By Winsto (09/18/2022)
Aside from the games on Monday night, we are two weeks into the season. You may be starting to get antsy regarding players who have underperformed up to now–looking at you, Chicago pass catchers and Kyle Pitts. Or, you may be looking at bench players or guys on the waiver wire who have been scoring more points than your starters. Just remember, that fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. That said, we do have to start reevaluating players. With all of this in mind, let’s examine this week’s games.
Random Observations
- Tyreek Hill was already a must start, but now Jaylen Waddle has entered into that category. I know Miami was in comeback mode against Baltimore, but 19 targets? Until you see evidence otherwise, he should be in your line-up until further notice.
- And staying in the same Miami-Baltimore game, Tua Tagovailoa had 469 passing yards, 6 passing TDs, and 2 INTs, and believe it or not, he could have done more. This cannot be overlooked. Yes, he had some very open receivers at times, but that may hold true throughout the course of the season. He may have the fastest receiving tandem in the league. After this game, he should not be on the waiver wire in your league. As long as he has Hill and Waddle to throw to, he could prove to be an effective fantasy quarterback and eventually enter into the discussion as being a top 10 fantasy QB.
- I am not sure there is much value in either of the backfields of Baltimore (as long as J. K. Dobbins is out) and Miami. That said, if you want to give one of these players a try, I “think” Raheem Mostert, as long as he is healthy, is probably the one with some upside.
- The defenses for Tampa Bay and New Orleans are good, and they seem to really match up well against the opposing offenses. Do not overreact if you own Tom Brady, Leonard Fournette, Lee Evans, or Jarvis Landry.
- Damien Harris came up hurt at the end of the New England-Pittsburgh game. If his injury proves to be substantial, run to the waiver wire to make sure Rhamondre Stevenson is not still available, for some reason.
- If I have any offensive players for Pittsburgh, I am probably hoping for a quarterback switch soon. There is serious talent on that offense, but so far, they have not proven very useful as fantasy starters. If Pittsburgh makes the switch at quarterback from Mitch Trubisky to to Kenny Pickett, check your waiver wire to see if Chase Claypool or George Pickens are there. (I am assuming Dionte Johnson would not be on the waiver wire; if for some reason he is, he would be the priority.) They may prove to be valuable bench stashes.
- James Robinson continues to be the alpha runner for Jacksonville, as he carried 23 times versus Travis Etienne Jr.’s 9 times. As long as that continues, Robinson has value while Etienne should be left on the bench if possible.
- After the Trey Lance injury (just brutal), the Jimmy Garrapolo led San Francisco offense should resemble last year’s offense. In addition, Jeff Wilson Jr. led the backfield in carries, and looked solid. He should be a serviceable borderline RB2/RB3 until Elijah Mitchell’s return.
- Joe Burrow has had his struggles so far this season. The talent and weapons are still there. A match-up against NYJ next week should help him break out.
- Russell Wilson struggled once Jerry Jeudy left with a shoulder injury, and there is concern that it may be a multi-week issue. Wilson’s ceiling may be limited during that time. Courtland Sutton, however, was the beneficiary of Jeudy’s injury, with 7 receptions for 122 receiving yards on on 11 targets. As long as Jeudy is out, Sutton may be a borderline top 10 WR.
- It now looks like Dameon Pierce has taken control of Houston’s backfield, as he had all of the running back carries (15 rushes for 69 yards).
- For Arizona, James Conner injured his ankle. A committee emerged between Darrel Williams and Eno Benjamin. This will probably continue to be the case if Conner misses some time. Williams seemed to be the preference in short yardage situations, so he may have more value.
- Though Sammy Watkins (93 yards receiving) and Allen Lazard (13 yards receiving and a TD) were the most valuable Green Bay receivers Sunday night, I just have a hard time buying their value for the rest of the season. Aaron Rodgers does not get to play Chicago every week. I would still stash Christian Watson on my bench if I had the room. In shallower leagues, however, I would understand leaving him on the waiver wire or cutting him.
- I made a mistake before the season started. I was all in on Cole Kmet, and I really liked Darnell Mooney. But, that was predicated on the assumption that Chicago’s offense was playing football in 2022, not 1962. In a game where Chicago was behind most of the game, Justin Fields only attempted 11 passes. I was willing to give Chicago’s passing game a pass in Week 1 due to the weather/mudfest, but this was just brutal. Yes, Green Bay does have a good defense (though Minnesota had little problem scoring against it last week), but still. Mooney can not be started until something changes. In two games, he has 5 targets, 2 receptions, and 4 receiving yards. And yet that is better than Cole Kmet, who has 2 targets and 0 receptions thus far this season. Chicago plays Houston next week. If their passing game cannot show signs of life then, we may have to move on.
- Speaking of Chicago, David Montgomery looked good, with 15 carries for 122 yards (as well as 2 receptions for 14 yards). He outtouched Khalil Herbert, who also looked solid, 17 to 5. For the moment, it looks like he has taken back control of this backfield. Still, this could be a somewhat fluid situation.