Ten weeks are nearly in the books for the NFL season, but one fantasy darling had an exciting debut in Week 10. Another signal-caller had a bounce-back effort after a few turnover-happy outings. It wasn’t all rainbows and roses, as two offenses had notably discouraging efforts. Finally, it’s a great time to stream one specific position.
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Surprises
A Diminutive Mobile Quarterback’s 2023 Debut Was Encouraging
Kyler Murray took his first snaps for the Cardinals since blowing out his knee on December 12, 2022. The dual-threat quarterback wasn’t perfect. Still, Murray completed 19 of 32 passes for 249 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception.
The passing was only part of the story. Murray was sacked only twice and ran six times for 33 yards and one touchdown. Murray’s running ability is critical to his fantasy value. It also makes Arizona’s offense more dangerous and capable of extending drives and scoring points, elevating the outlook for Trey McBride, Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson and Rondale Moore.
McBride is firmly in the top-10 fantasy tight ends after torching the Falcons for eight receptions and 131 receiving yards. Moore had the second-most targets (eight), receptions (five) and receiving yards (43) for the Red Birds against the Dirty Birds. Still, Hollywood’s and Wilson’s big-play ability can come through when attached to a quarterback capable of extending plays with his legs and willing to chuck it deep. Arizona’s fantasy stock is up after Murray’s relatively triumphant return from knee surgery.
San Francisco’s Triggerman Can Still Carve Up Defenses When the Offense is Healthy
Brock Purdy had a turnover problem in San Francisco’s last three games before their bye in Week 9, throwing five interceptions on 88 pass attempts. Purdy’s issues with taking care of the football overshadowed 8.7 yards per attempt during those games.
Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams were injured in Week 6. They were healthy after San Francisco’s bye, and the 49ers hung 34 points on the Jaguars. Purdy had 19 completions on 26 attempts for 296 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
The second-year quarterback’s brilliant effort helped all of San Francisco’s elite playmakers to have valuable fantasy showings. Christian McCaffrey didn’t score a touchdown but had 142 scrimmage yards and six receptions. Brandon Aiyuk had three receptions for 55 receiving yards and a touchdown. Samuel had 59 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on three rushes and four receptions. Finally, George Kittle had three receptions for 116 receiving yards and a touchdown.
They won’t all get home every week, but there’s nothing wrong with San Francisco’s offense. Most importantly, it doesn’t matter why Purdy has success in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The young quarterback’s ability to move the ball and put up points is all that matters for fantasy football purposes.
Disappointments
The Jaguars Laid an Egg Out of Their Bye
Jacksonville was on the receiving end of San Francisco’s beatdown. Yet, their offense’s lousy showing was the most alarming aspect of the lopsided loss.
Trevor Lawrence has only two multi-touchdown games this season and passed for 185 scoreless yards and two interceptions against the 49ers. Calvin Ridley was held to fewer than 40 receiving yards for the fifth time in nine games. The bye didn’t solve the club’s Ridley problem.
Zay Jones was out again with his knee injury. He’s not an elite receiver, but his replacements are awful. The Jags scored 31, nine and 25 points in three games Jones was active. When Jones returns, Jacksonville’s offense could take a step forward.
The Jags’ backfield usage was also eyebrow-raising. Travis Etienne had 13 opportunities (nine rushes and four targets), resulting in 44 scoreless yards. The blowout wasn’t to blame entirely, either. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), D’Ernest Johnson and Tank Bigsby played a combined 11 snaps in the first half against the 49ers. Etienne is still an RB1, but his usage should be tracked as he might not be a bell-cow running back anymore.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.