at the LOS.

Still logged 74% of the snaps as the RB1 in the backfield.

Desmond Ridder WAS benched, although he WAS also getting checked for concussion. Although he cleared, he didn’t return to the game. I’m sure Arthur Smith will be very clear-cut about which QB he will use moving forward. Most of the press conferences after the game were encouraging toward Ridder being back at QB1 in Week 9.

In the passing game, KhaDarel Hodge WAS the standout receiver, catching all three of his targets for 75 yards, with a long reception of 52 yards. Additionally, Drake London and Kyle Pitts contributed significantly to the aerial attack. London (21% Target share) and Pitts (15% Target share). London WAS getting checked for an injury toward the end of the game with a groin injury. Only a 54% snap share as a result.

I’d buy low.

Taylor Heinicke played the entire second half.

Target Shares in that half…

The Vikings and Cardinals over the next 2 matchups for Atlanta, followed by the Saints, Jets and Buccaneers. Love the matchups for London, so I’d buy low.

If London misses time, I’d presume targets flow through the tight ends (Vikings are weak versus tight ends) and Robinson. I’d avoid Jefferson and Hollins. Hollins seems like he’s near the bottom of the depth chart with his routes down substantially.

However, I will say that he’s GOOD, compared to other Falcons WRs not named London – as he showed last year. And on just 6 routes run, he WAS hyper-targeted by Heinicke on 4 attempts.

Think I’d even take a swing on Hodge before Jefferson as a DFS punt play.

Philadelphia Eagles

Sell DeVonta Smith

Running back D’Andre Swift had a solid game, rushing 16 times for 57 yards, including a touchdown on a designed run off the tush push. Added in 3 targets and 4 red-zone carries. 70% snap share as the RB1.

A.J. Brown WR1 szn. Hauled in all eight passes thrown his way for 130 yards and two touchdowns (21% Target share). DeVonta Smith also made significant contributions with seven receptions for 99 yards, including a touchdown (7 targets, 18.4% Target share). Still think Smith is an interesting buy candidate with all the shine (rightfully so) on AJB. But I’ve seen even duds from Smith to realize it’s probably wise to cash out while you can after he scored and nearly put up 100 yards. Still has a bye week coming up.

Dallas Goedert (7 targets, 4 for 36) Kenneth Gainwell (5 targets for 5 and 30 yards) and other Eagles’ pass-catchers were vital in the team’s air attack. Still, Gainwell only had 2 carries for -4 yards. 30% snap share.

Philly faces Dallas, Bye Week, KC, Buffalo, SF and Dallas in their next six weeks.

Washington Commanders

Sell/Avoid Jahan Dotson, Sell Brian Robinson, Terry McLaurin

Despite coming up short on the scoreboard, Sam Howell delivered an impressive performance through the air, throwing for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns.

Running back Brian Robinson led the ground game with 59 rushing yards on 10 attempts (cashed the under on his 10.5 rushing attempts prop). Played 49% of the snaps.

Antonio Gibson contributed 14 rushing yards on two carries. 51% snap share.

Chris Rodriguez had zero carries.

Jahan Dotson WAS the top target, hauling in eight passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. It’s about TIME. After we all had given up on Dotson he finally came through. Likely on your bench or the waiver wire.

For me, it’s prime sell-high/avoid territory on the waiver wire. The schedule gets tougher and he still didn’t command a high Target share with the same role on offense.

Jamison Crowder also had a strong game with seven receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Curtis Samuel WAS questionable entering the game and that increased Crowder’s role (as likely with Dotson).

The Patriots, Seahawks, Giants and Cowboys are over next month.

I would do my best to sell my Washington pieces with tougher matchups coming up. That includes McLaurin.

New York Jets

Buy Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson

Breece Hall led the Jets in rushing attempts with 12 carries but had difficulty finding significant yardage. He accumulated 17 rushing yards on a 64% snap share. The team, as a whole, managed 58 rushing yards. Woof. Dalvin Cook had two carries for 5 yards. Played fewer snaps than Michael Carter. RB3 status. His days in New York may be numbered.

In the receiving game, Garrett Wilson WAS the primary target for Zach Wilson, recording 100 receiving yards on seven receptions (13 targets).

Hall also played a significant role, catching six passes for 76 yards, including a touchdown (9 targets). The concentrated effort around Hall and Wilson is great for their long-term outlooks with the Jets’ favorable schedule.

Wilson, 36.1% Target share. Hall: 25% Target share.

The schedule over the second half of the season is JUICY. Chargers, Raiders, Bills and Dolphins up next.

New York Giants

Add Daniel Bellinger, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt

Saquon Barkley WAS the workhorse, carrying the ball 36 TIMES for 128 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Despite not finding the end zone, Barkley’s performance provided some stability in the running game. Added 5 targets (36% Target share) and 3 catches for zero yards. 39 total TOUCHES. Slugfest football baby.

The team, as a whole, managed 203 rushing yards and scored one rushing touchdown, courtesy of Tommy DeVito, the Giants 3rd-string QB. Tyrod Taylor left with an injury as did Darren Waller.

The Giants passed for 7 yards total. Waller WAS the leader in receiving yards tied with Matt Breida. If Waller misses any more time, Daniel Bellinger will see a near 100% snap share.

The Raiders, Dallas, Commanders and Patriots over the next 4 weeks.

With Daniel Jones expected to return in a plus-matchup all Giants WRs are in play to be streamed in Week 9.

As always, Wan’Dale Robinson offers the safest floor, followed by rookie Jalin Hyatt with his ceiling potential.

Miami Dolphins

Sell Raheem Mostert, Buy Jaylen Waddle

In the rushing game, Raheem Mostert led the team with 13 carries for 46 yards and found the end zone once on 1 of two red zone attempts. He and Jeff Wilson split carries (5 vs 3) in the first half.

Jeff Wilson and Tua Tagovailoa also contributed with 5 and 6 carries, respectively, but didn’t score any rushing touchdowns.

Mostert WAS also not used at all in the passing game despite running a route on 50% of dropbacks. Zero targets to Wilson’s 2 and Salvon Ahmed‘s 4 (2 in the red zone).

Mostert played just 56% of the snaps, while Wilson and Ahmed played the other 25% each.

Miami is showing that they want to use a committee and I don’t think it will work favorably for Mostert when De’Von Achane returns likely after the Week 10 bye week. Sell.

In the passing game, Tua Tagovailoa had an impressive performance, completing 30 out of 45 pass attempts for 324 yards. He threw three touchdown passes and had one interception. The Dolphins’ passing attack WAS efficient and productive, with a good distribution of targets to various receivers.

Jalen Waddle and Tyreek Hill were the primary targets for Tua Tagovailoa. Waddle had 7 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown, while Hill contributed 8 receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown. Durham Smythe also had a solid game with 3 receptions for 28 yards. But he’s splitting more time with other tight ends now, so he’s droppable even in deeper formats.

Note that Braxton Berrios is the WR3 in the Dolphins offense, but Cedrick Wilson has the WR handcuff upside if an injury were to occur to either Waddle/Hill.

Miami plays Kansas City (Germany), Bye Week, Las Vegas and New York (Jets) in the next three games.


New England Patriots

Add Demario Douglas

Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott led the team with 10 and 7 carries, respectively. Stevenson gained 39 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, while Elliott contributed 36 yards with an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. Despite not finding the end zone, the Patriots were able to gain 77 rushing yards collectively. Stevenson also saw 3 red-zone carries plus 4 targets, 2 catches for 11 yards. Played 58% of the snaps to Elliott’s 42% snap share.

In the passing game, Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes and one interception. Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry were among his primary targets. Bourne had 3 receptions for 36 yards (4 targets) and one touchdown, and Henry added 3 receptions for 28 yards (3 targets). Bourne did, however, get hurt toward the end of the game. It WAS revealed that he tore his ACL, which will force him to miss the rest of the season.

Although fears are being realized as the Patriots are opting for a three-way committee at tight end between Henry, Pharoah Brown and Mike Gesicki. Can’t trust any of them now.

The target leader WAS Demario Douglas: 7 targets, 24.1% Target share. They are looking for ways to get this guy the ball similarly – from my opinion to how Baltimore uses Zay Flowers. Only 5 catches for 25 yards, but great usage. 77% snap share led all WRs as did his two red zone targets and 84% route participation.

DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster played fewer snaps on offense than Jalen Reagor….

The Pats get the Commanders and Indy (Germany) over the next 2 games. After their bye week it’s the Giants, Chargers, Steelers and Chiefs.

It’s a great schedule for WRs, so we could be on the cusp of a true Douglas breakout. Wild times. $4K on DK in Week 9. Cash game lock.

Indianapolis Colts

Hold Jonathan Taylor

On the ground, Jonathan Taylor WAS the star of the game. He carried the ball 12 times, accumulating 95 yards at an impressive average of 7.9 yards per carry. But should be noted…11 for 94 in the first half.

While Taylor didn’t find the end zone on the ground, his explosive runs contributed significantly to the Colts’ offensive success. Zack Moss also made an impact, with 11 carries for 66 yards and one rushing touchdown. 4 red-zone carries including the score

JT had 2 targets to Moss’ 1. But Taylor only had one red-zone carry…

Simply put, Moss isn’t going away. And that is always going to cap the high-end ceiling of JT, despite how crazy and high-scoring it seems like every Colts game tends to be.

He’s a hold for now because it’d be malpractice to move him before he plays Carolina. And his snaps continue to increase, maxing out at 61% snap share in Week 8. He is $6,400 on DraftKings in Week 9.

The main WR target WAS Josh Downs in Week 8, who had a solid performance with 7 receptions for 72 yards (22% Target share).

Michael Pittman had 13 targets and hauled in 8 receptions for 40 yards, including one receiving touchdown (32% Target share) on one of 4 red-zone targets. He WAS overdue for a red-zone score and delivered a score for fantasy managers. In yet, we still cashed his receiving yards under at 59.5 yards.

Both guys remain holds/buys.

Indianapolis takes on Carolina and New England (Germany) in their next two games, followed by a bye week, Buccaneers, Titans, Bengals and Steelers.

New Orleans Saints

Hold/Sell Alvin Kamara, Sell Chris Olave, Add Taysom Hill

Taysom Hill led the charge with 9 carries, accumulating 63 yards, and reaching the end zone twice on 6 red-zone carries. His receiving usage wasn’t great – Juwan Johnson returned to the lineup – but we will take the TDs all day. Still, the lack of routes in a three-way committee makes Hill somewhat fringy and TD-dependent. Don’t hate the idea of adding and flipping to a TE-needy team.

Alvin Kamara carried the ball 17 times for 59 yards and also found the end zone, scoring one rec touchdown. Totaled 5 red-zone carries along with a 6th catch that resulted in the score.

With a total of 36 rushes, the Saints’ ground game gained 161 yards and scored three touchdowns, showcasing their ability to control the clock and dominate on the ground.

Jamaal Williams also carried the ball 6 times for 30 yards and saw 1 target.

I’ve voiced selling Kamara in the past, to not much success. But as we start to see more pieces of this offense get involved, I think it’s still the right move to make. Kamara played his lowest snap share of the season in Week 8, along with his fewest touch total. The heavy involvement from other RBs/Hill around the goal line also concerns me long-term.

Still, the Bears matchup projects for a MONSTER game through the air for Kamara so you have to hold him another week unless you can flip him for a younger RB.

Derek Carr WAS the starting quarterback and had a fantastic game, completing 19 of his 27 passes for 310 yards. Carr threw two touchdown passes and had no interceptions. His top target WAS Rashid Shaheed, who had a remarkable day with 153 receiving yards and one touchdown, showcasing his big-play ability on just 3 targets.

The Bears, Vikings, Bye Week, Falcons and Lions over the next month-plus.

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Cleveland Browns

Add David Njoku, Drop Elijah Moore, Sell Jerome Ford, Hold Amari Cooper

Kareem Hunt led the way with 14 carries for 55 yards and one rushing touchdown. Despite a relatively low average of 3.9 yards per carry, Hunt’s ability to find the end zone WAS crucial for the Browns. 3 red-zone carries. He continues to be their preferred red-zone back.

Additionally, Pierre Strong (10, 2 red-zone carries) and Jerome Ford (9) contributed significantly, with a combined 19 carries for 78 yards. Ford also led in targets (2).

But in the first half, Ford had one carry for -1 yards. Kareem Hunt ked with 9 carries for 30 yards, followed by Pierre Strong going 5 for 25 yards.

Snap counts were as follows: Hunt 35%, Ford 33%, Strong 31%. Gross.

Ford has the most “name cache” as the hot waiver wire pick to open the year, so I’d try and sell him. Hunt is the RB you want in this backfield. $5,500 on DraftKings in Week 9.

Amari Cooper caught 6 passes for 89 yards. 11 targets / 34.4% Target share. He continues to amaze when everything suggests he needs to be sat. That’s just the Cooper experience.

David Njoku WAS another key contributor, with 4 receptions for 77 yards and a receiving touchdown. 8 targets, 25% Target share with 3 red-zone targets. Ran a route on 76% of the dropbacks. Six straight games with at least 3 catches.

Elijah Moore: 5 targets / 15.6% Target share. 2 catches for 30 yards. Woof. More usage has gone to waste. Cut him.

Schedule: ARI, BAL, PIT, DEN, LAR and JAC.

Seattle Seahawks

Buy D.K. Metcalf, Sell Kenneth Walker, Add Zach Charbonnet, Hold/Sell Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Sell Tyler Lockett

The first-half carry total WAS 5 for Kenneth Walker and 3 for Zach Charbonnet. Ended 8-to-5 in favor of Walker. Both guys were very efficient, averaging over 8 yards per carry. Both RBs saw 2 targets.

But But But. Charbonnet outright played MORE than Walker. 59% to 41%. Interesting. Might be time to sell high on Walker’s fast start with the rookie getting ramped up. Charbonnet’s finally realizing that receiving role running more routes than Walker (22 vs 12). Walker might be dealing with a calf injury, but those types of injuries don’t just disappear.

Tyler Lockett WAS the standout receiver with 8 receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown (9 targets, 24% Target share). Sell high. Lockett has not been consistent at all this season, and there are two guys on his roster I’d rather have rest of the season.

D.K. Metcalf contributed with 5 receptions for 67 yards (14 targets, 38% Target share) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 3 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown (4 targets) that sealed victory for the Seahawks.

JSN only ran a route on 66% of dropbacks, which WAS a downgrade from last season. The targets were low but he got away with a TD score. I hate selling rookie WRs – they usually break out in the second half so he’s a hold for me unless I can get something well above market value on him. Seattle seems to like this Jake Bobo fellow, and that hurts JSN’s bottom line.

Metcalf WAS peppered with downfield looks, earning 152 air yards. All the opportunity is there for him to have a massive game on the horizon. 5 red-zone targets, but zero scores. He is on the cusp of an eruption game. Buy low. Probably my No. 1 buy-low candidate in fantasy football for Week 9.

Through 7 healthy games this year, Metcalf still leads the Seahawks in receiving yards. Also has seen 8-plus targets in three of his last 4 games.

The Ravens and Commanders over their next two games, followed by the Rams, 49ers, Cowboys and 49ers again.

Baltimore Ravens

Sell Gus Edwards, Add Odell Beckham Jr. Buy Zay Flowers, Stash Rashod Bateman

Gus Edwards led the first-half effort with 6 carries to Justice Hill‘s 1.

And he tied the bow on a strong start with 3 RUSHING TDS on 6 red-zone carries.

Gus Bus WAS FULLY LOADED. 19 carries for 80 yards with the hat trick. Hill only saw 4 total carries, while catching four balls on 4 targets for 40 yards.

Gus Bus logged a 52% snap rate to Hill’s 48%. Games where the Ravens should dominate are made for the Edwards to feast, where closer back-and-forth contests are better suited for Hill.

Zay Flowers had just 19 yards on 5 receptions. Down game but still the overall Target share leader with 7 passes (25.9% Target share). Buy low as always.

Flowers has been the model of consistency throughout his entire rookie campaign and remains a buy candidate. 15th in Target share (28%) 8 games into his rookie year.

Mark Andrews had 40 yards. Andrews WAS the recipient of Lamar Jackson‘s touchdown pass.

Odell Beckham Jr. ghosted on 4 targets. Visibly frustrated with the role, so we could get a sneaky wheel game soon.

Rashod Bateman WAS second in the receiver snaps with both guys running a route on 62% of dropbacks. I think he’s getting healthier.

Seattle and Browns are the next 2 games for the Ravens. Followed by Cincy, Chargers, Bye Week, Rams and Jaguars.

And unfortunately, that means I am looking to sell high on Gus Edwards. Two elite run defenses is no bueno for Edwards, who is very game-script-dependent for his fantasy value.

Nobody’s value is higher right now at running back after a 3 TD game. Trust the process. Cash out.

Arizona Cardinals

Add Trey McBride, Buy James Conner, Hold Emari Demercado

FEED Emari Demercado. 14 carries in the first half alone.

Ended with 20 carries on the ground. 78 rushing yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. 55% snap share as the Cardinals did involve some other RBs later in the game. Keontay Ingram played more than the week before with a 38% snap share. He ran more routes than Demercado, as the Cardinals continued to experiment with different RB combinations.

James Conner will miss one more game on IR. Might be worth buying him low, with the potential for him to come back to an improved offense with Kyler Murray at the helm.

Biggest L for me this week (of many). Trey McBride.

McBride led the way with 95 receiving yards on 10 receptions, including a touchdown where he willed his way into the end zone on one of his 3 red-zone targets. 98 air yards. 14 targets / 37.8% Target share. 82% snap share. Woof (to me). 88% route participation.

Michael Wilson had 58 receiving yards on 4 receptions. 6 targets / 16.2% Target share.

Marquise Brown: 9 targets / 24.3% Target share, 1 TD scored late. Just 6 catches for 33 yards.

They face Cleveland, Atlanta, Houston, Rams and Steelers in the next 5 games.

Kansas City Chiefs

Buy Isiah Pacheco, Buy Rashee Rice

The Chiefs struggled on the ground, with only 62 rushing yards. Isiah Pacheco led the team with 8 carries for 40 yards. Caught 3 balls on 4 targets but for -3 yards. Snaps dipped with Chiefs involving Jerick McKinnon more (41% snap share) in negative game script. However, Pacheco still ran the most routes and had more targets. Buy

Travis Kelce WAS the leading receiver, with 6 receptions on 9 targets for 58 yards.

Rashee Rice had a notable performance in the receiving game, catching 4 passes for 56 yards on 5 targets.

Led all Chiefs WRs in snaps played (61% WAS a season-high) and finished second in routes run at 59%. He didn’t score as the Chiefs offense overall underperformed. But that doesn’t mean he’s not a buy.

Nobody else saw more than 4 targets.

Hardman saw a snap increase to 36%, while Kadarius Toney barely played.

Next 3: MIA (Germany), PHI, LV

If you can buy Patrick Mahomes after a down game…do it. The schedule suggests he will bounce back in a BIG WAY. Remember, apparently, he played the game with the flu.

Denver Broncos

Buy Javonte Williams, Jerry Jeudy, Sell Courtland Sutton

Javonte Williams toted the rock 10 times in the first half to McLaughlin’s 2.

Ended the day with 27 carries for 85 yards. 30 total touches. 9 red-zone touches.

Juggernaut Javonte is BACK.

Additionally, McLaughlin contributed with 4 carries for 33 yards. Williams WAS effective as a receiver out of the backfield, catching all 3 of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown. McLaughlin saw two targets and Samaje Perine earned 3.

Williams finished with a 63% snap share. Trending WAY up after leading the Broncos in routes run (tied with Perine).

Jerry Jeudy WAS one of the primary targets in the passing game. He had 6 targets, catching 2 passes for 50 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown reception. 31.6% Target share on 6 targets. WAS on the receiving end of a total of 126 air yards. No. 1 in weighted opportunity in Week 8.

Courtland Sutton, another key receiving option, had 3 targets, catching 2 passes for 29 yards and a touchdown. 3 targets. Sutton is running hotter than the sun with these weekly TD scores…

Marvin Mims got up to a 39% snap share with Brandon Johnson placed on IR. Big W. But still ran fewer routes than Lil’Jordan Humphrey. He’s on bye this week so he can dropped in smaller leagues, tentatively, – at least until we get through the trade deadline.

Denver gets the Bye Week, BUF and MIN in the next three games. We shall see if their WR room looks different post-bye week.

Cincinnati Bengals

Buy Tee Higgins, Buy Joe Mixon

Cincinnati’s rushing attack WAS led by Joe Mixon, who had 16 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. Mixon’s performance on the ground, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, played a crucial role in the team’s offensive success. Chipped in 3 targets.

Efficient off-the-bye week versus beatable 49ers run defense. Mixon will be licking his CHOPS against Buffalo’s atrocious run defense.

Quarterback Joe Burrow also contributed to the rushing game with 6 carries for 43 yards. He’s healthy…

The primary targets in the passing game were Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Ja’Marr Chase led the team with 10 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. 37.5% Target share and 12 targets.

Tee Higgins recorded 5 receptions for 69 yards, 6 targets (19% Target share). Ran a route on 82% of dropbacks. There’s room for that to grow. Still a screaming buy as the Bengals begin their heater on the league with a healthy Burrow.

Tyler Boyd caught 3 passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. Second in routes run.

Irv Smith saw 4 targets. But also lost a fumble. Guarantee he won’t see 4 targets again.

The Bills, Texans and Ravens over the next three weeks.

San Franciso 49ers

Sell George Kittle, Buy Brandon Aiyuk

Christian McCaffrey carried the ball 12 times for 54 yards and scored a touchdown.

CMC also played a dual role, recording 6 receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.

George Kittle WAS the primary target without Deebo Samuel, with 9 receptions for 149 yards. He averaged an impressive 16.6 yards per catch. 35.5% Target share. Same old song dance folks. You sell Kittle after these blow-up games that are cultivated based on teammate injuries. Considering the bye week, expect Samuel to be back sooner rather than later.

Brandon Aiyuk contributed 5 receptions for 109 yards, averaging 21.8 yards per catch. 29% Target share. Dude is a straight alpha WR and it doesn’t matter when Samuel comes back.

Bye Week, Jaguars, Buccaneers and Seahawks round out the next four weeks for the 49ers.

Los Angeles Chargers

Add Donald Parham Jr., Buy Austin Ekeler, Add/Sell Quentin Johnston

The Chargers faced difficulties in the rushing game, totaling only 54 yards. Austin Ekeler had 29 rushing yards on 15 attempts, as the team struggled to establish a strong ground game. Joshua Kelley went just 6 for 21 rushing yards.

Ekeler WAS not only active in the rushing game but also made significant contributions as a receiver. He had 94 receiving yards on 7 receptions, including a touchdown (21% Target share, 8 targets). Overall, 67% snap share.

Clean sweep on the Sunday Night Football rushing unders.

Ekeler WAS the primary “buy-low” target last week and that looks like a W. Still be looking to buy him with a favorable schedule for RBs coming up.

Keenan Allen had a strong performance with 69 receiving yards on 8 receptions. 10 targets, 25% Target share.

Donald Parham caught 4 passes for 43 yards, including a touchdown. 5 targets, 12.5% Target share, 62% snap share. Gerald Everett entered the game as a game-time decision and did not record a reception after being ruled out before kickoff. If Everett misses more time, Parham can be a tight-end streamer in Week 9.

Joshua Palmer (4 targets) and Simi Fehoko (2 targets) also contributed to the passing game.

Quentin Johnston totaled 6 targets (2 red zone) for a 15% Target share. 5 catches for 50 yards. 47 air yards. Although Palmer WAS dealing with an injury throughout the game which may have contributed to the increased looks for Johnston who played a season-high 70% snap share to Palmer’s 68%.

Still, QJ ran fewer routes than Palmer…. running a route on just 66% of the dropbacks. QJ needs an injury to Palmer to really take that next step for the Chargers. The fact that Palmer WAS hurt, Everett WAS out and we still only got this much from Johnston is somewhat concerning.

NYJ, DET, GB and BAL are the next 4 games for the Bolts.

Chicago Bears

Sell D’Onta Foreman, Buy D.J Moore, Roschon Johnson

The rushing game faced some difficulties, with the team totaling 73 yards on 25 rushing attempts. D’Onta Foreman led the way with 34 rushing yards on 9 carries. 32% snap share.

D’Onta Foreman caught 1 pass for 2 yards (2 targets). Roschon Johnson totaled 4 targets while leading the backfield in snap share at 36%. 6 carries for 21 yards.

It WAS a full three-way committee with Darrynton Evans also playing 27% of the snaps. 4 carries for 18 yards and 1 TD on 1 of 2 red-zone carries. Also caught 3 balls on 4 targets.

First-half carries were 5 to 4 to 1, between Foreman/Johnson/Evans.

Therefore, you need to get out of this backfield business ASAP. Bears want to use multiple guys and it will be even more muddled when Khalil Herbert returns. Tough remaining schedule for RBs.

If I were to buy any guy dirt cheap, it would be Roschon. Snap leader after missing multiple games is encouraging.

Cole Kmet WAS the most targeted receiver, catching all 10 of his targets for 79 receiving yards. 27% Target share.

Darnell Mooney caught 4 passes for 55 yards, but he WAS unable to find the end zone (4 targets). Hit the over on his receiving yards prop on the first play of the game.

D.J. Moore ended with 6 targets – 16% Target share – catching 4 balls for 55 yards. Buy D.J. Moore after back-to-back down games with Justin Fields returning. Solid SOS for WRs rest of the season.

Tight end Robert Tonyan had a reception for 8 yards. Tyler Scott had just 3 targets. But yet again, he WAS second in total air yards (58 air yards).

The Saints, Panthers, Lions and Vikings are the next 4 matchups for Chicago before a Week 13 bye week.

Detroit Lions

Sell/Hold Jahmyr Gibbs, Drop Jameson Williams

Jahmyr Gibbs had 26 rushing attempts for 152 yards with an average of 5.8 yards per carry and 1 touchdown, with a long run of 27 yards. Gibbs was also targeted 5 times (15% Target share) and caught 5 passes for 37 yards with an average of 7.4 yards per catch. 70% snap share as a clear-cut workhorse with David Montgomery sidelined. 3 red-zone carries.

Monty is expected to return after the Lions’ Week 9 bye week.

But like I said last week, this would be the prime time to SELL HIGH on Gibbs. Because this team still loves Montgomery.

Although I don’t feel as strongly about it the transaction as Gibbs’ usage translated into a real-life win for the Lions in Week 8. Make Gibbs a hold, but if you need wins with him on a bye week, you should be able to cash out for a king’s ransom.

Craig Reynolds had 14 rushing attempts for 74 yards with an average of 5.3 yards per carry and no touchdowns, with a long run of 13 yards. Played just 28% of the snaps and saw just 2 carries in the first half. Did have a touchdown nullified on a holding penalty in the fourth quarter. Also saw 3 red-zone carries.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was targeted 9 times (26% Target share) and caught 6 passes for 108 yards with an average of 18 yards per catch and no touchdowns, with a long reception of 44 yards.

Sam LaPorta was targeted 10 times (29% Target share, 3 red-zone targets) and caught 8 passes for 57 yards with an average of 7.1 yards per catch and 1 touchdown, with a long reception of 18 yards. 92% route participation. The rookie can’t be ranked high enough.

Kalif Raymond was targeted 4 times (2 red-zone targets) and caught 2 passes for 24 yards with an average of 12 yards per catch and no touchdowns.

Jameson Williams was targeted 3 times and caught 2 passes for 16 yards with an average of 8 yards per catch and no touchdowns, with a long reception of 22 yards. Just 23 total air yards. Woof. Ran the same amount of routes as Raymond (37% route participation). Just a 40% snap share.

Not sure he’s worth holding through the bye week. He is still splitting routes as the No. 3 WR with Raymond, even though his routes/snaps did increase from the week before.

Josh Reynolds was targeted 1 time and caught 1 pass for 13 yards. Still was second on the team in routes and snaps among WRs behind the Sun God.

The Bye Week, Chargers, Bears (oh my), Packers, Saints, Bears, Broncos, Vikings and Cowboys are following up for the Lions. It’s a great schedule overall for the Lions offense.

Las Vegas Raiders

Sell Josh Jacobs, Drop Michael Mayer, Buy Davante Adams

Josh Jacobs had 15 rushing attempts for 61 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown in the red zone. Jacobs was targeted 4 times and caught 2 passes for 27 yards (19% Target share).  76% snap share. He’s a bellcow that can’t score a lot of fantasy points.

Hunter Renfrow was targeted 4 times and caught 2 passes for 19 yards (19% Target share).

Michael Mayer was targeted 2 times and caught 1 pass for 19 yards. Route participation increased from the week prior from 54% to 82%. But the Raiders offense is too fringy right now to trust him fully. Drop.

Jakobi Meyers was targeted ONCE and caught 1 pass for 19 yards. Still ran a route on all but one dropback.

Davante Adams was targeted 7 times and caught 1 pass for 11 yards. 139 air yards. 33% Target share and 59% air yards share. 1. Catch. Woof.

It was a HORRIBLE game for Jimmy Garoppolo as a passer, who also took 6 sacks.

And honestly, this game was unlike any Raiders game we have seen thus far this season. Renfrow rarely plays this much, and Meyers seeing this little involvement sticks out like a sore thumb.

Adams still had all the great peripherals you want from a WR, so I’d be looking to buy low on the talented No. 1 WR.

The Giants, Jets, Raiders, Chiefs, and bye week are up next for LV in their next five weeks.

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