Welcome back, everybody! We’ve got NFL Week 9 officially in the books and a lot to recap from ALL the action! 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.
Obviously, I’ll cite 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 coming off polarizing performances, as they are sure to be the ones fantasy managers have the most question marks about.
And I’d be more than happy to include certain tables where I see they fit and/or there is a demand.
Again, the idea behind the Fantasy Forecast 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 appear in the normal box score.
Also new this year. An opening trade advice column and more graphics! Courtesy of FantasyPros in-house data scientist Sam Hoppen!
So, without further ado…let’s unveil the Fantasy Forecast for Week 10 to prepare our rosters for future success.
Because the forecast calls for a SHOCKINGLY fun Week 10 slate with all 28 teams BACK in action with the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks on their bye weeks.
Week 10 Fantasy Football Forecast
Jump ahead and check out my advice for each team using the table below
Trade Advice
My thoughts on this week’s trade market.
- Sometimes, you don’t have to “force” trades to improve your roster. The waiver wire constantly changes; sometimes, teams cut players when they are in a roster crunch. Be patient and strike. I also think it’s an interesting thought experiment to think about trades from a perspective if both players were just readily available on the waiver wire as opposed to a trade. Who would you prioritize and bid more aggressively on if both players were on the waivers? Putting both guys on waivers (at least theoretically) helps remove the draft day cost because both players’ early season values are somewhat reset once they hit waivers.
New York Jets
Buy Breece Hall | Buy Garrett Wilson & Davante Adams| Hold Braelon Allen
Aaron Rodgers had a solid performance for the New York Jets, completing 22 of 32 passes for 211 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He maintained a 68.8% completion rate, resulting in a 118.1 passer rating and an average of 6.6 yards per attempt.
According to Next Gen Stats, Rodgers recorded an average time to throw of 2.22 seconds in Week 9, his quickest in a game this season.
In the rushing department, Breece Hall led with 15 carries for 74 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry with a long run of 16 yards, one red zone rush attempt, and zero rush TDs. Hall’s running cold in the TDs with just one score in his last six games. But the yardage has been there, so I’d bet the TDs will start to come as the Jets offense finds its footing in the second half.
Per PFF’s expected fantasy points model, Hall is the RB3 overall and 8th in expected fantasy points per game.
The snaps were status quo, with Hall leading the charge, boasting a 76% snap share to Allen’s 29%.
Malachi Corley had a single impressive rush for 18 yards, while Braelon Allen contributed 9 yards on four carries. Rodgers lost a yard on his only rush attempt.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Jets have the No. 6 most favorable schedule for RBs.
Corley had an epic disaster of a night, as he dropped the ball before he broke the end zone which resulted in a touchback. Instead of scoring his first NFL touchdown, the rookie made a huge mistake.
Davante Adams had a standout day in the receiving game, hauling in 7 of his 11 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. His longest catch went for 37 yards, and he added 42 yards after the catch with 107 air yards, 57.84% air yards share, and 34.38% target share.
Adams did the majority of his damage operating as the Jets slot receiver. According to Next Gen Stats, 52 of his yards and a TD came from slot alignment. Since arriving in New York, Adams has aligned in the slot on 44.2% of his routes; he had aligned there on just 25.0% of his 28.9% during his tenure with the Raiders. Since Week 7, Adams has recorded 95 yards from a slot alignment after recording just 26 yards from such an alignment in his three games with the Raiders.
Garrett Wilson also delivered, catching 9 of 10 targets for 90 yards and two touchdowns, with a long of 26 yards and 42 yards after the catch. Fifty-nine air yards, 31.89% air yards share, 31.25% target share. Per Next Gen Stats, a majority of Wilson’s production came against zone coverage, as he caught all seven targets versus zone for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Even though Wilson’s total volume has dropped since Adams’ arrival – targets and catches both down – his yards and overall efficiency have increased with another weapon added to the offense for the defense to account for.
Given the Jets schedule, you need to be buying BOTH Jets WRs, given how their prices have changed since the Adams trade. At least kick the tires on both of them. Remember, the Jets get the Rams and Jaguars in the first two weeks of the fantasy football playoffs.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Jets have the sixth-ranked schedule for WRs for the rest of the season (6th for QBs).
Tight end Kenny Yeboah had a single reception for 12 yards, while Breece Hall continued his dual-threat contributions with two receptions for 11 yards.
Mike Williams caught one pass for six yards, and Jeremy Ruckert added a 4-yard catch. Williams ran a route on 85% of dropbacks.
Braelon Allen was targeted once without a catch, and Tyler Conklin had a catch for a loss of 3 yards.
The Jets will play at ARI and at home against IND before a bye week. Post-bye week, Gang Green will play vs SEA, @ MIA, @ JAC, vs LAR and @ BUF.
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Houston Texans
Hold Tank Dell | Buy/Hold Joe Mixon | Add Dalton Schultz | Buy Nico Collins
C.J. Stroud had a challenging outing for the Texans, completing only 11 of 30 passes for 191 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, resulting in a 36.7% completion rate and a passer rating of 59.2. Joe Mixon attempted one pass without completion.
According to Next Gen Stats, Stroud was pressured on 46.7% of his dropbacks in Week 9 against the Jets, the 3rd-highest pressure rate Stroud has faced in a game in his career.
On the ground, Mixon led the rushing attack with 24 carries for 106 yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.4 yards per carry with a long run of 29 yards: six red zone rush attempts and one rush TD.
Stroud contributed to the ground game as well with eight carries for 59 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, including a 25-yard rush. J.J Taylor added 23 yards on three carries, while Dare Ogunbowale lost a yard on his only attempt.
Tank Dell led the receiving corps with an impressive performance, catching six of his nine targets for 126 yards, averaging 21 yards per catch with a long reception of 50 yards and 51 yards after the catch–131 air yards, 29.71% air yards share, 31% target share. Dell ran a route on 69.5% of dropbacks. Until Collins returns, you have to hold onto Dell with Stefon Diggs placed on IR. You could also entertain the idea of a sell high trying to get ahead of Collins’ eventual return.
Robert Woods caught 2 of his three targets for 44 yards, including a long of 32 yards. Dalton Schultz was targeted six times and caught three passes for 21 yards–92 air yards, 20.86% air yards share, 21% target share.
Dare Ogunbowale, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, and Cade Stover were all targeted but did not record any receptions, and Stroud himself was targeted once without a catch. The Texans’ tight end continues to leave a lot to be desired.
Dell, Metchie, and Hutchinson each had one red-zone target. Metchie III ran a route on 63% of dropbacks, and his role shouldn’t change with Nico Collins‘ return. Collins is eligible to return in Week 10, but DeMeco Ryans seemed non-committal about his star WR’s availability on Monday.
The Texans take on the Lions next.
Then it’s the Cowboys, Titans, and Jaguars before their bye week. They open the fantasy football playoffs against the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Ravens.
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Los Angeles Chargers
Add Justin Herbert | Hold J.K. Dobbins | Buy Ladd McConkey | Add Quentin Johnston & Will Dissly
Justin Herbert had an efficient night, completing 18 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns without any interceptions. He posted a solid passer rating of 125.8 and averaged an impressive 10.4 yards per attempt, effectively moving the Chargers’ offense downfield.
The Browns had major issues with coverage breakdowns. According to Next Gen Stats, Herbert was most productive on passes over 10 air yards in Week 9 against the Browns, completing 7-of-12 downfield attempts for 196 yards and two touchdowns.
Herbert has reached 100+ passing yards on downfield attempts in three straight games since their Week 5 bye (14.8 YPA), after totaling just 145 passing yards on such attempts in Weeks 1-4 (6.0 YPA)
J.K. Dobbins led the backfield with 14 carries for 85 yards and found the end zone twice, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 34 yards showcasing his burst. Kimani Vidal chipped in with five carries but managed only 7 yards, while Herbert contributed three carries for 2 yards.
Dobbins out-carried Vidal seven to three in the first half.
If Dobbins can stay healthy, he will be a force in the fantasy football playoffs against the Patriots. However, it’s tough sledding up to that point.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, they also have the second-worst-ranked schedule for running backs.
Quentin Johnston had a standout performance, catching four of his five targets for 118 yards, including a touchdown–74 air yards, 28.03% air yards share, 19.23% target share. His 66-yard long reception was the highlight of the game, and he added 68 yards after the catch, showing his playmaking ability.
Ladd McConkey was also effective, hauling in five catches on seven targets for 64 yards–85 air yards, 32.20% air yards share, 26.92% target share. McConkey ran a route on 91% of dropbacks. Even though McConkey didn’t come away with the flashy TDs, he is still the Chargers WR1.
Joshua Palmer added 63 yards and a touchdown on his two catches, averaging a remarkable 31.5 yards per reception–79 air yards, 29.92% air yards share, 15% target share.
Johnston and Palmer have been neck and neck in usage while healthy this year, but QJ has been more productive. Despite my love for Palmer, Johnston’s probably the waiver add.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Chargers have the fifth-ranked schedule for WRs.
Dobbins contributed in the passing game as well, with two catches for 20 yards.
Will Dissly, Hunter Hurst, and Eric Tomlinson each added a few short receptions to keep the chains moving, while Jalen Reagor had a catchless outing on his two targets.
Dissly’s production returned to the norm with Hurst back in the lineup, even though his usage remained strong. Dissly ran a route on 70.5% of dropbacks (an increase from last week).
The remaining schedule is as follows: vs. TEN, vs. CIN, vs. BAL, @ ATL, @ KC, vs. TB, vs. DEN and @ NE.
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Cleveland Browns
Add Elijah Moore | Buy David Njoku | Hold Cedric Tillman | Hold/Buy Nick Chubb
Jameis Winston struggled under center, completing 26 of his 46 pass attempts for 235 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions. His completion rate of 56.5% and passer rating of 50.5 reflected the challenging day he had, averaging just 5.1 yards per attempt.
Nick Chubb led the ground game with 15 carries but was limited to only 39 yards, averaging a mere 2.6 yards per carry. 4 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs.
Winston contributed 27 rushing yards on five attempts, showing some mobility, while Pierre Strong and Jerome Ford combined for three short carries, totaling 13 yards.
In a negative game script, Chubb played just 35% of the snaps to Ford’s 46%.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Chargers’ defense allowed just 38 yards on 15 designed runs when utilizing lightboxes against the Browns in Week 9 (i.e., six or fewer defenders), including a season-low 2.5 yards per carry on such attempts. The Chargers have utilized lightboxes against 66.2% of designed runs this season, the highest rate league-wide entering the Week 9 afternoon slate.
The cheapest piece of the Browns is still Nick Chubb. He was okay versus Baltimore despite it being a brutal matchup, but he struggled here against LA. The hope for holding/buying on Chubb would be based on Weeks 16-17 against the Bengals and Dolphins. Hopefully, Chubb will be back to fuller form by then. And if this offense is good under Winston, you’ll be glad you bought while he was still super affordable.
After the bye week, it’s Saints, Steelers, Broncos, Steelers, and Chiefs. No doubt it’s a tougher schedule after NO.
Cedric Tillman was a bright spot, catching 6 of his 11 targets for 75 yards and the Browns’ only touchdown, with a long reception of 17 yards and 18 yards after the catch. He has another 19-yard gain wiped away by a penalty. 2 red zone targets, and one red zone touchdown–117 air yards, 28.54% air yards share, and 23.91% target share.
Dude continues to be an ALPHA. I loved him coming out of Tennessee, and I am LOVING what I am seeing so far this season with him in a full-time role. He is second on the Browns in target share (23%) and first in air yards share (33%) over the last three games.
Jerry Jeudy was also active, leading the team with seven catches on 11 targets for 73 yards. 2 red zone targets, 0 red zone touchdowns–115 air yards, 28.05% air yards share, 24% target share. He led the team in all receiving categories in the first half.
Tight end Jordan Akins made an impact with three catches for 32 yards, including a 21-yard long catch, while David Njoku added five catches for 29 yards, primarily in short-yardage situations–25 air yards, 6.10% air yards share, 15% target share for Njoku.
Elijah Moore struggled with efficiency, bringing in only three of his nine targets for 28 yards, while Jerome Ford and Nick Chubb contributed minimally in the passing game. Ford ran a route on 52% of dropbacks as the primary receiver out of the backfield.
Moore saw 120 air yards, 29.27% air yards share, 19.5% target share. The usage we love to see, but to no avail. But in the last three games, Moore has a team-high 24% target share (same last two weeks with Winston at QB).
Tillman is the standout of the group with Jeudy/Moore mirroring usage with Winston. Both guys are desperation low-end WR fliers that I’m not holding through the bye week. I think we might see these guys flip-flop production, so I’m not trying to target either aggressively off waivers. Njoku won’t be as uninvolved most weeks.
Still, the schedule is great for Browns WRs. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Browns have a top-10 schedule for WRs for the rest of the season. And given the specific matchups, I think I do prefer Moore over Jeudy for the rest of the season based on projected slot matchups the rest of the season.
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Miami Dolphins
Buy Jaylen Waddle | Hold De’Von Achane & Jaylen Wright | Sell Raheem Mostert | Add Jonnu Smith
The Miami Dolphins put on a balanced and efficient offensive display, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who completed 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Tagovailoa’s impressive 89.3% completion rate showcased his accuracy, posting a passer rating of 124.9 and averaging 8.3 yards per attempt.
In the running game, De’Von Achane led the charge with 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Raheem Mostert was also effective, gaining 56 yards on 10 carries with a long of 16 yards. Mostert out-carried Achane in the first half (seven to six), but Mostert also lost another fumble.
Running back Jaylen Wright added 18 yards on six attempts, while receiver Malik Washington contributed with a 9-yard run.
Mostert played a season-low 23% of the snaps. Sell last week, sell this week.
Per Next Gen Stats, the Dolphins running game created a successful run on 51.6% of carries against a Bills defense that had allowed a success rate of 34.3% in Weeks 1-8. The Dolphins running backs generated 134 of their 149 rushing yards after contact (89.9%) for an average of 4.5 yards after contact per carry.
Tyreek Hill was the star in the receiving corps, catching 4 of his five targets for 80 yards, averaging 20 yards per reception, including a 28-yard catch–79 air yards, 56.43% air yards share, 18.5% target share.
Achane also contributed significantly in the passing game, catching all 8 of his targets for 58 yards and a touchdown, showing his dual-threat ability with 72 yards after the catch. Achane ran a route on 83% of dropbacks and commanded a 29% target share.
His dual usage as a receiver/rusher is off the charts.
And the schedule is elite for Miami’s RBs. @ LAR, vs. LV and vs. NE in the next three games.
Tight end Jonnu Smith added five catches for 46 yards, while Mostert chipped in with two catches for 32 yards. Smith has a strong matchup versus the Rams defense. He has 6-plus targets in four straight games.
The Dolphins TE earned 34 air yards, 24.29% air yards share, 22% target share. Smith ran a route on 83.33% of dropbacks – elite-level usage for a tight end.
Odell Beckham Jr. made an appearance with three receptions for 15 yards, while tight end Durham Smythe had a single 4-yard reception.
Jaylen Waddle, despite only having two catches for -4 yards, managed to score a red-zone touchdown after suffering what looked likely to be a serious injury–19 air yards, 13.57% air yards share, 7.41% target share. Waddle still ran a route on 87% of dropbacks.
His final box score looks miserable because he was on the wrong side of a lateral on the final play of the game, which resulted in a loss of 23 yards. WOOF. He should have finished with two catches for “19 yards.”
But as a Waddle manager, I can’t quit him with the Rams up next. The Rams’ defense has allowed breakout games to Jameson Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jauan Jennings, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If you are going to sell Waddle, you need to give it at least one more week because the next three games are Rams, Raiders, and Patriots.
Then Miami will play @ GB, vs. NYJ, @ HOU, vs. SF, and @ CLE.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Dolphins are tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks. Once they pop, sell. The weather will get colder, and then this Dolphins offense won’t be nearly as effective.
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Buffalo Bills
Buy James Cook | Hold Keon Coleman & Khalil Shakir| Hold Ray Davis | Buy Amari Cooper
Quarterback Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills’ offense, completing 25 of 39 passes for 235 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He had a 64.1% completion rate and a passer rating of 95.6, averaging 6 yards per attempt. Allen also added 7 rushing yards on two carries.
In the ground game, James Cook took the lead with 10 carries for 44 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, with a long run of 13 yards. 2 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, and 1 red zone target.
Ty Johnson contributed 23 yards on three attempts, showing efficiency with 7.7 yards per carry, while Ray Davis added 20 yards on four carries.
Cook had four carries in the first half to Davis’ two.
Davis also shined in the receiving game, making both of his targets for a team-high 70 receiving yards, including a 63-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown.
Snaps were Cook (55%), Davis (14%) and Johnson (29%). Davis doesn’t have much of a standalone role in the Bills offense, but if flashes have been too good to be left on waivers.
Get access to the Bills backfield where you can. Lions/Jets/Patriots in the fantasy playoffs.
Khalil Shakir was reliable, catching six of his seven targets for 50 yards, including an impressive 14-yard play with 59 yards after the catch. 2 red zone targets, -4 air yards, -3.05% air yards share, 19.44% target share. He remains Allen’s favorite and most efficient target.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid saw plenty of targets, catching 4 of 10 for 32 yards with a long of 15. 2 red zone targets, 72 air yards, 54.96% air yards share, and 28% target share. Kincaid ran a route on 69% of dropbacks.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins was perfect on the day, securing all 5 of his targets for 30 yards and a red-zone touchdown–23 air yards, 17.56% air yards share, 14% target share.
Cook continued to contribute as a receiver with five catches on six targets for 25 yards (16% target share).
Keon Coleman made an impact with a 21-yard reception, and Dawson Knox and Quintin Morris each caught one pass, with Morris scoring a touchdown in the red zone.
Coleman had one red-zone target that could have been a TD but he bobbled in and it led to a Dolphins interception. Coleman ran a route on 69% of dropbacks but he did get banged up toward the end of the game. Monitor his injury status.
Amari Cooper (wrist) was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. And with that, it’s another week where his value will fall. Buy low.
What do we do after Cooper busts or disappoints? Buy low, although that comes with the caveat you want to get on the Cooper ride at all.
Note that Buffalo plays the Colts next in the dome. Buffalo went noticeably more pass-heavy in Week 7 (+10% pass rate over expectation) compared to the -3% PROE Weeks 1-6. In Week 8, it was at +1% despite them controlling the game from the start. In Week 9, it was back up to +6%.
Buy pieces of this Bills passing game that is starting to open things up through the air.
The remaining schedule: @ IND, vs KC, BYE, vs SF, @ LAR, @ DET, vs NE and vs NYJ.
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Dallas Cowboys
Hold/Buy CeeDee Lamb | Hold Rico Dowdle | Drop Dak Prescott | Add Jalen Tolbert
Dak Prescott went 18-for-24 with 133 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions, managing the game efficiently with a 75% completion rate and a passer rating of 101.6. Cooper Rush also saw significant action, completing 13 of 25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown, though his completion percentage was lower, with a passer rating of 77.9. Bryan Anger attempted one pass but did not complete it on a fake punt play.
Prescott is expected to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. He can be dropped in 1QB leagues.
Rico Dowdle led the ground game with 12 carries for 75 yards, averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry, with a long run of 15 yards. Prescott added 30 yards on three scrambles, including a notable 22-yard run. CeeDee Lamb, Dalvin Cook, and Hunter Luepke contributed with a few carries, though none for substantial gains.
Dowdle totaled eight carries in the first half. 2 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, two red zone targets, and one receiving TD.
Dowdle posted a very strong 71% snap share, which is easily a season high. Dalvin Cook played seven snaps (9%). The offense won’t have much of a choice but to feature Dowdle more without Prescott/Lamb. Still, top-10 schedule rest of the season for RBs per FantasyPros strength of schedule tool.
Ezekiel Elliott (coach’s decision) was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Falcons, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
Tight end Jake Ferguson was a standout, catching 7 of his 10 targets for 71 yards, including a long reception of 27 yards and racking up 49 yards after the catch–29 air yards, 10% air yards share, 21.28% target share.
Lamb was heavily targeted, with eight receptions on 12 targets for 47 yards, showing his reliability despite shorter gains–86 air yards, 29.66% air yards share, 25.53% target share.
Lamb got banged up at the end of the game with a shoulder injury and has been labeled as week-to-week.
KaVontae Turpin provided a spark with three catches for 36 yards, averaging 12 yards per catch. Dowdle also contributed in the passing game with five catches for 32 yards, including a 13-yard long catch and 37 yards after the catch (six targets, 13% target share).
Jalen Brooks and Jalen Tolbert each added multiple receptions, with Tolbert finding the end zone on one of his three catches for 19 yards with two red zone targets and one red zone touchdown–77 air yards, 26.55% air yards share, 12.77% target share. Tolbert ran a route on 89% of dropbacks. Brooks ran a route on 71% of dropbacks.
Tolbert should see the lion’s share of targets, with Lamb sidelined along with Ferguson.
Ryan Flournoy had a single 13-yard reception, while Luepke caught both of his targets for minimal gains. C.J. Goodwin was targeted once but did not record a reception.
Everything in my being wants to bury the Cowboys rest of season. Lamb and Prescott are expected to miss multiple weeks. This team is 3-5 and could easily be 3-8 after games against the Eagles at home, Texans at home and Commanders on the road before hosting the Giants on Thanksgiving.
But Jerry Jones knows that “abandoning a season” is bad for business. If his stars are healthy, they are going to play regardless of playoff positioning.
The rest of the schedule is as follows: The schedule is as follows: vs CIN, @ CAR, vs TB, @ PHI. Very juicy playoff schedule.
Unless you need wins right now, I’d be holding or buying Lamb at a discount.
Lamb was more than serviceable with Rush back in 2022 when Prescott was out Weeks 2-6. He averaged 13.4 half-PPR points per game with two top 8 finishes.
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Atlanta Falcons
Buy Kyle Pitts| Hold Darnell Mooney | Buy Bijan Robinson & Tyler Allgeier
Kirk Cousins had an efficient day, completing 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards and throwing three touchdowns with no interceptions. He registered a 79.2% completion rate and an impressive passer rating of 144.8, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt.
According to Next Gen Stats, Cousins completed 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns, resulting in a +11.3% completion percentage over expected, his highest in a game this season.
Bijan Robinson led the ground game, carrying the ball 19 times for 86 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, with a long run of 16 yards. Tyler Allgeier had six carries for 18 yards and managed to find the end zone once, while Ray-Ray McCloud contributed with one 7-yard rush. Cousins attempted to scramble a few times but ended up with -11 yards on four carries.
Bijan out-carried Allgeier eight to two in the first half.
Robinson: 4 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, one red zone target, 0 receiving TDs. 75% snap share.
Allgeier: 2 red zone rush attempts, one rush TD, 0 red zone targets. 25% snap share.
Darnell Mooney was Cousins’ top target, catching five of his nine targets for 88 yards and a touchdown, averaging 17.6 yards per catch, with a long reception of 36 yards and matching YAC. 108 air yards, 79.41% air yards share, 37.50% target share
Robinson played a significant role in the passing game as well, catching all seven of his targets (29%) for 59 yards, with an impressive 73 yards after the catch and a long of 29 yards. McCloud was also effective, securing all three of his targets for 28 yards and a red-zone touchdown, including 15 YAC. I would expect Ray-Ray to also be more involved if London’s injury forces him to miss any games.
Drake London contributed with two catches for 27 yards and a red-zone touchdown, showcasing his efficiency with a 13.5-yard average per reception–13 air yards, 9.56% air yards share, and 12.50% target share. London left the game with a hip injury and did not return. It has been deemed a hip pointer injury, and it’s not believed to be overly concerning.
Tight end Kyle Pitts was targeted once and made an 11-yard catch, while KhaDarel Hodge caught one pass for 9 yards. Hodge ran a route on 77% of dropbacks as the replacement for London.
Pitts ran a route on 73% of dropbacks. This is probably a buy-low if the London injury ends up being more serious.
The remaining Falcons schedule @ NO, @ DEN, BYE, vs. LAC, @ MIN, @ LV vs. NYG, and @ WAS.
It’s mostly the status quo with the Falcons. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Falcons have the third-ranked schedule for WRs. Great playoff schedule as well.
Atlanta also has the No. 1 schedule for fantasy DSTs for the rest of the season.
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Denver Broncos
Add Bo Nix | Buy/Hold Courtland Sutton | Sell Javonte Williams| Hold Troy Franklin | Hold/Add Audric Estime & Jaleel McLaughlin
The Denver Broncos fought hard but faced challenges on offense, with quarterback Bo Nix taking on most of the workload. Nix completed 19 of 33 passes for 223 yards but struggled with efficiency, posting a 57.6% completion rate and throwing one interception. He did manage some positive moments, including a 15-yard run that added to his 36 rushing yards on six attempts. He also scored a rushing TD that was called back due to holding.
Nix’s wide receiver, Courtland Sutton, even threw a pass himself, completing it for a 2-yard touchdown to his quarterback.
In the backfield, Javonte Williams led with 12 carries for 42 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. Nine carries in the first half. Audric Estime made the most of his five carries, gaining 35 yards, including a 21-yard burst toward the end of the game. Jaleel McLaughlin also chipped in, although he only managed 10 yards on five carries (all in the first half).
- Williams: 3 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, 0 red zone targets
- Estime: 2 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, 0 red zone targets
- Burton: 2 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, 0 red zone targets
- McLaughlin: 1 red zone rush attempt, 0 rush TDs, 0 red zone targets
The broadcasters talked about how much Sean Payton loves Estime, and we got a report that he is expected to see an expanded workload moving forward. Payton has said this before-as a card-carrying member of the Estime fan club, I follow these things closely-so don’t jump to conclusions quite yet. However, if Williams gets traded, this would free up the runway for Estime to take on Williams’ role, with McLaughlin staying in his spot.
Sutton stood out in the receiving corps, catching 7 of his 10 targets for 122 yards, showing his ability to gain significant yards after the catch, including a 33-yard long reception–132 air yards, 52.17% air yards share, 30.30% target share.
Williams showcased versatility with two receptions for 42 yards, including a long 34-yard play. Wide receiver Troy Franklin made a single catch for 19 yards despite five targets, while Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Devaughn Vele contributed modestly, each securing two catches for 11 yards. Humphrey was fourth in WR routes run.
Sutton: 2 red zone targets, 0 red zone touchdowns
Humphrey: 2 red zone targets, 0 red zone touchdowns
Franklin: 1 red zone target, 0 red zone touchdowns, 63 air yards, 24.90% air yards share, 12.12% target share. Franklin ran a route on 45% of dropbacks, and Nix overthrew him again.
Practice patience. The rookie will benefit from the upcoming matchups.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Broncos have the No.5-ranked schedule for quarterbacks for the rest of the season (1st for WRs). It’s not great against the Chiefs in Week 10, but it’s smooth sailing after that.
The schedule goes, @ KC, vs. ATL, @ LV, vs. CLE BYE, vs. IND, @ LAC, @ CIN, and vs. KC.
A very tough draw for the Broncos run game next week, so the time would be now to get off the Williams ride with the best matchups in the rear-view window. He’s just been too inconsistent to trust for the long haul. Estime can only be contained for so long before Payton flips the backfield entirely. But don’t go out of your way for any Broncos RB.
Per the FantasyPros Strength of Schedule tool, the Broncos have a bottom-five schedule for fantasy RBs for the rest of the season.
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Baltimore Ravens
Hold Mark Andrews | Buy Diontae Johnson | Sell Zay Flowers
The Baltimore Ravens, led by a dominant performance from Lamar Jackson, soared past their competition. Jackson completed an impressive 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards, throwing three touchdowns and maintaining a pristine 158.3 passer rating. His deep passes kept the defense on edge, averaging an impressive 14.7 yards per attempt.
On the ground, Derrick Henry was the workhorse, carrying the ball 23 times for 106 yards and punching in two touchdowns, with a long run of 20 yards. Justice Hill contributed 15 yards on five carries, while Jackson added 4 yards on his three attempts, including an 11-yard scramble.
The receiving game was spearheaded by Zay Flowers, who had a standout game with five catches on six targets, racking up 127 yards and two touchdowns. Two red zone targets and one red zone touchdown–62 air yards, 41.61% air yards share, 33% target share.
His ability to gain yards after the catch was on full display, including a 53-yard reception. Hill also showcased his versatility, catching all 3 of his targets for 43 yards with an impressive 24-yard catch-and-run. Nelson Agholor contributed a single 29-yard reception, while Henry also added a 27-yard catch.
Tight end Mark Andrews caught both his targets for 26 yards, while Rashod Bateman hauled in 3 of his four targets for 25 yards–26 air yards, 17.45% air yards share, 22.22% target share for Bateman. Bateman also ran a route on 74% of dropbacks.
Andrews had 19 air yards, 12.75% air yards share, 11% target share. Andrews ran a route on 43.5% of dropbacks, out-pacing Isaiah Likely (30%).
More positive usage for Andrews, as his routes surpassed Likely’s for the second time since Week 2-very much positive development for Andrews (even if he didn’t score this week).
Note that Likely didn’t practice on Monday due to a hamstring injury.
Fullback Patrick Ricard added a unique touch with a 3-yard reception for a touchdown.
Diontae Johnson ran a route on 17% of dropbacks after being traded from the Panthers. I would expect his role to rise at the expense of Nelson Agholor.
Baltimore will face Bengals, Steelers, Chargers, and Eagles before a bye week.
The Johnson trade had no impact as he barely played. So, he’s hold as you won’t get much of anything for him in trade.
That being said, his value perception probably shouldn’t change after this game, but there’s no doubt the market will be lower on him. I think I’d buy low.
Johnson’s best ability is commanding targets. He’s a winner heading to Baltimore given the QB upgrade. I think his presence might hurt Flowers in the long run given their overlapping skill sets. Also, it won’t help Rashod Bateman see more targets as this could eat into his playing time.
I don’t think it influences the tight ends too much, given that both are TD-dependent. That being said, Johnson leads all WRs in targets inside the 10-yard line this season.
Last week, I thought we might see an overreaction to Johnson to panic sell Ravens. I think that gets compounded with how irrational fantasy managers can be. However, what you felt about DJ before last week shouldn’t change based on him not playing.
As for the remaining pieces, I think they are more of the same. Keep players in the NFL’s best offense. If you can’t get something great for Flowers, just keep him.
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New Orleans Saints
Hold Alvin Kamara | Add Taysom Hill & Cedrick Wilson
In Week 9, the New Orleans Saints offense showed a mix of contributions from multiple players, with quarterback Derek Carr leading the passing game. Carr completed 18 of his 31 pass attempts for 236 yards, including one touchdown and no interceptions. His completion rate was 58.1%, and he recorded a passer rating of 92.9, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt.
Alvin Kamara was the workhorse for the Saints’ ground game, carrying the ball 29 times for 155 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry with a long run of 20 yards. Four red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, one red zone target, 0 receiving TDs.
Taysom Hill also took on some rushing duties, with five carries for 19 yards and a rushing touchdown, while Jordan Mims contributed 13 yards on five carries as the RB2.
Kamara was active in the receiving game as well, catching 6 of his nine targets (33%) for 60 yards, with an impressive 63 yards after the catch. Kamara ran a route on 70% of dropbacks and played 77% of the snaps.
Taysom Hill was a versatile asset, catching 4 of his five targets for 41 yards, with an average of 10.3 yards per reception and a long of 15 yards–7 air yards, 3.85% air yards share, 18.52% target share. Hill ran a route on 52% of dropbacks.
With all the injuries, Hill is being used all over the field. Add him.
Juwan Johnson made the most of his opportunities, securing both of his targets for 41 yards, averaging 20.5 yards per catch. Johnson ran a route on 70% of dropbacks. Johnson has had opportunities to take on a larger role with all the WR injuries but has not stepped up.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. added 34 yards on two receptions (48 air yards, 26.37% air yards share, 11.11% target share), while Jordan Mims had a single 25-yard catch, demonstrating his explosiveness with 23 yards after the catch.
Foster Moreau contributed with a 17-yard touchdown reception, and Chris Olave had a 13-yard catch on his lone target. Foster Moreau had two red zone targets and one red zone touchdown. Moreau ran a route on 64% of dropbacks.
Wilson exited Sunday’s game at Carolina due to a shoulder injury but returned.
Chris Olave did not return to Sunday’s game against the Panthers after sustaining a concussion. After being carted off, it might be awhile till we see Olave return to the field.
Mason Tipton saw 49 air yards, 26.92% air yards share, 11.11% target share (three targets). Tipton ran a route on 85% of dropbacks. The Saints cardio king. Leave him on waivers.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling ran a route on 51.5% of dropbacks.
If you have to add a Saints WR, it’s Wilson for me.
But this team is heading in the wrong direction. They just fired Dennis Allen and replaced him with former specials teams coach Darren Rizzi as the interim head coach. Maybe in the short term, the Saints get a boost after moving on from their lame-duck head coach, but I’m not sure this is going to be a great long-term investment.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Saints have the No.8th-ranked schedule for quarterbacks/No.9 for RBs for the rest of the season. But I’m not sure it truly matters.
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Carolina Panthers
Sell Chuba Hubbard | Buy Jonathon Brooks | Add Xavier Legette & Ja’Tavion Sanders
In Week 9, the Carolina Panthers’ offense was led by quarterback Bryce Young, who completed 16 of 26 pass attempts for 171 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Young’s completion percentage was 61.5%, with a passer rating of 77.6 and an average of 6.6 yards per attempt.
Chuba Hubbard led the Panthers’ rushing attack, carrying the ball 15 times for 72 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and scoring two red-zone touchdowns on five red-zone carries.79% snap share for Hubbard.
Been suggesting Hubbard as a “sell-high” the last few weeks, but the opportunity seems like it’s long gone at this point.
Jonathon Brooks is going to make his debut in Week 10 for the Panthers. He’s the future for the Panthers at running back, not Hubbard, who is on an expiring deal at the end of the season. The clock is potentially ticking on Hubbard’s role as a three-down workhorse, especially when it matters most in the fantasy football playoffs.
If you are playing the long-term game, cashing out on Hubbard before Week 10 seems like the sharp move. Or at least make sure you also have Brooks on your Hubbard rosters.
Young added 9 yards on four carries, while Xavier Legette and Miles Sanders struggled to make an impact on the ground, with Sanders losing 5 yards on his two carries.
Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was the standout in the receiving game, catching 4 of his five targets for 87 yards, with an impressive 21.8 yards per catch and a long reception of 46 yards, contributing 61 yards after the catch–43 air yards, 21.29% air yards share, 21% target share.
Sanders also drew a key pass interference call at the end of the game that set up Carolina with the game-winning score.
According to Next Gen Stats, Sanders caught 4 of his five targets for 87 yards in Week 9 against the Saints, generating the most receiving yards over expected in a game by a rookie tight end this season (+50). Sanders gained 62 yards after the catch and generated +38 YAC over expected, both the 2nd-most by a rookie tight end this season.
Jalen Coker was efficient with two catches on three targets, gaining 36 yards, including an 18-yard play with 24 yards after the catch. 53 air yards, 26.24% air yards share, 12.50% target share. Coker ran a route on 55% of dropbacks.
Legette contributed 33 yards on four receptions and scored the Panthers’ only receiving touchdown on his lone red-zone target, averaging 8.3 yards per catch–52 air yards, 25.74% air yards share, 25% target share. Legette ran a route on 86.21% of dropbacks.
Other contributors included David Moore, who caught two of his four targets for 20 yards, while Hubbard added two catches but was unable to gain any receiving yards. Moore ran a route on 86.21% of dropbacks.
Carolina will face the Giants in Munich, Germany before a bye week. After the bye week, Carolina will face the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Eagles, Cowboys, Cardinals and Buccaneers. Pretty good playoff schedule.
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Las Vegas Raiders
Buy Brock Bowers | Hold Alexander Mattison & Jakobi Meyers
In their Week 9 matchup, the Las Vegas Raiders had two quarterbacks split duties. Gardner Minshew completed 10 of 17 passes for 124 yards, finishing with a 58.8% completion rate and a passer rating of 81.5, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt. Desmond Ridder, who also saw time under center, went 11 of 16 for 74 yards, adding one touchdown with no interceptions and posting a passer rating of 99.5.
According to Next Gen Stats, Gardner Minshew started in Week 9 for Las Vegas, completing just 3 of 8 passes for 23 yards under pressure (-18.8% CPOE). With 5:02 left in the 3rd quarter, Desmond Ridder came in to replace Gardner Minshew. Ridder was pressured on 61.9% of his dropbacks, the highest rate of any Raiders quarterback this season, completing 6 of 8 such passes for 31 yards under pressure, leading to an +11.5 completion percentage over expected, the 2nd-highest rate for a Raiders’ QB this season.
On the ground, Alexander Mattison led the Raiders with nine carries for 36 yards, averaging 4 yards per carry and a long of 7 yards. Ameer Abdullah chipped in with four carries for 12 yards (3.0 YPC), while Zamir White found the end zone on one of his six carries but only gained a total of 10 yards (1.7 YPC). Ridder and Minshew each had one carry, but neither was able to generate positive yardage.
Mattison and White split carries (six apiece) in the first half. Mattison’s snaps fell to 39%, his lowest since Week 4. It was also beyond perplexing that the team put White into the game in the red zone over Mattison, something they did the reverse of early in the year when White was the starter.
What a backfield mess.
Jakobi Meyers was the standout receiver, hauling in 8 of his 11 targets for 105 yards, averaging 13.1 yards per reception with a long of 23 yards, and gaining 43 yards after the catch. Tight end Brock Bowers caught 5 of his eight targets for 45 yards, including a touchdown, with an average of 9 yards per catch. Another tight end, Harrison Bryant, was efficient with his two catches on two targets, amassing 22 yards with a long of 18.
Ameer Abdullah contributed in the passing game as well, catching all 3 of his targets for 14 yards. Tre Tucker managed to catch two of his six targets, ending with 5 yards and a long of 6.
Abdullah ended up leading the backfield with a 49% snap rate.
Despite some offensive highlights, the Raiders struggled to gain consistent yardage on the ground, affecting their overall offensive rhythm.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, offensive line coach James Cregg, and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello were fired shortly after the Raiders’ loss to the Bengals.
Las Vegas is on a Week 10 bye week in an effort to regroup with new coaching vacancies. Post bye week: @ MIA, vs DEN, @ KC, @ TB, vs ATL, vs JAC and @ NO.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Raiders have the fourth-ranked schedule for WRs.
I still think Bowers and Meyers are the only two trade targets you can make, as you won’t get anything for this backfield that could completely be different with projected new offensive coordinator Scott Turner calling plays. Unless Mattison gets dropped, I can’t consciously recommend trading for him if the team just decides to go back to White.
Mattison should be held given how good the playoff schedule is.
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Cincinnati Bengals
Drop Zack Moss | Add Mike Gesicki | Buy Ja’Marr Chase | Hold Tee Higgins & Chase Brown | Add Khalil Herbert
In Week 9, quarterback Joe Burrow had a solid outing, completing 27 of 39 passes for 251 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception, achieving a 69.2% completion rate and a passer rating of 115.5. He averaged 6.4 yards per attempt, showcasing strong efficiency in the Bengals’ offensive game plan.
Running back Chase Brown was productive on the ground, carrying the ball 27 times for 120 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, with a long run of 21 yards. Seven red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, one red zone target, and 1 receiving TD.
Without Zack Moss, it was full-blown Chase Brown SZN. 80% snap share. 32 total touches. 157 yards from scrimmage.
Moss is out indefinitely with a neck injury. In deep leagues, stash rookie RB Kendall Milton. Brown did sustain a bruised rib and will be playing on a short week. The team added Khalil Herbert before the trade deadline with Moss out. I’d add Herbert as the clear-cut No. 2 on Cincy. Given Brown’s workload and rib injury playing on a short week, Herbert could see a sizeable role in Week 10.
Burrow added 11 yards on three rushing attempts, while backup quarterback Jake Browning had one carry for a loss of one yard.
Tight end Mike Gesicki was the standout receiver, catching 5 of his six targets for 100 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 20 yards per catch with a long reception of 47 yards, generating 48 yards after the catch–78 air yards, 37.32% air yards share, 16.22% target share. Gesicki ran a route on 58.5% of dropbacks.
I said to sell Gesicki “high” last week under the presumption that Tee Higgins would miss. He didn’t, and Gesicki smashed again. Among a lackluster waiver wire group this week, Gesicki might be the best of the bunch. Even if Higgins plays on Thursday night, the matchup against the Ravens is one of the best for the Bengals TE.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase saw 12 targets, securing seven receptions for 43 yards with the longest gain of 11 yards and generating 45 yards after the catch.
Chase had two red zone targets and a drop on a long pass. He didn’t score. 29 air yards, 13.88% air yards share, 29.73% target share.
They kept scheming up underneath screens and bubble passes for Chase, which had mixed results. The Raiders picked off Burrow for a touchdown but then bit on a fake later in the game that resulted in Gesicki’s second TD where he was wide open.
Although it doesn’t always happen, Chase seems to benefit from having Higgins healthy. Even if it means fewer targets, Chase’s efficiency tends to skyrocket.
He STILL doesn’t have a game with more than 62 yards without Higgins this season.
Brown was also effective in the passing game, catching all 5 of his targets for 37 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.4 yards per reception and adding 34 yards after the catch.
Tight end Erick All contributed 24 yards on two catches, averaging 12 yards per catch, while Tanner Hudson added 14 yards on 2 receptions. All exited Sunday’s game against the Raiders due to a right knee injury. The fear is a torn ACL.
Drew Sample was highly efficient, catching all 4 of his targets for 14 yards and a touchdown, while Andrei Iosivas made his presence felt with a single catch for 10 yards and a touchdown. 51 air yards, 24.40% air yards share, 10.81% target share.
Iosivas, Sample, and Gesicki all scored on their lone red-zone targets.
Kwamie Pryor had one catch for 9 yards, while Trenton Irwin was targeted once but did not record a reception.
Jermaine Burton was a healthy inactive for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. Yikes.
Matchups are the Ravens on Thursday night and Chargers before their bye week. Should see more offensive production. However, don’t be afraid to flip Bengals for equivalent elite pieces.
The playoff schedule between the Titans, Browns, and Broncos in Week 17 isn’t great. And if the Bengals don’t start accumulating wins soon, they are going to fall out of the AFC playoff picture.
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Washington Commanders
Add Noah Brown | Hold Zach Ertz | Buy Brian Robinson
The Commanders pulled off an efficient performance with Jayden Daniels at the helm. Daniels completed 15 of 22 passes for 209 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an impressive 128.8 passer rating. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 35 yards on eight carries.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the backfield with 11 carries for 52 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with a long of 17 yards.
Austin Ekeler scored the only rushing touchdown for the Commanders, picking up 42 yards on 11 carries (3.8 YPC).
Rodriguez Jr. had five red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, 0 red zone targets. Ekeler had three red zone rush attempts, one rush TD, one red zone target, and 0 receiving TDs.
Without Brian Robinson Jr.(hamstring), the Commanders morphed into a three-headed monster, with all three RBs seeing at least 20 snaps. Ekeler led the way with a 47% snap share.
I think I’d use this opportunity to buy low on B-Rob. He’s the red-zone guy for the Commanders. The playoff schedule features the Saints, Eagles, and Falcons fresh off a Week 14 bye week.
Noah Brown led the receivers, catching 5 of 6 targets for 60 yards, including a long reception of 31 yards. One red-zone target with 57 air yards, 47.11% air yards share, 31.58% target share. Brown ran a route on 64% of dropbacks. He is slowly emerging as the No. 2 WR in this offense. If Joey Porter Jr. shadows Terry McLaurin, Brown could have a big Week 10.
Olamide Zaccheaus made the most of his opportunities, hauling in both targets for 48 yards with a long of 42 yards.
Austin Ekeler also contributed in the passing game, catching three passes for 41 yards (13.7 YPC), highlighted by a 28-yard reception (21% target share).
Dyami Brown caught his only target for a 24-yard gain.
Terry McLaurin found the end zone twice, catching two red-zone targets of three overall targets for 19 yards, including an 18-yard score.–35 air yards, 28.93% air yards share, 15.79% target share.
Zach Ertz was quiet as his usage was down. Ertz ran a route on 48% of dropbacks.
The Commanders host PIT next, then @ PHI vs. DAL, and vs. TEN before their bye week.
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New York Giants
Add Daniel Jones| Buy Malik Nabers| Sell Wan’Dale Robinson| Buy Tyrone Tracy Jr.
The Giants showcased a balanced offensive effort with Daniel Jones leading the way, completing 20 of 26 passes for 174 yards, two touchdowns, and a 119.7 passer rating. Jones also contributed on the ground with 54 rushing yards on seven attempts, including a long of 24 yards.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Giants have the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. was the lead rusher, carrying the ball 16 times for 66 yards (4.1 YPC), with a longest rush of 10 yards: 3 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, one red zone target, 0 receiving TDs. Tracy Jr. ran a route on 52% of dropbacks and led the backfield with a 72% snap rate.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Giants have the No. 5 most favorable schedule for RBs.
Devin Singletary added 33 yards on seven carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on a 28% snap share.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Giants offense totaled 148 yards on 27 designed runs against the Commanders on Sunday. They posted season highs in expected rushing yards (151), EPA per carry (+0.14), and total yards before contact (100) on designed runs. Additionally, ball carriers were contacted behind the line of scrimmage on a season-low 14.8% of designed runs but accumulated negative RYOE (-3) on those plays.
Malik Nabers was a favorite target, securing nine receptions on 11 targets for 59 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per catch with a long of 16–59 air yards, 30.57% air yards share, 42.31% target share.
Theo Johnson contributed significantly, catching three passes for 51 yards, including a 35-yard reception and a touchdown–81 air yards, 41.97% air yards share, 23.08% target share. Johnson ran a route on 72% of dropbacks.
A week after Chris Manhertz had a TD nullified, he scored a two-yard TD on his lone red-zone target.
Darius Slayton was also productive, catching all 3 of his targets for 49 yards (16.3 YPC) with a long catch of 23 yards–40 air yards, 20.73% air yards share, 11.54% target share.
Wan’Dale Robinson added three catches for 10 yards, while Tracy Jr. and Chris Manhertz each contributed short receptions. Robinson caught a TD, but it came back on a penalty–10 air yards, 5.18% air yards share, 15.38% target share for the Giants’ pop-gun slot receiver.
With Slayton AND Nabers integrated into the fold, Robinson’s hasn’t been nearly as productive the last four weeks. Unless it’s full PPR, he can be dropped.
The Giants will play the Panthers before a bye week.
After the bye week: vs TB, @ DAL, vs NO, vs BAL, @ ATL and vs IND.
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New England Patriots
Hold Drake Maye | Hold Hunter Henry | Hold/Sell Rhamondre Stevenson
Drake Maye completed 29 of 41 passes for 206 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Maye recorded a 70.7% completion rate, a 69.8 passer rating, and averaged 5.0 yards per attempt. Maye led the Patriots in rushing with 95 yards on eight carries (11.9 YPC), including a long of 26 yards.
According to Next Gen Stats, Maye scrambled seven times for 95 yards against the Titans in Week 9, the most scramble rushing yards by a quarterback in a game this season.
Maye has now generated +20 or more rushing yards over expected when scrambling in two straight games and has led the Patriots in rushing yards in 3 of his four starts this season. Maye was efficient utilizing his legs in the passing game as well, completing 5 of 5 attempts on the run for 34 yards and a touchdown.
Rhamondre Stevenson had 10 carries for 16 yards and scored one touchdown on a whopping 74% snap share. Antonio Gibson had one carry.
Stevenson continues his streak as the Amari Cooper of RBs this season. Eight games played this season. Five top-10 finishes (including three inside the top-5). Then three outside the top 40 overall. Woof.
But with four TDs over his last two games, you better believe his stock has hit peak heights. Take advantage if you can move him for a sweet deal. But if not, just be ready for an upcoming inevitable dud game. On the road in Chicago might not be great. Again, Stevenson’s production last week was completely boosted by his two TDs because he had 16 rushing yards.
Running backs are usually accompanied by a higher floor, but that’s hardly been the case with Mondre. But I think the ceiling performances are worth holding onto Stevenson if you can’t get excited about a deal, given that he can deliver week-winning upside.
Hunter Henry was Maye’s primary target, catching 7 of 8 targets for 56 yards, with a long reception of 13 yards. He was targeted four times in the red zone–50 air yards, 17.48% air yards share, 20.51% target share.
Kendrick Bourne added 41 yards on four catches from 6 targets, averaging 10.3 yards per catch.
Rhamondre Stevenson also contributed through the air, recording five receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.
DeMario Douglas was heavily targeted, catching 7 of 9 targets for 35 yards, including a long of 21 yards–66 air yards, 23.08% air yards share, 23.08% target share.
Kayshon Boutte (two catches on six targets) and Austin Hooper added 18 and 8 yards, respectively.
Boutte led the Patriots with 110 air yards (38.46% air yards share, 15.38% target share).
The rest of the schedule: @ CHI, vs. LAR, @ MIA, vs. IND, BYE, @ ARI, @ BUF, and vs. LAC.
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Tennessee Titans
Hold/Sell Tony Pollard | Hold/Sell Calvin Ridley | Add Tyjae Spears
Mason Rudolph completed 20 of 33 passes for 240 yards, throwing two touchdowns with one interception. He ended the game with a 60.6% completion rate, a 90.5 passer rating, and averaged 7.3 yards per attempt.
Tony Pollard led the Titans’ ground game, rushing 28 times for 128 yards (4.6 YPC) with a long run of 32 yards. He had an 8-yard touchdown called back on an offensive holding call. Pollard had seven red zone rush attempts and played 86% of the snaps despite missing practice all week.
Julius Chestnut contributed five carries for 22 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Tyjae Spears was inactive again.
Rudolph added 19 rushing yards on four attempts (4.8 YPC), with a long of 13 yards.
The coaching staff has talked about wanting to limit Pollard, but Spears’ inactivity has put them in a tough position. That being said, if Spears returns with tough road matchups on the horizon, the time might be now to sell high on Pollard. Spears also might be a sneaky buy-low target/stash.
Per the FantasyPros Strength of Schedule tool, the Titans have a bottom-five schedule for fantasy RBs for the rest of the season.
https://twitter.com/jwyattsports/status/185348478198546891
Calvin Ridley was the standout receiver, hauling in 5 of 8 targets for 73 yards, including a long catch of 25 yards and an impressive 14.6 yards per reception–123 air yards, 45.56% air yards share, 30% target share. Two straight solid games for Ridley suggest to me we can at least rely on his floor moving forward (at least with Rudolph under center).
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Titans have the second-ranked schedule for WRs for the rest of the season and are tied for the No.1-ranked for quarterbacks.
The rest of the schedule: @ LAC, vs. MIN, @ HOU, @ WAS, vs. JAC, vs. CIN, @ IND, and @ JAC.
However, if Will Levis were to come back, it could cause concern for Ridley. Also the next two matchups between Chargers/Vikings aren’t necessarily great.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine added 50 yards on five receptions from 6 targets (10 YPC) and scored a touchdown in his fourth straight game–47 air yards, 17.41% air yards share, 22.22% target share. Westbrook-Ikhine ran a route on 91.67% of dropbacks.
Chigoziem Okonkwo and Nick Vannett each contributed significant yardage from the tight end position, with Okonkwo recording 38 yards on three catches and Vannett catching two passes for 33 yards plus a touchdown. Okonkwo ran a route on 75% of dropbacks. Josh Whyle only ran a route on 8.33% of dropbacks. Whyle was a late addition to the injury report this week (illness) which may have been a contributing factor to his lack of playing time.
Tyler Boyd ran a route on 41.67% of dropbacks.
Tony Pollard also contributed in the passing game, securing three receptions for 26 yards.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman/center Lloyd Cushenberry suffered a torn Achilles versus the Patriots. Not good for the outlook of this team going on the road in three of their next four games.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Sell Evan Engram | Add Parker Washington| Buy Brian Thomas Jr. | Hold Tank Bigsby & Travis Etienne Jr. |
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed 16 of 31 passes for 169 yards, throwing no touchdowns and two interceptions. Lawrence had a completion percentage of 51.6%, a passer rating of 40.9, and averaged 5.5 yards per attempt.
According to Next Gen Stats, Lawrence recorded a season-low 31.4% success rate, his 2nd-lowest dropback success rate in a game in his career. He targeted a season-high 23.1% tight window rate while completing just 1 of 7 such pass attempts for 10 yards (-20.9% CPOE). Lawrence was also pressured on 37.1% of dropbacks, completing 5 of 11 passes for 63 yards (+6.3% CPOE).
On the ground, Travis Etienne led the team with 24 yards on three carries, averaging 8 yards per carry, including a long run of 16 yards. Tank Bigsby handled eight carries but managed only 22 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per attempt, with a long of 10 yards. Lawrence added 8 yards on five carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns. D’Ernest Johnson contributed 6 yards on his two attempts, with a long of 6 yards. Johnson had one red zone rush attempt, 0 rush TDs, and 1 red zone target.
Bigsby and Etienne split carries (two each) in the first half, although neither was effective.
This backfield turned into a three-headed monster. Snap counts: Bigsby (52%), Etienne (31%) and Johnson (24%). Etienne started the game but split touches on the first series.
The Jaguars backfield is a hold until we see if ETN gets dealt before the trade deadline. And then it’s to sell high on Bigsby if you need wins now (hold if you can wait out a few weeks).
In the receiving game, tight end Evan Engram was the primary target, catching 5 of his 10 targets for 45 yards, averaging 9 yards per reception, with a long of 24 yards and 17 yards after the catch. He saw one red-zone target. 68 air yards, 25.47% air yards share, 33% target share.
And FWIW, the Jaguars have the No. 32 schedule for fantasy TEs for the rest of the season.
Parker Washington contributed 41 yards on three catches (six targets), averaging 13.7 yards per catch with a long of 18–108 air yards, 40.45% air yards share, 20% target share. Washington ran a route on 88.5% of dropbacks.
Austin Trammell added 40 yards on two receptions, including a 22-yard catch.
Brian Thomas Jr. had just two catches for 22 yards on four targets.
One red zone target and 0 red zone touchdowns. He did convert a two-point conversion. 11 air yards, 4.12% air yards share, 13% target share. Thomas Jr. ran a route on 91% of dropbacks. Buy low on the talented rookie who likely played through a chest injury in this game.
The upcoming schedule: vs. MIN, and @ DET before a Week 12 bye week.
After Week 12, Jacksonville finishes the season against HOU, @ TEN, vs. NYJ, @ LV, @ TEN, and @ IND.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Jaguars are tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, they also have the second-worst-ranked schedule for running backs. Although it does ease up in Weeks 14-15 against the Jets/Raiders plus Colts in Week 17.
Aside from Thomas, you are better off trading away all your Jaguars if you can.
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Philadelphia Eagles
Buy Eagles | Add Kenneth Gainwell & Grant Calcaterra
Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 18 of 24 passes for 230 yards, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions. Hurts had a completion percentage of 75%, a passer rating of 132.3, and averaged 9.6 yards per attempt.
In the rushing game, Saquon Barkley led the Eagles with 159 yards on 27 carries, scoring one touchdown and averaging 5.9 yards per carry, with a long run of 21 yards. Hurts contributed significantly on the ground with 67 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, also averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. Kenneth Gainwell had five carries for 9 yards, averaging 1.8 yards per attempt, and Ainias Smith added 2 yards on a single carry.
Should be noted that Barkley experienced some tightness in his back during the game, an NFL source said. He said after that he will be ready for Sunday’s game at the Cowboys.
In the receiving department, DeVonta Smith stood out, catching 4 of his six targets for 87 yards and a one-handed touchdown, averaging 21.8 yards per reception, with a long of 46 yards and 15 yards after the catch. 95 air yards, 40.95% air yards share, 27% target share.
Barkley was effective as a receiver too, adding 40 yards and a receiving touchdown on 3 catches out of 4 targets, with the longest reception of 20 yards.
A.J. Brown contributed 36 yards on two catches, averaging 18 yards per reception. He briefly returned after halftime, but he went back to the locker room with a knee injury. Apparently, it is nothing serious, and he should be fine. Phew. He has been listed as day-to-day.
Jahan Dotson had a single reception for 36 yards. Dotson ran a route on 48.57% of dropbacks.
Tight end Grant Calcaterra caught all 5 of his targets for 30 yards, averaging 6 yards per catch. 8 air yards, 3.45% air yards share, 22.73% target share. If Dallas Goedert/A.J. Brown misses another game, Calcaterra is a serviceable streamer against Dallas.
Gainwell and Ainias Smith each recorded a catch for minimal yardage. Rookie Johnny Wilson scored a TD in this game, but it came back via OPI penalty. Wilson ran a route on 31% of dropbacks.
The approach remains the same. Buy Eagles. The Eagles will face the Cowboys, Commanders, Rams, and Ravens. The Eagles’ schedule is very good for the rest of the season.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, it’s the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks and RBs.
Weeks 14-17, Philly plays the Panthers, Steelers, Commanders and Cowboys.
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Arizona Cardinals
Buy James Conner & Trey McBride | Buy Marvin Harrison Jr. | Hold Trey Benson
Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 13 of 20 passes for 154 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He posted a completion rate of 65% and a passer rating of 88.3, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt.
In the ground game, James Conner led the backfield with 18 carries for 107 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, with a long run of 16 yards. Seven red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, zero red zone targets.
Conner was at his best on runs between the tackles, amassing 72 of his 107 rushing yards on 10 such carries, generating +15 rushing yards over expected (Next Gen Stats).
Emari Demercado added 59 yards and a touchdown on just four carries, averaging an impressive 14.8 yards per carry, including a long 53-yard run. Trey Benson contributed 37 yards on eight carries, scoring a red-zone touchdown and averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He came in at the 1-yard line because Conner got hurt in the previous play, but the Cardinals RB1 returned shortly after.
Murray added six rushing yards on two carries, and DeeJay Dallas chipped in with 2 yards on his lone attempt. Dallas left the game with an injury.
Conner finished with a 48% snap share, compared to Demercado’s 24% and Benson’s 28%. Benson had three carries in the first half before seizing six in the fourth quarter.
In the receiving department, Trey McBride was the top target, catching 3 of his four targets for 35 yards, averaging 11.7 yards per catch with a long of 15 and 16 yards after the catch. Two red zone targets, zero red zone touchdowns. 21 air yards, 16.28% air yards share, 21% target share. He did, however, score a rushing touchdown.
And FWIW, the Cardinals have the No. 3 schedule for fantasy TEs for the rest of the season.
Elijah Higgins caught both of his targets for 34 yards, averaging 17 yards per reception, with a long of 23 yards. Marvin Harrison Jr. also contributed 34 yards on two catches, averaging 17 yards per catch–91 air yards, 70.54% air yards share, 26% target share.
Another bad game from Harrison, who continues to have an up-and-down rookie season. He lost a fumble in this contest as well.
But this is exactly why it’s time to strike a deal. Jets and bye week are next meaning managers will want to move away after another disappointing game, But the post bye-week schedule is amazing.
Buy MHJ.
The Cardinals’ next game is against the Jets before their bye week. After their bye week, the schedule is salivating for the playoff run: @ SEA, @ MIN, vs. SEA, vs. NE, @ CAR, @ LAR, and vs. SF.
Demercado added 21 receiving yards on two catches, averaging 10.5 yards per reception, with a long of 12 yards.
Michael Wilson had one red zone target but zero red zone touchdowns. 6 air yards, 4.65% air yards share, and 5% target share.
Overall, the Cardinals showed strong contributions from their running backs both on the ground and in the passing game, with Demercado’s explosive play standing out. Murray managed the game effectively, distributing the ball to various targets.
A reminder to make sure that Benson is not available in any league formats for the upside he could deliver if there’s a Conner injury. Conner is eighth in touches this season and has been knicked up here and there.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, Arizona has the No.7-ranked schedule for running backs.
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Chicago Bears
Buy Rome Odunze | Hold/Sell D.J. Moore & Keenan Allen | Add Khalil Herbert & Roschon Johnson
Quarterback Caleb Williams completed 22 of 41 passes for 216 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, resulting in a completion rate of 53.7% and a passer rating of 68.8. He averaged 5.3 yards per attempt.
Per Next Gen Stats, the Cardinals generated pressure on a season-high 46.0% of dropbacks in the Cardinals’ win over the Bears, while also recording their most sacks in a game this season (6).
The Cardinals had 16 different players generate pressure, tied for the most by any team in a game since 2018. In Weeks 1-8, the Cardinals pressured opposing passers on just 26.6% of dropbacks, the 2nd-lowest rate in the NFL.
In the run game, D’Andre Swift carried the ball 16 times for 51 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry, with his longest run being 13 yards. Roschon Johnson added 13 yards on three carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt, while Williams contributed 6 yards on four carries.
Rookie Rome Odunze was the standout in the receiving game for the second straight week, catching 5 of his seven targets for 104 yards, averaging 20.8 yards per reception with a long of 44 yards and 29 yards after the catch. He saw one red-zone target. 108 air yards, 30.42% air yards share, 19.44% target share
The rookie is breaking out before our eyes. And in the second half of the season, that means he could be a league winner.
According to Next Gen Stats, Odunze had a season-high +27 receiving yards over expected against the Cardinals on Sunday.
Odunze accumulated 61 of his 104 yards on two receptions from the slot, lining in the slot on 37.1% of his snaps in this game, his 2nd-highest rate of the season, up from 24.5% across Weeks 1-8.
Keenan Allen was targeted 12 times, catching four passes for 35 yards, with a long of 13 yards. He saw one red-zone target–131 air yards, 36.90% air yards share, 28% target share.
D.J. Moore also had four receptions for 33 yards on nine targets, including a long of 16 and 18 yards after the catch–113 air yards, 31.83% air yards share, 25% target share.
The usage is all over the place for the Bears WR, but it’s empty calories at its finest.
Even so, I want to buy low on the Bears WRs like Odunze. It’s also not the time to sell Moore/Allen either after poor games when it’s clear a massive game is brewing. But once they pop, you want OUT of these veterans ASAP given the schedule ROS. I don’t love it for Chicago’s wide receivers, especially among all three of them.
The Patriots defense is the last great matchup they have aside from Seattle in Week 17. I’d sell my majority of Bears if possible AFTER they face New England if I can’t move them beforehand.
Swift contributed as a receiver as well, catching all six of his targets for 31 yards (16% target share), with a long of seven yards and 28 yards after the catch. Roschon Johnson added 8 receiving yards on two receptions. One red zone target. RJ played a season-high in snap percentage (38%).
Gerald Everett had a single reception for five yards. Cole Kmet ran a route on 76% of dropbacks but was not involved.
They will play the Patriots and Packers in the next two games. It’s a solid string of matchups for the Bears offense to get back on track, especially against my Patriots. From Weeks 12-17 it’s MIN, @ DET, @ SF, @ MIN, DET and SEA.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Bears are tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks. Per the FantasyPros Strength of Schedule tool, the Bears also have a bottom-five schedule for fantasy RBs for the rest of the season.
The Bears suffered a lot of injuries in their loss to Arizona. Williams said after Sunday’s loss that he tweaked his ankle but he was okay.
Tackle Darnell Wright is believed to have suffered a sprained MCL and will undergo an MRI on Monday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Defensive lineman Andrew Billings (chest) was ruled out against the Cardinals, while defensive backs Jaylon Jones (shoulder) and Terell Smith (ankle) left and did not return.
Khalil Herbert (coach’s decision) was inactive again for Sunday’s game in Arizona. On the trade block? Methinks so. The Raiders could surely use another RB. The Bengals traded a seventh-round pick for Herbert to bolster their RB room.
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Los Angeles Rams
Buy Kyren Williams | Drop Colby Parkinson | Hold/Add Demarcus Robinson | Sell Cooper Kupp
Quarterback Matthew Stafford went 25-for-44, accumulating 298 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He completed 56.8% of his passes, ending with a passer rating of 83.3 and an average of 6.8 yards per attempt.
On the ground, Kyren Williams led the rushing attack with 22 carries for 69 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry, with his longest run of the day being 9 yards. Stafford had one rush attempt that netted zero yards, while Blake Corum lost a yard on his only carry.
Off extended rest, Sean McVay had no chill with Kyren. 99% snap share. The Rams head coach can’t help himself.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Rams have the No. 1 most favorable schedule for RBs. At this point, Williams is probably a better buy than anything else. It might be the best time to buy NOW after he didn’t score a TD for the first time in his last 10 games.
In the receiving game, Cooper Kupp was Stafford’s top target, catching 11 of his 14 targets for 104 yards, averaging 9.5 yards per reception with a long of 23 yards and an impressive 50 yards after the catch. 78 air yards, 18.40% air yards share, 33.33% target share.
Like I said last week, I still think Nacua is the No. 1 WR in this offense. Would sell high on Kupp after he commanded 14 targets and 100-plus yards in a game that Nacua played half of.
Would also “buy-low” on Nacua after the knee scare from later in the week and the poor performance because of the ejection.
Demarcus Robinson was a key contributor as well, catching six of his season-high nine targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including a long catch of 39 yards. He had one red-zone TD catch–140 air yards, 33.02% air yards share, 21.43% target share. He’s got 4 TDs in the last two games since the Rams best two WRs returned. It seems a tad bit unsustainable, but he has the full-time role in this offense. You could do much worse.
In theory, he’s the perfect “sell-high,” but I’m not sure you’ll get anything worth his production in the last two weeks, which has represented two top-10 overall WR finishes. Maybe it’s just a reminder that when in doubt, your best chances of trotting out a weekly WR1 are best attached to Stafford.
Tyler Johnson also had a solid performance, catching 3 of his five targets for 38 yards, with a long reception of 24 yards and 17 yards after the catch. Johnson ran a route on 43.18% of dropbacks.
Kyren Williams contributed as a receiver, making one catch for 26 yards, showing his versatility.
Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua each made single catches, with Atwell gaining 16 yards and Nacua adding 11 yards (70 air yards, 16.51% air yards share, 9.52% target share).
Nacua was ejected before the end of the first half. Nacua ran a route on 41% of dropbacks.
Atwell boasted 73 air yards, 17.22% air yards share, 7.14% target share. Atwell ran a route on just 25% of dropbacks.
Tight ends Davis Allen and Hunter Long added short receptions of 5 and 4 yards, respectively. Allen had three red zone targets. Allen ran a route on 43% of dropbacks, more than Colby Parkinson‘s 41%. Allen also played the majority of TE snaps at 55% to Parkinson’s 42%.
The Rams are getting healthier for the back nine of the season. This week they host MIA. Then it’s @ NE, vs. PHI, @ NO, vs BUF, @ SF, @ NYJ and vs ARI.
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Seattle Seahawks
Buy Kenneth Walker | Sell Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Quarterback Geno Smith had a mixed performance, completing 21 of 34 passes for an impressive 363 yards and three touchdowns, though he also threw three interceptions. He finished with a completion rate of 61.8%, a passer rating of 90.7, and averaged 10.7 yards per attempt.
On the ground, Kenneth Walker III led the rushing attack with 25 carries, gaining 83 yards at an average of 3.3 yards per carry, with a long run of 10 yards. Walker had four red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, one red zone target. I’d buy Walker without much shine on him entering a bye week. He hasn’t scored in back-to-back games but has some favorable matchups in the second half of the season.
Geno Smith added 16 rushing yards on six carries, while Zach Charbonnet contributed with two carries for 8 yards.
In the receiving game, Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a breakout performance, catching 7 of his 13 targets for an outstanding 180 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 25.7 yards per reception, including a long of 46 yards and gaining 50 yards after the catch.
Smith-Njigba had two red zone targets and one red zone touchdown–227 air yards, 65.04% air yards share, 38% target share.
It was a career game for JSN, who I called a “sell-high” last week. Not great. I got impatient with JSN, presuming this breakout game would never come to fruition. And although I was wrong about selling JSN last week, I still think that is the sharp move to make. After all, selling a WR after 180 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams (reminds me of Marvin Harrison Jr. back in Week 2) I think is the right process.
Keep in mind that both DK Metcalf and Noah Fant were inactive. According to Next Gen Stats, Smith-Njigba’s air yards share was the highest share in a game by a Seahawks receiver since Week 2, 2022 (Tyler Lockett, 69.7%).
He was used as a deep threat for the first time. He recorded three receptions on five such targets for a career-high 99 yards and a touchdown. Smith-Njigba had zero deep receptions on five targets entering Week 9; he had yet to record multiple deep receptions or eclipse 35 deep receiving yards in his career heading into Week 9.
JSN’s ADOT in this matchup was 20.3 yards. It hasn’t surpassed 11 yards in any other game this season.
LA’s defense has been terrible all season. The Rams defense has now allowed 7 deep passing touchdowns, top of the NFL.
The playoff schedule isn’t ideal for Seattle. It’s something to keep in mind when potentially trading Seahawks away as the season progresses.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Seahawks are tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks. Post Bye Week: @ SF, vs ARI, @ NYJ, @ ARI, vs GB, vs MIN and @ CHI.
You will never get MORE for Smith-Njigba after this performance. Make trades accordingly.
Tyler Lockett provided a big-play threat, securing 3 of his four targets for 63 yards and a touchdown, averaging 21 yards per catch, with a long reception of 30 yards–71 air yards, 20.34% air yards share, 12% target share.
Cody White also made an impact, hauling in 2 of his three targets for 44 yards, including a 28-yard catch, and accumulating 15 yards after the catch. Tight end AJ Barner was active in the short passing game, catching 4 of 7 targets for 27 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per catch. He had two red-zone targets but didn’t score. Barner ran a route on 77.27% of dropbacks, filling in for an injured Noah Fant (inactive).
Zach Charbonnet showed versatility with two catches on three targets for 25 receiving yards, with a notable 24-yard catch and a strong 28 yards after the catch. Walker III added 24 receiving yards on three catches, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the passing game with a long of 18 yards and 31 yards after the catch. Jake Bobo was targeted once but did not record a reception.
The Seahawks’ offense was explosive, particularly in the passing game, where Smith-Njigba and Lockett led the charge, but Geno Smith‘s interceptions put a damper on the overall performance.
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Green Bay Packers
Hold Tucker Kraft | Hold Jayden Reed | Buy Josh Jacobs | Buy Christian Watson
Quarterback Jordan Love completed 23 of 39 passes for 273 yards, throwing no touchdowns and one interception. His completion rate was 59%, with a passer rating of 69.7 and an average of 7 yards per attempt.
In the running game, Josh Jacobs led the Packers’ ground attack with 13 carries for 95 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry and breaking off a long run of 37 yards.
According to Next Gen Stats, Jacobs carried the ball 9 times between the tackles for 88 yards in Week 9 against the Lions (+55 rushing yards over expected).
Jacobs leads the NFL with 525 yards and +138 rushing yards over expected on carries between the tackles entering Sunday Night Football. Jacobs carried the ball 4 times outside the tackles for just 7 yards in Week 9 (-3 rushing yards over expected). Of his 95 total rushing yards, 45 of them came before contact, his most in a game this season. Jacobs forced 6 missed tackles across his 13 total carries, resulting in his highest forced missed tackle rate of the season (46.2%).
Emanuel Wilson contributed with 28 yards and a touchdown on four carries, averaging 7 yards per attempt, while Christian Brooks added 13 yards on two carries, with a 6.5-yard average. For the second straight game, Brooks worked in after Jacobs. However, Wilson scored in the fourth quarter.
Jacobs: 2 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, 0 red zone targets.
Brooks: 2 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, one red zone target, 0 receiving TDs.
Wilson: 1 red zone rush attempt, one rush TD, 0 red zone targets.
Tight end Tucker Kraft had a single rush for 2 yards.
For the Packers receiving corps, Jayden Reed had an explosive day, catching 5 of 6 targets for 113 yards, averaging 22.6 yards per reception, including a long of 41 yards, and gaining 25 yards after the catch–93 air yards, 25% air yards share, 16.22% target share.
Christian Watson hauled in three of seven targets for 37 yards, with a 12.3-yard average and a long catch of 19 yards. He had one red-zone target (didn’t score) but converted a two-point conversion.
Watson’s underlying usage was strong: 145 air yards, 38.98% air yards share, 19% target share.
In the last two games, Watson leads the Packers in targets (13) and air yards (211) but he has just seven catches for 76 yards.
Tucker Kraft was reliable, catching 4 of 6 targets for 34 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per reception with a long of 13 and 17 yards after the catch. He has two red-zone targets but didn’t score. He also had a drop in the rainy conditions. 34 air yards, 9.14% air yards share, 16.22% target share
Romeo Doubs caught 4 of his five targets for 28 yards, averaging 7 yards per catch–33 air yards, 8.87% air yards share, 13.5% target share.
Brooks also showed versatility by adding 28 receiving yards on three catches out of 4 targets, with a notable 13-yard catch and an impressive 33 yards after the catch. He has out-snapped Wilson in back-to-back games.
Bo Melton contributed with a single catch for 19 yards, and Jacobs added 13 receiving yards on two catches, averaging 6.5 yards per reception. Wilson had one catch for 1 yard, while Dontayvion Wicks was targeted three times but did not record a catch. He had another drop in the end zone.
Green Bay is on a bye in Week 10, giving Love time to get closer to 100% healthy.
Post bye week: @ CHI vs. SF, vs. MIA, @ DET, @ SEA vs. NO, and @ MIN. It’s the fourth-best schedule for RBs for the rest of the season.
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Detroit Lions
Buy Jameson Williams & David Montgomery & Jahmyr Gibbs | Sell Sam LaPorta
Quarterback Jared Goff was efficient in the passing game, completing 18 of 22 attempts for 145 yards, with a touchdown and no interceptions. He posted an 81.8% completion rate, a passer rating of 109.3, and averaged 6.6 yards per attempt.
On the ground, David Montgomery led the team with 17 carries for 73 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, with a long run of 12 yards. 7 red zone rush attempts, 0 rush TDs, and 0 red zone targets.
Jahmyr Gibbs added 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, with his longest run being 18 yards. Two red zone rush attempts, one rush TD, one red zone target, 0 receiving TDs.
Goff had three rushing attempts, losing two yards overall, and Kalif Raymond lost 12 yards on his lone rushing attempt.
Gibbs only had two carries in the first half to Monty’s 11.
In the receiving game, Amon-Ra St. Brown was the top target, catching all 7 of his targets for 56 yards and a red-zone touchdown, averaging 8 yards per reception with a long of 26 yards and 20 yards after the catch–36 air yards, 43.90% air yards share, 35% target share.
Tight end Sam LaPorta added 28 yards on two catches out of 3 targets, averaging 14 yards per catch, with a long of 19 yards–32 air yards, 39.02% air yards share, 15% target share. This was not the outcome LaPorta managers needed, given the absence of Jameson Williams. Jamo will return from his suspension this week. Still, you should try to sell LaPorta if there are managers asleep at the wheel regarding the return of the third-year WR.
Montgomery was also active as a receiver, catching all 3 of his targets for 23 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per catch, with his longest reception being 14 yards and 27 yards after the catch.
Kalif Raymond caught his only target for 12 yards, adding 17 yards after the catch. Tim Patrick caught both of his targets for 12 yards, averaging 6 yards per catch. Gibbs had one reception for 11 yards, showing versatility as both a rusher and receiver. Amon-Ra Robinson and Brock Wright each caught their lone targets for minimal gains.
The Lions relied on a balanced offensive attack, with Goff spreading the ball around effectively and Montgomery and Gibbs leading a productive ground game. If you have been struggling at RB this season, try to trade for either Gibbs or Montgomery. In eight games, they have combined for 15 out of 16 top-22 RB finishes. No backfield has been more consistent.
Other than selling LaPorta and buying Williams, there are not many takeaways from the Lions. They are a juggernaut on offense and showed up even in rainy conditions in Green Bay.
Detroit plays @ HOU next, then vs JAC, @ IND, vs CHI, vs GB, vs BUF, @ CHI and @ SF.
Detroit passed their first scheduling quirk by playing outdoors for the first time all season. Still, at Chicago in Week 16, it could get dicey if it’s cold and/or bad weather.
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Indianapolis Colts
Sell/Hold Jonathan Taylor | Buy Josh Downs
Joe Flacco completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards but had an interception, posting a completion rate of 59.3%, a passer rating of 63.7, and an average of 6.6 yards per attempt.
The offense scored zero touchdowns after benching Anthony Richardson for Flacco. Not a great turn of events.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Colts used 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE) on 46.9% of their offensive snaps in Week 9 against the Vikings, their highest rate in a game over the past seven seasons (since 2018).
The Colts’ previous single-game high by 12 personnel usage rate this season was 23.3% (Week 1 vs HOU). Josh Downs played just 2 of 23 possible snaps (8.7%) in 12 personnel and 25 of 49 possible snaps overall (51.0%) but led all Colts receivers with a game-high nine targets on 20 routes run (45.0% target rate). The Colts also aligned in a QB under center formation on 34.7% of their plays, their highest rate in a game during the Steichen era (since 2023). The Colts averaged -0.32 EPA per play, their fewest in a game since Week 1 of 2023 (-0.44 vs JAX).
Jonathan Taylor led the Colts’ ground game with 13 carries for 48 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, with his longest run of 13 yards. Ashton Dulin contributed with two carries for 17 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. Trey Sermon had two carries for 4 yards, while Flacco had two attempts for -1 yards.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Colts have the bottom-five-ranked schedule for running backs. Like I said last week, you can get a lot for JT in trades. However, given the next matchup against Buffalo, I’d like to hold Taylor for at least one more week, as I think you might be able to get more in return.
As previously stated, Downs was the top target, catching 6 of his nine targets for 60 yards, averaging 10 yards per reception, with a long gain of 16 yards and a notable 28 yards after the catch–68 air yards, 32.54% air yards share, 33.33% target share and 45% target rate.
As he continues to be hyper-targeted, you want to be a buyer of Downs. The Colts won’t face the fierce Vikings defense every single week. But what he will have every week is Joe Flacco as his quarterback, barring any injury.
The schedule for Weeks 9-13 before a Week 14 bye week is: vs. BUF, @ NYJ, vs. DET, and @ NE. After the bye week, the schedule is: @ DEN, vs. TEN, and @ NYG.
But the schedule isn’t great for the entire offense to cook. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, Indianapolis is tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks.
Alec Pierce made all 3 of his targets count, securing 41 yards with an average of 13.7 yards per reception and a long of 16 yards.
Kylen Granson and Adonai Mitchell each caught their only target for 22 yards, averaging 22 yards per reception. Mitchell had a nice sideline grab that got overturned.
Michael Pittman was targeted 4 times but caught just one pass for 14 yards–50 air yards, 23.92% air yards share, 14.81% target share. I really think that Pittman’s ineffectiveness is due to him not being 100% healthy. He has had two catches on 10 targets in the last two weeks. If you can trade him, you should. If not, he needs to be benched until he shows he is healthy.
Jonathan Taylor added three catches for 11 yards on five targets in the passing game (19% target share), while Trey Sermon contributed 9 receiving yards on a single catch. Appears Sermon has reclaimed RB2 duties behind JT, although we know it will be more of a committee with Taylor if he suffers another injury.
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Minnesota Vikings
Price Check Aaron Jones | Buy T.J. Hockenson | Sell Jordan Addison | Add Cam Akers | Drop Ty Chandler
Sam Darnold delivered an impressive performance, completing 28 of 34 passes for 290 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, with a completion rate of 82.4% and a passer rating of 107.1. Justin Jefferson attempted a single pass, completing it for 22 yards, posting a perfect 100% completion rate.
According to Next Gen Stats, Darnold completed +12.9% of his passes over expected, but his costly turnovers translated into -5.0 EPA on his dropbacks.
Between his red zone interception (-11.8%), his strip sack returned for a touchdown (-29.4%), and his second interception (-13.4%) resulted in over 50% in win probability lost for the Vikings. Darnold was most efficient passing from under center, where he completed 9 of 10 passes for 90 yards and 2 TDs.
Aaron Jones led the Vikings’ ground game with 21 carries for 64 yards, averaging three yards per carry, with his longest run reaching 13 yards. Cam Akers contributed efficiently, carrying the ball six times for 46 yards at an impressive 7.7 yards per carry. Darnold added 14 rushing yards on four attempts, while Jordan Addison also recorded a single carry for 9 yards.
Jones contributed in the passing game as well, catching all four of his targets for 18 yards, with a notable 22-yard gain after the catch. Akers caught both of his passes.
Akers seems to have usurped Ty Chandler as the RB2 in Minnesota after the former understudy played zero offensive snaps on Sunday Night Football.
Justin Jefferson shone as the leading receiver, hauling in 7 of 9 targets for 137 yards, averaging a hefty 19.6 yards per catch, with a long reception of 41 yards and 38 yards after the catch–132 air yards, 53.44% air yards share, 27% target share.
No. 2 tight end Josh Oliver was reliable, catching all 5 of his targets for 58 yards and a red-zone touchdown, averaging 11.6 yards per reception, with a long of 14 yards and 30 yards after the catch.
Jordan Addison also contributed significantly, catching all 5 of his targets for 42 yards and a touchdown (two red-zone targets, red-zone touchdown), with an 8.4-yard average and a long reception of 21 yards–27 air yards, 10.93% air yards share, 15% target share.
Might use this recent performance to sell high on Addison. Note that Addison’s hearing was originally slated for October 7th, stemming from his off-field incident earlier this offseason. However, as of that date in question, the arraignment and plea hearing for Addison, stemming from two misdemeanor charges in July for DUI, is now scheduled for Dec. 3, according to Superior Court of California online records per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. That would be before Week 14 and the fantasy football playoffs.
T.J. Hockenson added to the offense with three receptions for 27 yards on four targets, averaging 9 yards per catch. He had a red-zone target, but it was picked off. He also had seven additional receiving yards wiped away because of a penalty.
In his season debut, Hockenson ran a route on 57.5% of dropbacks accompanied by 27 air yards, 10.93% air yards share, 15.15% target share. Expect his role to increase. Buy. The single best matchup for tight ends is coming up for him next against the Jaguars.
Jalen Nailor had one red zone target and one red zone touchdown.
Minnesota plays @ JAC, @ TEN, @ CHI and vs ARI. Then it’s vs ATL, vs CHI, @ SEA and vs GB.
This is a GREAT schedule for the offense to stay on an upward trend. Hold your Vikings tight if you don’t see any great deals. However, given that Jones is an older RB who has already had a soft-body tissue injury, add Akers. Also, entertain the idea of “selling high” on Jones based on the injury history and the fact that he is getting an overwhelming amount of touches. He’s pacing for over 300 touches.
Note that Addison’s hearing was originally slated for October 7th, stemming from his off-field incident earlier this offseason. However, as of that date in question, the arraignment and plea hearing for Addison, stemming from two misdemeanor charges in July for DUI, is now scheduled for Dec. 3, according to Superior Court of California online records per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. That would be before Week 14.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buy Cade Otton | Drop Jalen McMillan| Sell/Hold Rachaad White | Hold/Buy Bucky Irving | Add Sterling Shepard
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense, led by Baker Mayfield, achieved a balanced outing against their opponent. Mayfield completed 23 of 31 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, recording a passer rating of 112.3. His efficiency helped guide the Buccaneers to key scoring drives, as he averaged 6.5 yards per attempt with no interceptions.
In the rushing department, Bucky Irving led with seven carries for 24 yards, though he averaged only 3.4 yards per carry. Rachaad White was a standout in the red zone, scoring a rushing touchdown on one of his three carries from the seven-yard line, totaling 19 yards with an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. White also played 62% of the offensive snaps, while Irving had a 35% snap share, indicating a clear lead role for White in high-leverage situations. Sean Tucker was a distant third RB.
Irving led the backfield carries in the first half with five to White’s two. White has gotten by the last three games with four TDs the last three games.
Irving is still the best running back on the Buccaneers. Not White. After White scored again, you best be selling high after he totaled just six touches on Monday Night Football. But if you can’t sell high on White – hold him. Great schedule for RBs rest of the season. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, it’s No. 1 for RBs rest of season. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Buccaneers also have the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks.
Tight end Cade Otton was the primary weapon in the passing game, commanding a significant 35% target share. He hauled in eight of 11 targets for 77 yards and a red-zone touchdown, leading the team with 49 air yards and running the most routes (29).
Per Next Gen Stats, since Mike Evans and Chris Godwin went down with injuries in Week 7, Otton has generated +19.0 receiving EPA, most among tight ends in that span and the most among tight ends in any 3-week span this season.
And FWIW, the Buccaneers have the No. 1 schedule for fantasy TEs rest of the season.
Sterling Shepard also contributed as a consistent target, catching four passes for 48 yards on five targets (16% target share) and leading with 49 air yards while being third in routes run (21). Rakim Jarrett played a notable role, finishing second in routes run (28) and seeing an 84% snap share, solidifying his presence in the offensive scheme minus all the usual starters on offense.
Trey Palmer, primarily used in a deep-threat role, caught two of his four targets for 33 yards (16.5 yards per reception) but ranked fifth in routes run, slightly behind Ryan Miller, who played on a 62% snap share. Miller also recorded a reception, albeit for a one-yard touchdown.
Overall, the Buccaneers maximized their offensive assets, utilizing Otton’s reliable hands. The absence of Jalen McMillan due to a hamstring injury did not deter their passing attack, as the team showed depth with contributions from multiple receivers.
McMillan’s hamstring injury is the second one he has had this year, putting in doubt whether he will be full-go next week. Given Tampa has a bye in Week 11, McMillan can likely be dropped given he might miss another week or be limited.
Tampa will play the 49ers before their bye week. After the bye week, TB will likely get Evans back. Then they will play at the Giants, at the Panthers, home versus the Raiders, at the Chargers, at Dallas, and the Panthers.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Buy Xavier Worthy | Sell Kareem Hunt| Hold/Sell DeAndre Hopkins
A hobbling Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs with a strong performance in an overtime thriller, completing 34 of 44 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns, posting a passer rating of 116.8. He averaged 6.6 yards per attempt, demonstrating efficiency without any interceptions.
Kareem Hunt led the ground game with 27 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown, though he averaged only 3.9 yards per carry. Hunt was also a key presence in the red zone, recording seven red zone carries and finishing with a 58% snap rate. Samaje Perine contributed with one rush for 10 yards and also played a role in the passing game, hauling in four catches for 25 yards, including a touchdown in the red zone.
Hunt has been crushing, but Isiah Pacheco‘s eventual return creates some ambiguity about how useful Hunt will be in crunch time during the fantasy football playoffs. Don’t hold onto Hunt too tight before he loses value.
Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is expected to resume practicing in 2-to-3 weeks and is tracking toward a return from injured reserve in late November, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Travis Kelce was Mahomes’ primary target, commanding a significant 38% target share with 16 targets, resulting in 14 receptions for 100 yards. Kelce led the team in air yards (83) and ran a team-high 45 routes. DeAndre Hopkins followed with a 21% target share, catching eight of nine targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns while running 32 routes. In just his second game as a Chief, Hopkins looked to be back in his prime with Mahomes. Now, the matchup was solid, so keep that in mind before getting carried away. The Broncos/Bills will be much tougher. But I’d be lying if I wasn’t excited about Hopkins’ prospects with Mahomes for the rest of the season. Hold him or ask for an overpay.
Justin Watson, although less productive, had 79 air yards and caught three of four targets for 43 yards. Mahomes missed him deep in the end zone.
Rookie Xavier Worthy was highly involved in terms of routes, finishing second on the team with 38 routes run, but he struggled with productivity, catching neither of his two targets, both of which went out of bounds. Worthy also had a red zone rushing attempt that ended in a 10-yard loss, limiting his overall impact despite his involvement. After his worst game to date, Worthy remains a buy across all formats.
Again, the schedule is great for Chiefs WRs. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Chiefs have a top-10 schedule for WRs for the rest of the season.
KC will play the Broncos, and Bills. Then it’s @ CAR, vs LV, vs LAC, @ CLE, vs HOU and @ PIT.
BYE WEEK TEAMS
San Francisco 49ers
Hold Jordan Mason | Add Jauan Jennings & Ricky Pearsall | Buy Deebo Samuel
Note that these are the box scores from Week 8.
Quarterback Brock Purdy had an efficient performance, completing 18 of 26 passes for 260 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 114.3 and averaging 10 yards per attempt. Purdy also contributed on the ground, rushing 8 times for 56 yards, with his longest run going for 16 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Isaac Guerendo led the 49ers’ rushing attack with 14 carries, gaining 85 yards and scoring a touchdown, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Other contributors included Jordan Mason, with 18 yards on six carries (all in the first half), and Deebo Samuel Sr., who added 15 yards on four carries. Running backs Patrick Taylor and fullback Kyle Juszczyk made minor contributions on the ground.
Mason left the game. After Week 8’s 30-24 win over the Cowboys, Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Mason (shoulder) could have come back into the game if necessary, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports reports.
Snap counts: Isaac Guerendo: 63%, Jordan Mason: 16%, Patrick Taylor: 7%
Christian McCaffrey is expected to return after the bye week (been designated to return), regulating Mason to strict handcuff duties. DO NOT DROP HIM. He has been a RB1 all season. Don’t assume anything until we see CMC play and be healthy.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the 49ers have the No.8-ranked schedule for running backs.
Tight end George Kittle was the star of the receiving game, hauling in 6 of 7 targets for 128 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown catch, and gained a remarkable 73 yards after the catch. Kittle saw a single red zone target and scored a touchdown.
Kittle led with a 29.17% target share, gaining 81 air yards (43.78%).
Deebo Samuel Sr. also made a significant impact, catching four of his seven targets for 71 yards, with a long reception of 47 yards. Samuel had a 66-yard touchdown nullified on an offensive holding penalty. Samuel Sr. captured a 29.17% target share, recording 51 air yards, which made up 27.57% of the team’s total air yards.
Samuel has had an up-and-down year, dealing with a flurry of injuries. But a healthy Deebo without Aiyuk has an elite role for fantasy purposes. Last year, in one game without Aiyuk, Samuel had 12 targets, going for six and 129 yards with a touchdown.
He is risky to trade for but could pay off in a big way. With him coming off healthy during the bye week and all the attention on McCaffrey, send those trade offers.
Ricky Pearsall contributed 38 yards on four catches with a rush of 39 yards on a direct handoff. Pearsall ran a route on 61% of dropbacks. The rookie was targeted on 16.67% of plays, contributing 31 air yards (16.76%).
Guerendo (three catches for 17 yards on four targets), Juszczyk, and others made smaller contributions in the receiving game, while Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell were targeted but did not record catches.
Conley filled in the “Aiyuk role,” running a route on 73% of dropbacks. Jacob Cowing ran a route on 12% of dropbacks.
All in all, if possible, you want to acquire the remaining (healthy) 49ers. Playoff schedule: vs LAR, @ MIA and vs DET.
They will face Tampa Bay on the road in Week 10. The Buccaneers defense has accounted for three of the top nine games in zone coverage usage this season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Sell Najee Harris | Buy/Add Jaylen Warren | Hold George Pickens | Drop Pat Freiermuth
Note that these are the box scores from Week 8.
Russell Wilson completed 20 of 28 passes for 278 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He had a strong completion rate of 71.4%, finishing with a passer rating of 114.9 and an impressive 9.9 yards per attempt. He also added 7 rushing yards on three attempts.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Steelers have the No.7th-ranked schedule for quarterbacks for the rest of the season.
Najee Harris carried the ball 19 times for 114 yards, averaging a solid six yards per carry with a long run of 26 yards. In the receiving game, he caught three of his four targets for an additional 17 yards, showing versatility.
Jaylen Warren contributed with nine carries for 46 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and added two receptions on three targets for 13 yards, with a longest reception of 9 yards.
Both Steelers RBs had three touches in the red zone. In the first half, the carries were split 10 for Najee and 7 for Warren.
Snap counts: Najee Harris (59%), Jaylen Warren (39%).
I talked about last week how slow Najee has been traditionally, so I’d like to think this is a sign of things to come. His last three games have been great. But the matchups against the Raiders, Jets and Giants have been extremely soft spots.
I think I’d use this opportunity to sell high on Harris (11th in the NFL in touches). The schedule gets much tougher in the second half of the season with all six AFC North matchups. Warren is getting healthier and looking good, which could create problems for Harrs in the second half of the season.
The Steelers will be on a Week 9 bye week. After that, they will play @ WAS, vs BAL, @ CLE, @ CIN, vs CLE, @ PHI, @ BAL and vs KC.
Per PFF, it’s the 30th-ranked schedule for the rest of the season for running backs.
George Pickens led the receiving corps with four receptions on five targets for 74 yards, averaging 18.5 yards per catch, including a long of 43 yards and 30 yards after the catch. Pickens had two scoring plays overturned in the end zone.
Van Jefferson matched Pickens in receptions, catching four of his five targets for 62 yards (15.5 yards per catch) with a long of 36 yards and 11 yards after the catch.
Calvin Austin III had three catches on four targets, totaling 54 yards with an 18-yard average and a touchdown, including a 29-yard long reception and 18 yards after the catch. Austin also scored on a punt return touchdown.
Darnell Washington had a single impactful catch for 29 yards, with all 29 yards coming after the catch. Pat Freiermuth caught both of his targets for 19 yards (9.5 yards per catch) with a longest gain of 11 yards.
Freiermuth has five targets in the two games started by Russell Wilson. Do not hold him through the bye week or add him if he was dropped.
MyCole Pruitt added 10 receiving yards on his only catch, with 3 yards after the catch.
Scotty Miller was targeted twice but did not record any receptions.
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