By Winsto (11/03/2022)
Philadelphia is able to fend off Houston
In what was actually a closer game than many expected, Philadelphia defeated Houston 29 to 17. Jalen Hurts had a solid game (243 passing, 23 rushing, and 2 passing TDs), and so did Dallas Goedert (100 yards receiving and a TD), Miles Sanders (93 rushing and a TD), and A. J. Brown (59 receiving and a TD). Even Kenneth Gainwell, for those of you who started him in a Bye-week filled with desperation, found the endzone (also 38 total yards). Devonta Smith, however, was basically a non-factor, accounting for only 22 receiving yards on 2 targets.
For Houston, Davis Mills actually fared better than what may have been expected, considering the opponent and being down his top two receivers. He threw for 154 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. The star of Houston’s offense was Dameon Pierce, rushing for 139 yards (though no receptions) against a solid defense. Pierce has proven himself to be a solid RB2, at the very least.
Bye Week Decisions
Look, this is a rough Bye week. Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, New York Giants, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco all have Bye weeks, as you probably already know by now. Difficult decisions have to be made. Players you would normally not want to cut to pick up a Hail Mary Tight End or Wide Receiver may be what you are struggling with. As I have mentioned in a previous article, my approach regarding this scenario is based on two principles:
- Does the player have upside?
- Are there players on the waiver wire with comparable fantasy stats?
If your response is “no” to the first and “yes” to the second, then there might just be your answer on who you need to cut to fill out your roster.
So, who are those Hail Mary players you may have to pick up and start?
- Deon Jackson (RB-Ind)-When forced into action in Week 6, he held his own, accounting for 121 total yards and 2 TDs. Now, he may be starting against New England, as Jonathan Taylor (RB) is looking very questionable. The match-up, on paper, looks good, though I would have concern about a Sam Ehlinger led offense against Belicheck. Still, he will get his touches and would be a solid Bye Week fill-in.
- Dontrell Hilliard (RB-Ten)–King Henry is a little banged up. Tennessee plays Kansas City, which may cause them to have to pass more than usual. Hilliard, due to his pass catching, may be able to carve out a larger role in this game because of this.
- Jeff Wilson, Jr (RB-Mia)-Wilson has always been a coach favorite, and his new team’s Head Coach is his former Offensive Coordinator. He already knows the system. Raheem Mostert (RB) is the starter, but he is not the type of back to get more than 15-18 touches. Wilson will now get the remaining touches AND he may be utilized in short yardage situations, including goal line. In addition, if this game gets out of hand–Chicago did just trade two of its defensive stars, Wilson could get more run.
- Isiah Pacheco (RB-KC)–Yes, he was a let down in Week 7 when he was declared “starter,” but that was a Bye Week ago. He is part of this offense going forward. IF Kansas City takes a big lead, he, like Wilson, may have more rushes in store than usual.
- Joshua Palmer AND DeAndre Carter (WRs-LAC)–By now, you have heard about Palmer being the play this week against Atlanta, but what about Carter? Justin Herbert (QB) cannot just throw to Ekeler every time. Palmer should get looks, but won’t Carter get some, too? Mike Williams will not be on the field. Keenan Allen does not look like he will play, either. And, Atlanta’s pass defense is, in two words, not good.
- Isaiah Likely (TE-Baltimore)–Even if Mark Andrews (TE) plays, I would still play him if you are in need of a Bye Week fill in. I would take a chance on him over what is probably floating on the waiver wire in your league. Rashod Bateman (WR) has been placed on the IR and is out for the season with a Lisfranc injury in his foot. Desean Jackson (WR) may be active Monday night, but he is not a target monster at this point in his career. Let’s face it, Lamar Jackson (QB) likes throwing to his tight ends. Baltimore runs a lot of two tight end formations. And most importantly of all, Likely has revealed what he can do. Surely, the coaches will not simply put that talent back in the box. Also, what if Andrews DOES NOT play? There is serious upside here, as my colleague brings up in his Gold: Fantasy or Fools column this week.
- James Mitchell (TE-Detroit)–Look, this is an absolute Hail Mary. The 2022 5th Round pick is going to get his chance now that T. J. Hockenson is gone. If you would rather go with a low floor, higher ceiling than any of the random TEs who may or may not score a random TD, then this is your player.