Every Monday of the NFL regular season we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.
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Fantasy Football Heat Index
Quarterback
Stats: 23-of-30, 320 passing yards, 2 TD
Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB8 (20.8 points)
Analysis: After struggling to score fantasy points earlier this season, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has come on strong in recent weeks. He can thank a healthy Puka Nacua for that.
Since Nacua returned to action in Week 8, Stafford has averaged 19.8 fantasy points per game and has four QB1 finishes. The latest came in Los Angeles’ 44-42 upset victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Stafford had a season-high 320 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and scored 20+ fantasy points for the third time this season.
Assuming Nacua and fellow wide receiver Cooper Kupp avoid injury, Stafford should remain a borderline QB1 down the stretch. Matchups with the 49ers, Jets, and Cardinals look tough on paper, but this week shows that Stafford and this Rams offense can keep up with anyone.
Heat Index: 4
Running Back
Stats: 10 rush att, 40 rushing yards, 1 rush TD, 3 receptions, 27 receiving yards
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB15 (14.2 points)
Analysis: With starting running back Breece Hall out this weekend, most people assumed rookie running Braelon Allen would receive the bulk of the work against Miami. Instead, the Jets divided the workload pretty evenly between Allen and fellow rookie Isaiah Davis.
Allen led the backfield with 81 total yards on 15 touches, but Davis wasn’t far behind with 67 total yards on his 13 opportunities. Allen scored a respectable 10.1 fantasy points this week, but Davis was even better thanks to a second-quarter touchdown.
With New York officially eliminated from playoff contention, the duo of Allen and Davis should be rostered in all formats. There’s zero reason for Hall to return this season and both running backs have flex appeal in this current setup.
Heat Index: 3
Wide Receiver
Stats: 9 receptions, 102 receiving yards
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR17 (14.7 points)
Analysis: Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers since returning from injury in Week 12. One week after scoring 19.9 fantasy points against Tampa Bay, Thielen was back at it again vs. Philadelphia on Sunday. He scored 14.7 points and is the WR17 on the week.
Quarterback Bryce Young has been a different player since getting benched earlier this season and Thielen has been the main beneficiary in recent weeks. There’s no reason for that to change in upcoming matchups against Dallas, Arizona, and Tampa Bay.
Heat Index: 4
Tight End
Stats: 4 receptions, 50 receiving yards, 1 TD
Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE3 (13 points)
Analysis: A season-ending knee injury has prematurely ended the Taysom Hill experience this season. That puts tight end Juwan Johnson back into the fantasy football conversation. In the first game since Hill landed on Injured Reserve, Johnson finished with a season-high 50 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. He scored 13 fantasy points and is the TE3 on the week.
While Sunday’s performance is encouraging for Johnson fantasy managers, how sustainable is it moving forward? Saints quarterback Derek Carr reportedly fractured his non-throwing hand late in Sunday’s contest and his playing status is up in the air. Johnson could remain a security blanket for Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler, but it’s a risky play in Round One of the fantasy playoffs.
Heat Index: 2
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