By Winsto (11/11/2022)
Atlanta-Carolina Recap
In Carolina’s victory over Atlanta, the biggest fantasy story centers on D’Onta Foreman (RB), who ran for 130 yards and a TD. He appears to have really taken over this backfield. He should continue to be a solid play at RB as long as Carolina stays competitive in games, as he is not the preferred option in passing downs. Negative gamescript could cause limitations, as was demonstrated in Carolina’s Week 9 loss to Cincinnati. I would, however, suggest adding Chuba Hubbard (RB) if available and you have room for a bench stash. Foreman had 30 carries in this game, and he does have an injury history. This combination could result in another injury. As for Carolina’s pass catchers who went up against Atlanta’s porous secondary, this has to be considered a disappointment, especially for D. J. Moore (WR). Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr. (WR) fell victim to Carolina’s success running the ball, as P. J. Walker (QB) only attempted 16 passing for 108 yards. This should not be the norm in the weeks ahead.
Atlanta’s offense did not look good in this game. Drake London (WR) had an okay night (5-38-1 TD). Kyle Pitts (TE), on the other hand (2-28) did not, even though he was the target of 8 of Marcus Mariota’s (QB) 30 attempts. A target share of that size should yield better results, but it seems we are far removed from the 2021 Kyle Pitts. He is tied for 10 among tight ends in targets per game, but he is 23rd in receptions per game and 17th in receiving yards per game. His yards per game has plummeted from 60.4 yards per game in 2021 to 34.8 yards per game this season. Despite the talent, he should not be in starting line-ups if there are any better options on the waiver wire. As for Atlanta’s backfield, Cordarrelle Patterson (RB) played the same amount of snaps (24) as he did when he returned in Week 9, but the result was not nearly as good (6 touches for 20 yards). Tyler Allgeier (RB), Caleb Huntley (RB), and even Avery Williams (RB) may not be going away anytime soon, as they accounted for 20 touches. Still, next week’s game against Chicago may be a get right game for Patterson.
Returning Offenses
Two interesting offenses had Bye weeks in Week 9, so there is some curiosity on whether or not we may see some changes/improvements.
Denver–The real question is whether or not the Bye week helped Denver figure out its offensive issues. This offense has been absolutely disappointing thus far, but I find it hard to believe that Russell Wilson (QB) completely forgot to play quarterback all of a sudden. It should be interesting to see how this offense looks. Is Jerry Jeudy the de facto WR1 now? How will Greg Dulcich’s (TE) increasing role impact both Jeudy and Courtland Sutton (WR)? Can the offensive line improve? K. J. Hamler (WR) had been ruled out, so there should be more targets for the aformentioned three. IF this passing offense can step it up against Tennessee, all three could have success. We should get some answers on Sunday.
Pittsburgh–No more Chase Claypool (WR-Chicago), so their should be more targets for the pass catchers (Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth). I think part of their issues the last few weeks was simply the strength of the opposing defenses. This week, on paper, may not get much better against New Orleans (though New Orleans has several injuries on its defense that may make things easier on Pittsburgh). And, what to do with Najee Harris (RB)? There were talks of getting Jaylen Warren (RB) more involved, but reports are coming in that Warren’s practice reps have not increased. Until we see a change happen, Harris is still the main guy. And, maybe the Bye week helped him recover from his foot injury. As for Warren, he is a solid hold. If Pittsburgh finds itself out of the playoff race and Harris is hobbled, there is a chance he may get shut down for the season. Warren would then be a RB2. In all, I do think there is still fantasy value in this offense. Better clarity should come this weekend.