Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we will showcase exceptional player performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success in fantasy football. We will rank these performances from ? to ????? based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.
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Fantasy Football Heat Index
Quarterback
Stats: 19/30, 219 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB8 (18.96 points)
Analysis: In his first full game in over a month, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson finished with 219 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He scored 18.96 fantasy points and he’s currently the QB8 on the week.
While that’s not league-altering production, it’s an encouraging sign for a depreciating fantasy asset. Watson has clearly been bothered by the rotator cuff strain, so seeing any kind of production has to feel good for those still rostering Cleveland’s QB1.
When healthy, Watson is still a usable piece in fantasy football. He’s finished as a top-ten fantasy quarterback in three of his four full games played this season (QB5, QB10, and pre-MNF QB8). But buyer beware: Cleveland plays at Baltimore next week, then hosts Pittsburgh in Week 11.
Heat Index: ??
Running Back
Stats: 10 att, 73 rushing yards, 2 TD, 4 receptions, 46 receiving yards, 4 targets
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB1 (25.9 points)
Analysis: After a slow start to his sophomore campaign, Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is starting to produce for his loyal fantasy managers. White is still struggling on the ground, as evidenced by his 3.6 yards per carry, but he’s rising in the ranks thanks to an increased role in the passing game.
White is averaging 60 receiving yards per game over the past three weeks, leading to RB16, RB11, and pre-MNF RB1 finishes in those contests. As long as Baker Mayfield continues checking it down, White should remain a must-start in PPR formats.
Heat Index: ????
Wide Receiver
Stats: 6 receptions, 153 receiving yards, 1 TD, 6 targets
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR2 (24.3 points)
Analysis: With Robert Woods out and C.J. Stroud setting a single-game rookie record 470 passing yards, Texans wide receiver Noah Brown benefited from an increased role and a favorable game script. Brown finished with 153 receiving yards and a touchdown on six receptions. He’s currently the WR2 on the week, trailing only fellow Houston wide receiver Tank Dell.
While I tip my cap to that incredible feat, Sunday’s performance was the very definition of an anomaly. Brown scored more fantasy points on Sunday than in his other three games combined this season and his 24.3 fantasy points are a career-high for the three-year pro. I’m not chasing the WR4 who is competing with Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz for targets.
Heat Index: ?
Stats: 1 reception, 37 receiving yards, 0 TD, 2 targets
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR57 (4.2 points)
Analysis: Entering the season, I thought Jordan Love would be a league-average quarterback at worst. Instead, the Packers’ QB1 has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the entire league. That has led to a disappointing fantasy season for the majority of Green Bay’s skill position players, but WR Christian Watson has been impacted more than most.
Watson missed multiple games earlier this season and hasn’t been overly productive since his return from injury. In three games since Green Bay’s Week 6 bye, Watson has only managed 4.2, 4.8, and 4.2 fantasy points. That’s just not good enough.
To make matters worse, Watson left Sunday’s game with another injury. Watson took a hard fall to the ground on his one reception and was soon ruled out with a chest injury, back injury, and potential head injury. If Watson suffered a concussion on Sunday, he’s unlikely to suit up in Week 10. Even if he avoided any major injuries, he’d still be difficult to trust in this anemic offense.
Heat Index: ?
Tight End
Stats: 1/1, 3 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 11 att, 52 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 13 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE4 (18.62 points)
Analysis: Despite our best efforts, New Orleans tight end/quarterback Taysom Hill just won’t go away. Instead of continuing to fight an unwinnable battle, it’s time to embrace the chaos that is the Saints’ Swiss Army knife.
Over the past three weeks, Hill has averaged 18.46 fantasy points per game and has weekly finishes of TE5, TE1, and now the TE4 before MNF. New Orleans used every bit of Hill’s skillset on Sunday. He finished with 52 rushing yards, 13 receiving yards, and added a three-yard touchdown pass for good measure. Until his usage decreases, take advantage of the ultimate cheat code at the tight end position.
Heat Index: ???
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