By Winsto (09/20/2024)
Weekend Wonderings: Week 03
1. I wonder if anyone else notices that the tight end position has had great fantasy success against Kansas City’s defense through two games this season. In Week 03, Kyle Pitts (TE-Atlanta) faces this defense. For the truly, unimaginably desperate fantasy managers, Charlie Woerner, the TE2 for Atlanta, may also have some chances? I mean, it’s not like the tight end position has been lighting it up this season, right?
2. Until further notice, almost all of the New Orleans Saints fantasy relevant players are line-up locks: Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed. The one exception, sadly, is Taysom Hill. New Orleans has scored 91 points thus far this season, with Hill contributing next to nothing. I went into this season believing the Saints were going to lean into the Taysom Hill experience, and in some ways, they have. However, it has not translated into fantasy success. Given how well Carr has played thus far, I doubt New Orleans will alter its approach. I still think the occasional game will happen for Hill, but as in the past, the lack of consistency makes him a mid-range TE2.
3. Recapping the TNF game, the two biggest storylines I noticed involved Breece Hall and Aaron Rodgers. For Hall, yes, there is some panic regarding his playing time, as Braelon Allen has shown himself to be quite capable at the position. In 2023, Hall topped 70% of the snaps in a game three times during the season. He has already topped 70% in all three games thus far this season. Hall is still a RB1. That said, for those who believed he had a chance to finish as a top 3 RB in fantasy, we may have to readjust expectations. Allen will play a role and frustrate Hall managers occasionally. The other storyline involves Aaron Rodgers: he looked solid (281 yards with 2 TDs passing and 18 yards rushing). He has improved each week. I would like to see it a few more times before considering him a backend QB1. The next four defenses he faces are stout: Denver, Minnesota, Buffalo, and Pittsburg
4. I wonder how many fantasy managers are rolling with Cam Akers (RB-Houston) this weekend. It looks like both Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce are going to miss, leaving Akers with an opportunity here. As Dare Ogunbowale is expected to see most of the passing game work at RB, Akers has a limited ceiling. Still, a top 20 finish at the position is absolutely in the realm of possibilities.
5. Given that Jordan Love (QB-GB) may actually play this weekend against Tennessee, we should probably consider the wide receiver group he would be throwing to. Going into the season, there was debate in the fantasy community regarding how to rank the Packer wide-outs, specifically Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Daubs. I think none have much fantasy appeal with Malik Willis under center, but on the outside chance Love does play, I “think” I would rank them Reed, Watson, and Daubs from here on out, with Daubs and Watson being closer in PPR leagues.
6. In the matchup between the 49ers v. Rams, there are two players I am paying close attention to. With both Deebo Samuel and George Kittle unlikely to play in Week 03, you are obviously going to fire up Brandon Aiyuk! But, Jauan Jennings is going to also see targets, and could prove to be a solid WR3. On the Rams side, I will be focused on Jordan Whittington. For as long as Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are out, there is going to be a Rams receiver who puts up fantasy points, especially since the Rams offense tends to have a narrow passing tree. Whittington is the bet for me. Given the uncertain timeline of the injuries ahead of them, both Jennings and Whittington should be quite useful in fantasy for the next few weeks.
7. I wonder if we are witnessing the beginnings of a break out of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Through 2 games, he has close to a 30% target share–the same percentage as D. K. Metcalf. He has played on 79% or more of the snaps so far, receiving more snaps than Tyler Lockett in both games. I do want to see another week or two before I start viewing him as someone who could move into WR2 territory, however.
8. Regarding IDP leagues, I wonder how many fantasy managers notice that the league leader in tackles is… Nick Cross (DB-Ind), with 29 total tackles. The Colts defense with Cross, Zaire Franklin, and E. J. Speed. is a gold mine. I also wonder how many managers are noticing how the Saints are using Alontae Taylor (DB-NO)–he has 15 total tackles with 3 sacks! There is always concern regarding consistency from the cornerback position, but he may be an exception. What seems to not be a concern so far is the playing time of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB-Cle). He is seeing almost 100% playing time, and he has 16 total tackles thus far. Could be witnessing an actual consistent Browns linebacker?
9. If I have any stakes in Carolina’s offense, I am paying close to attention to any sign of life under Andy Dalton. To be honest, I am not hopeful. I fear this will a very rough season for Diontae Johnson, Chuba Hubbard, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette. If there are signs of life with Dalton under center, you may consider trying to trade these players for 60 cents or more on the dollar, for the fear is Bryce Young shall return at some point.
10. And finally… I wonder why I do not see more football players wear glasses. I guess its more of a contact sport!