• The Minnesota Vikings broad receivers couldn’t be stopped: Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison each completed with over 130 receiving yards and mixed for 5 landing receptions.
• Honest McCormick leads the Las Vegas Raiders backfield: McCormick’s function has elevated in current weeks, and he’s now the workforce’s clear lead operating again.
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Estimated studying time: 5 minutes
PFF’s fantasy soccer recap focuses on participant utilization and stats, breaking down all of the important data it’s essential to obtain fantasy success in 2024.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins
Jets rookies cut up the backfield: Breece Corridor was inactive this week as a result of a knee damage.
For many of the season, Braelon Allen was the Jets’ clear backup. He performed 174 snaps over the primary 12 weeks in comparison with Isaiah Davis‘ six. Corridor was restricted final week, and as an alternative of Allen taking part in extra snaps, Davis began taking part in extra in passing conditions, tripling his profession complete in offensive snaps.
This gave us a fairly clear indication that the backfield can be cut up this week when information broke that Corridor can be inactive. Allen usually tended to play in typical dashing conditions whereas Davis tended to play in passing, as anticipated. It was stunning how balanced the field rating was regardless of these roles. Allen ran 11 occasions to Davis’ 10, whereas Allen caught 4 passes to Davis’ three. Davis had one of the best fantasy efficiency of the 2, due to a 17-yard run leading to a landing.
If Corridor misses extra time, we should always anticipate Allen to attain extra fantasy factors and doubtlessly a barely wider hole in carries. The Jets have, by far, one of the best schedule for operating backs within the fantasy playoffs, beginning with the Jacksonville Jaguars subsequent week. If Corridor misses one other sport, anticipate Allen to be a transparent fantasy starter regardless of the cut up function.
Allen Lazard returns to the Jets: Lazard missed the final 5 video games as a result of a chest damage.
He participated totally in observe all week. We final noticed Lazard in Week 7, which was Davante Adams’ first sport with the Jets. Whereas Lazard was a full-time participant over the primary six weeks of the season, Adams immediately performed 96% of New York’s offensive snaps, decreasing Lazard to solely taking part in in some three-receiver units. Mike Williams was nonetheless on the roster then, so Williams additionally performed vital snaps out of 11 personnel.
This week, Lazard was constantly on the sphere in 11 personnel. He additionally performed a bit of below half of the Jets’ snaps in two-receiver units, taking time away from Adams. Lazard was the Jets’ major slot receiver for the primary six weeks of the season, which is a part of the season he was so profitable. In Week 7 and past, Adams was the first slot receiver. On this sport, Adams remained within the slot with Lazard out broad.
Lazard was focused as soon as for an 18-yard play, whereas Wilson and Adams each had good video games regardless of the Dolphins’ sturdy secondary. Lazard can doubtless be left on the waiver wire regardless of his early season success as a result of he’s largely taking part in in a distinct place.
Third-round rookie Malachi Corley reached a career-high in offensive snaps final week at 41. He didn’t make a lot of an impression, and he not often performs on particular groups, so he was a wholesome inactive on this sport, much like the final time Lazard was wholesome.
De’Von Achane dominates snaps with out Raheem Mostert: The veteran operating again was inactive as a result of a hip damage.
In current weeks, Achane has been the lead again whereas Jaylen Wright was the first backup on early downs and Mostert was the third down again. Jeff Wilson Jr. has been a wholesome inactive every time all 4 operating backs have been wholesome.
This week, Wilson was lively and took many of the snaps that Mostert often performs. Achane performed 20 of the 32 two-minute drill snaps from Weeks 10-13, so it wasn’t uncommon that Achane performed within the two-minute drills on this sport. Achane ended up dominating the offensive snaps greater than ordinary, however that was largely as a result of the Dolphins offense was taking part in nicely and retaining the workforce out of regular third-down conditions. Had Mostert been wholesome, Achane’s taking part in time wouldn’t have been all that totally different.
Achane caught six passes for 45 yards, however these had been all on performs the place he would often be on the sphere. Achane’s predominant concern is the Dolphins altering the operating again rotation going ahead. He’s averaged 3.2 yards per carry or worse in 4 of his final 5 video games, ending with 40 or fewer dashing yards in these performances. Fortunately, the schedule lightens up by way of run defenses he’s dealing with, so if the Dolphins follow Achane being the workhorse again, greater days needs to be forward.
Miscellaneous Notes
- This was the primary time Davante Adams reached over 100 receiving yards as a member of the Jets.
- This was the primary time since Week 1 that each Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle recorded not less than 60 receiving yards every, not to mention 99 receiving yards every.
Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings
Josh Oliver returns to the Vikings: The Vikings’ run-blocking tight finish missed the final two weeks as a result of a wrist damage.
Oliver spent many of the season in a two-man rotation with Johnny Mundt earlier than T.J. Hockenson returned in Week 9. Within the three video games the place Oliver and Hockenson performed collectively earlier than this week, Oliver took vital taking part in time from Hockenson in 11 personnel, whereas Mundt took time from Hockenson in 12 personnel.
In 2023, Hockenson performed 90% of Minnesota’s 11 personnel snaps and 87% of the 12 personnel snaps. In these first three weeks, Hokcenson performed 56% of the 11 personnel and 60% of the 12 personnel snaps. With Oliver out, Hockenson was again to regular in 11 personnel, posting a 92% snap charge. Nevertheless, Nick Muse was concerned in 12 personnel, leaving Hockenson at a 57% snap charge.
The excellent news for Hockenson fantasy managers is Oliver’s return had no impression on his taking part in time. Hockenson performed 88% of the 11 personnel snaps and was as much as 60% of the snaps in 12 personnel. The Vikings ran plenty of 21 personnel late within the sport with their large lead, and Hockenson has by no means performed vital snaps in 21 personnel as a Viking.
Hockenson managed 4 receptions for 45 yards regardless of the broad receivers each performing nicely. Whereas Hockenson has only some nice video games this season, his flooring is excessive sufficient that he ought to stay in fantasy beginning lineups.
Falcons combine up their personnel utilization: The Falcons used way more 12 personnel this week than the final a number of weeks.
The Falcons had used 11 personnel on 90.8% of performs over the primary 13 weeks, which was essentially the most within the league. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson coached with the Los Angeles Rams previous to this yr, and the Rams have used 11 personnel the second-most this season at 83.4%.
This has been a serious drawback for his or her tight ends, because it’s meant both Kyle Pitts or Charlie Woerner are on the sphere without delay however by no means each. Woerner has been among the many prime run-blocking tight ends this season, which has enormously impacted Pitts’ taking part in time.
This week, they ran 26 performs out of 12 personnel, simply as many performs because the final 10 weeks mixed. This meant much more performs with Pitts and Woerner on the sphere than ordinary, and Ray-Ray McCloud III performed considerably fewer snaps. Regardless of this, McCloud led the workforce in receptions with eight, resulting in 98 yards. Pitts acquired loads of targets however solely caught one go for 14 yards.
The Falcons have a comparatively sturdy matchup for tight ends subsequent week towards the Las Vegas Raiders, however that can also be a sport the place the Falcons might be successful and sticking extra with their run-blocking tight ends. If Pitts is in your roster however not in your beginning lineup subsequent week, it’s effective to drop him.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Aaron Jones performed lower than ordinary final week after a number of current fumbles. This week, he performed 63% of Minnesota’s offensive snaps, which is round his common over the complete season.
- Falcons backup operating again Jase McClellan was inactive for a second straight week as a result of a knee damage. He’s solely been lively for 2 video games this season.
- The Vikings activated kicker Will Reichard off injured reserve and launched Parker Romo on Saturday.
New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants
Saints committee replaces Taysom Hill: The all-purpose participant tore his ACL, which landed him on injured reserve.
From Weeks 9-13, Hill had the second-most carries on the Saints with 21, and was tied with essentially the most receptions at 19. Alvin Kamara was tied with him in receptions and had essentially the most carries. Each gamers had been far forward of the third place in each classes.
The excellent news is that second-year operating again Kendre Miller was capable of return from the injured reserve. Miller’s been forward of each Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims on the depth chart. The Saints trusted Miller with excessive quantity within the run sport greater than they’ve trusted some other backup runner. He ran 10 occasions for 32 yards with a greater dashing common than the opposite Saints runners.
Each Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau performed extra snaps this week than in different current video games. Johnson recorded a season-high 50 receiving yards, whereas Moreau’s 40 yards was greater than double his per-game common this season.
Whereas the Saints are spreading the ball round an excessive amount of to belief anybody exterior of Kamara, the Saints play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. The Raiders have allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors to tight ends this season, and it will likely be a revenge sport for each Derek Carr, if he is capable of play, and Moreau. There may be not less than an opportunity the tight ends might have an enormous sport that week.
Malik Nabers performs by way of accidents: Earlier than the sport, there have been studies that Nabers’ function can be restricted.
Nabers confirmed up on the damage report on Thursday with a groin damage. He was not capable of observe on Friday and was dominated questionable. The excellent news is his taking part in time was not restricted. He and Wan’Dale Robinson had been constantly on the sphere, whereas Darius Slayton took many of the different snaps with Jalin Hyatt rotating in. This is identical factor we’ve seen anytime the entire Giants broad receivers have been wholesome all season.
The dangerous information is the Giants’ passing sport didn’t look good. Drew Lock didn’t attain the 100-yard mark till the center of the fourth quarter. Fortunately, a late comeback try helped Nabers to a decent 5 receptions for 79 yards. Whereas the offense solely scoring 11 factors isn’t a fantastic signal for Nabers’ potential within the fantasy playoffs, the Giants play the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons within the subsequent two weeks, which needs to be higher matchups than this week.
Daniel Bellinger steps up at tight finish: Theo Johnson landed on injured reserve earlier within the week, main Bellinger to be the starter.
Bellinger was a fourth-round decide in 2022 and gained the beginning job for New York instantly. He performed as much as 99% of the offensive snaps in video games that season however by no means had greater than 43 yards in a sport. The Giants traded for Darren Waller in 2023, however Waller nonetheless ended the season because the starter. He once more, by no means had greater than 43 yards in a sport.
This season, Bellinger had been the third tight finish on the depth chart, whereas Chris Manhertz typically performed in two tight finish units with Johnson. Bellinger solely had three receptions this season previous to the week.
With Johnson out, Bellinger instantly jumped into the highest tight finish spot. He caught a career-high 45 yards. This was partially a product of the Giants having 56 go performs, however the Giants might want to go the ball quite a bit in each sport.
The Giants have probably the greatest remaining schedules for tight ends, making Bellinger a viable possibility in leagues the place you begin a couple of tight finish, or very deep leagues.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered an obvious left-hand fracture late within the sport, resulting in Jake Haener taking part in the previous few snaps. At this level, Alvin Kamara is the one participant fantasy managers can belief on the Saints, and that might nonetheless be the case if the Saints must make a change at quarterback.
- Giants operating again Tyrone Tracy fumbled thrice over two video games, main him to play 41% of New York’s snaps in Week 12 and never begin in Week 13. By the top of final week, it appeared like Tracy’s function was again to regular. This week was affirmation his function was again to regular, because it was his third sport of the season taking part in over 80% of the Giants’ offensive snaps.
- Saints broad receiver Bub Means has been on injured reserve as a result of an ankle damage. He returned to observe on a restricted foundation on Wednesday however couldn’t observe on Thursday or Friday. There’s a probability he’ll return sooner or later this season.
- Kevin Austin Jr. has been one of many Saints’ prime two broad receivers in current weeks, whereas Dante Pettis has been one of many prime two backups. This week, each had been signed to the 53-man roster relatively than being observe squad elevations.
Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Monitor Jonathon Brooks’ well being: The Panthers’ second-round rookie suffered a knee damage and didn’t return.
The Panthers began this sport similar to the final two weeks. Chuba Hubbard performed 100% of Carolina’s offensive snaps on the primary two drives. Brooks was on the sphere for a go play, the place he ended up within the slot whereas Hubbard was within the backfield.
Brooks suffered his damage on the third drive. It was a non-contact damage to the identical knee the place he suffered his ACL damage. He tried to job off the sphere however ended up going to the bottom and needing assist to get to the blue medical tent. He took the cart from the tent to the locker room.
The Panthers’ third-string operating again Raheem Blackshear was dominated questionable as a result of a chest damage early on, presumably from a particular groups play as a result of he didn’t play on offense. He was dominated out earlier than halftime.
This meant Hubbard was the final man standing. He performed each snap over the remainder of the sport with 26 carries and 32 routes run. Hubbard ought to proceed to be the clear starter over these subsequent three weeks no matter who’s and isn’t wholesome. If each Brooks and Blackshear can’t play subsequent week, anticipate Mike Boone, who’s at present on the observe squad, to take the backup function.
Ja’Tavion Sanders returns: The Panthers rookie tight finish solely missed one sport after struggling a scary neck damage two weeks in the past.
Tommy Tremble began the sport, as he’s completed most video games this season the place he’s been wholesome. Each tight ends performed three out of 5 performs on the primary drive. The 2 continued to rotate all through the sport. Sanders usually tended to play in passing conditions whereas Tremble tended to play on dashing conditions.
Each gamers acquired one goal every. Each Tremble and injured blocking tight finish Ian Thomas are unrestricted free brokers after the season. If Tremble doesn’t re-sign and the Panthers don’t usher in clear competitors for Sanders, the rookie might be one of many prime waiver choices of the offseason. If the Panthers proceed this sort of cut up between the 2 gamers, it will be more durable for Sanders to have any consistency subsequent season, as he’s had no consistency this yr when Tremble has additionally been wholesome.
DeVonta Smith returns: Smith missed the final two video games as a result of a hamstring damage.
Fortunately, Smith totally participated in observe all week. Smith returned to his ordinary function, taking part in on 100% of the Eagles’ passing performs whereas solely taking a number of run performs off. He led the workforce in targets and caught 4 passes for 37 yards and a landing. The Eagles did most of their work on the bottom, in order that they didn’t want a lot out of their receivers.
The Eagles broad receiver room didn’t totally return to regular. Usually, when the entire broad receivers have been wholesome, Jahan Dotson can be the clear third broad receiver. For instance in Week 11, Dotson performed 29 snaps to Johnny Wilson’s 13. Dotson nonetheless ran extra routes than Wilson this week, however this was the primary time Wilson performed extra snaps. Neither participant has contributed a lot to the passing sport this season, so it is sensible to offer their rookie participant an prolonged look. Neither participant is more likely to be fantasy-relevant this season, nevertheless it’s value monitoring to see how a lot the Eagles may prioritize a 3rd broad receiver this offseason.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Panthers broad receiver Jalen Coker was inactive for the third straight week as a result of a quadriceps damage. We have now but to see Adam Thielen and Coker lively in the identical sport. They each primarily play out of the slot.
- Dallas Goedert was positioned on injured reserve as a result of his knee damage. Grant Calcaterra was the clear prime tight finish, which was additionally true when Goedert missed time earlier within the season. He’s a effective waiver-wire possibility in deeper leagues.
- Eagles backup broad receiver Britain Covey was inactive as a result of a neck damage.
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Jerome Ford splits carries with Nick Chubb: The 2 had been in a near-even cut up in carries, however Chubb was the simpler participant.
Chubb returned to the Browns lineup in Week 7, however he hasn’t been the identical participant he was earlier than the damage. He’s averaged lower than 3.0 yards per carry over his first six video games again. Ford has been the receiving again all season, however he’s additionally began taking extra snaps on early downs to attempt to add extra of a spark within the run sport.
This week, Chubb began the sport and took the entire early down snaps on the primary drive, however each Ford and Pierre Sturdy Jr. began mixing in on the second drive. Chubb performed the clear majority of Cleveland’s early down snaps within the first and third quarters, whereas Ford took them within the second and fourth. With the Browns down by 20 factors to start out the fourth quarter, Chubb didn’t see a single snap within the ultimate quarter-hour.
The excellent news for Chubb is he averaged 4.4 yards per carry, making this certainly one of his greatest video games of the season. The dangerous information is the Browns face the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins over the subsequent three weeks. These are all groups who might put up plenty of factors towards the Browns protection, leaving the workforce utilizing Ford whereas they catch up no matter how a lot they need to get Chubb concerned.
The Steelers win with out George Pickens: The Steelers star broad receiver was a shock inactive as a result of a hamstring damage.
Pickens didn’t present up on the damage report till Friday with a hamstring damage, main him to be declared questionable. There was optimism he would play main into the day, however the hamstring wasn’t doing in addition to the Steelers anticipated, so they’d him sit out the sport.
The Steelers used a two-man rotation of Scott Miller and Mike Williams to exchange Pickens, whereas Van Jefferson rotated out much less typically than ordinary. Miller was usually on the sphere in run conditions, whereas he and Williams cut up the go performs. Miller and Williams caught three passes every for 38 and 36 yards, respectively. The workforce gained thanks partly to their protection, resulting in a number of Steelers drives beginning in Browns territory.
This sport was reminder to not belief any of the Steelers’ broad receivers exterior of Pickens, and it’s turning into extra vital that the Steelers handle the place within the offseason. Even when we discover out Pickens will miss extra time, there won’t be a transparent possibility to select up off the waiver wire.
Miscellaneous Notes
Las Vegas Raiders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jalen McMillan: 4 receptions, 59 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Rachaad White: 17 carries, 90 yards, 1 landing, 2 receptions, 19 receiving yards, 1 receiving landing
Honest McCormick takes over the Raiders backfield: The previous observe squad participant has been the Raiders’ clear prime operating again this season.
Each Zamir White and Alexander Mattison had been inactive for the third straight week as a result of damage. This allowed McCormick who has spent many of the final three seasons both injured or on the Raiders observe squad to obtain his first common season alternatives.
Final week, McCormick was the primary participant for the Raiders with over 60 yards dashing and over 5.0 yards per carry. He performed extra as the sport wore on. This week, he performed a better proportion of the Raiders’ offensive snaps than final week and gained over 60 yards with over 5.0 yards per carry for a second straight week.
The taking part in time cut up was paying homage to the very begin of the season. McCormick performed White’s function whereas Ameer Abdullah performed Mattison’s function. Given how significantly better McCormick has carried out in comparison with the opposite Raiders operating backs, it’s truthful to anticipate McCormick to remain the clear lead rusher. The one change that may occur is Mattison might regain the passing down function from Abdullah.
McCormick’s sturdy play ought to make him one of many prime waiver-wire choices of the week. The Raiders shut out the fantasy season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints. These are each very favorable matchups towards groups the place the Raiders shouldn’t abandon the run sport.
Raiders depend on two tight finish units: Michael Mayer had his greatest sport of the season with seven receptions for 68 yards.
On the primary drive of the primary preseason sport, Mayer performed 12 of 14 snaps whereas Brock Bowers performed 11 of 14. The Raiders offense appeared like it will be very totally different from previous years, focusing closely on getting their younger tight ends concerned.
As a substitute, the 2 began the season rotating. Mayer missed a number of weeks as a result of a private matter, and he was largely restricted in his return. Final week, the Raiders’ third broad receiver D.J. Turner suffered an damage that landed him on injured reserve. Whereas Terrace Marshall Jr. took over because the third receiver, the principle change was a considerable amount of two tight finish units.
Whereas the protection centered on stopping Bowers, Mayer had an opportunity to shine. One sport gained’t be sufficient for fantasy managers to belief Mayer within the fantasy playoffs, however there’s a probability each gamers proceed to play quite a bit over the remainder of this season, which might result in each gamers being fantasy-relevant subsequent season.
Monitor Bucky Irving’s well being: Irving left the sport in the course of the second quarter as a result of a again damage and didn’t return.
Irving was listed on the damage report with each a hip and again damage. He didn’t observe on Wednesday or Thursday and was restricted on Friday. The Buccaneers began this sport with a transparent two-man rotation. Rachaad White performed 12 snaps on the primary two drives in comparison with Irving’s eight. This included two performs the place each operating backs had been on the sphere. Irving performed his final snaps early within the second quarter on the Buccaneers’ third drive.
White performed 30 of the 38 snaps over the remainder of the sport, whereas Sean Tucker performed 11. Tucker performed very nicely the final time a Buccaneers missed time, nevertheless it’s clear the Buccaneers haven’t any drawback having White play a really excessive proportion of the Bucs’ offensive snaps, as he did all of final season. There’s a probability Tucker might get some rubbish time work in Weeks 16 or 17, however there are doubtless higher choices on the waiver wire. There may be additionally an opportunity Irving might be good to go subsequent week.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Buccaneers broad receiver Jalen McMillan not solely tripled his profession landing complete, however his 63 receiving yards was 28 greater than his earlier profession excessive for a sport.
- Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell suffered what seemed to be a severe knee damage. Desmond Ridder took over and would doubtless be the quarterback to shut out the season if O’Connell misses time.
- Raiders backup tight finish Justin Shorter was inactive as a result of a backup damage.
- Raiders broad receiver Jakobi Meyers was questionable for this sport as a result of an ankle damage, however the damage had no impression on his taking part in time or goal share.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
Tank Bigsby dominates the Jaguars in carries: Bigsby ran 18 occasions, which is a career-high in a sport the place Travis Etienne Jr. additionally performed.
Etienne and Bigsby’s complete variety of snaps performed was much like final week. D’Ernest Johnson has been a wholesome inactive the final two weeks, so the backfield has been a two-man rotation. This week, the distinction is that the Jaguars had been more likely to run the ball when Bigsby was on the sphere than Etienne.
Bigsby solely ran 13 or extra occasions in three different video games in his profession. Etienne was inactive for 2 of these video games and restricted within the third. Within the two different video games the place Bigsby had reached double-digit carries, Etienne additionally reached double-digit carries.
Whereas there have been hints all season that Bigsby was the lead rusher on this workforce, this sport was, by far, the clearest proof that Bigsby is the workforce’s prime runner for, not less than, the remainder of this season. The Jaguars usually face below-average groups with common run defenses over the remainder of the fantasy season, so we should always anticipate Bigsby to have not less than double-digit carries in these video games. He needs to be one of many prime waiver-wire choices on the week.
Titans return to their regular operating again rotation: Tyjae Spears was, as soon as once more, the clear receiving again.
Spears has spent many of the season because the Titans’ receiving again and first backup on early downs. He missed Weeks 7-9 as a result of damage and Week 12 as a result of a concussion. When Spears missed time, the workforce had no drawback with Pollard taking up on passing downs and taking part in over 80% of the offensive snaps.
Spears returned to motion final week however solely performed in 14 snaps. After touching the ball not less than 5 occasions in each different sport, he ran the ball as soon as and didn’t see a goal. It appeared potential the backfield had shifted extra in Pollard’s favor.
This week, all the pieces was again to regular. Spears ran six occasions and caught a go whereas taking part in many of the clear passing conditions.
Spears hasn’t had fantasy worth all season, however he is without doubt one of the prime handcuff choices. The Titans play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16 and the Jaguars once more in Week 17. If Pollard suffers an damage subsequent week, Spears would doubtless get utilized in Pollard’s function, and be a transparent fantasy starter in these two matchups.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Titans signed backup broad receiver Mason Kinsey to the lively roster on Saturday. He took over because the workforce’s punt returner. Sixth-round rookie Jha’Quan Jackson had been the punt returner all season, however he was a wholesome inactive.
- Earlier within the week, there have been studies that Titans broad receiver Treylon Burks wouldn’t return this season.
- The Jaguars claimed broad receiver Josh Reynolds off waivers from the Denver Broncos earlier within the week. Given his brief time with the workforce, the Jaguars made Reynolds inactive. Reynolds has the expertise to be a top-three broad receiver on this workforce in the course of the fantasy playoffs.
- The Jaguars used Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington in two-receiver units along with Devin Duvernay in three-receiver units for a second-straight week. Duvernay performed extra within the slot this week than final, leaving the opposite two out broad extra typically.
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
- Zach Charbonnet: 22 carries, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns, 7 receptions, 59 receiving yards
- James Conner: 18 carries, 90 yards, 4 receptions, 32 receiving yards, 1 receiving landing
Zach Charbonnet shines with out Kenneth Walker III: The Seahawks’ ordinary beginning operating again was inactive as a result of ankle and calf accidents.
Walker had additionally missed two video games early within the season. Charbonnet performed not less than 84% of Seattle’s offensive snaps in each video games with not less than 17.0 PPR factors in each video games. Charbonnet equally dominated snaps this time round. He set profession highs in carries (22), dashing yards (134), receptions (seven) and receiving yards (59), making this by far one of the best fantasy efficiency of his profession.
He didn’t dominate snaps fairly as a lot as in different video games, doubtless as a result of needing extra breaks after so many touches. Kenny McIntosh ran the ball seven occasions after totaling simply 4 profession carries heading into this week. Even George Holani, who’s an undrafted rookie and a observe squad call-up, performed his first profession NFL offensive snaps.
If Walker can’t play subsequent week, Charbonnet is a must-start regardless of the dangerous matchup towards the Minnesota Vikings. If Walker can play, it might be tough to start out him until we will be assured about his well being. The sport script towards the Vikings might favor Charbonnet no matter Walker’s well being.
James Conner maintains a powerful maintain on the backfield: Conner performed over 75% of Arizona’s offensive snaps regardless of a sport script working towards him.
A couple of weeks in the past, it appeared just like the Cardinals had been prepared to combine Trey Benson into the backfield a bit of extra typically. Conner was coping with a finger damage, however Benson has additionally seemed good all season. Benson has averaged not less than 4.0 yards per carry in each sport he’s run the ball, exterior of his rubbish time runs in Week 2.
Conner seems to be again to 100% now, and regardless of Benson’s good play, Conner hasn’t gone anyplace. He dominated snaps, exterior of dropping the same old third-and-long snaps to Emari Demercado. Benson nonetheless ran it twice, together with a 15-yard run, however Conner ran for five.0 yards per carry.
Conner not too long ago signed a contract extension, and sooner or later, we are going to in all probability see extra snaps from Benson. Till then, Conner might be a must-start participant whatever the sport script or opponent.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba stays on a dominant stretch of video games. He’s gained not less than 69 receiving yards in six straight, ending with not less than 11.0 PPR factors in every of these video games. He caught 5 passes for 82 yards and a landing this week.
- Zay Jones not too long ago overtook Greg Dortch in offensive snaps, however this week, Dortch was again within the lead. It was largely a mixture of Michael Wilson and Dortch within the slot, whereas Marvin Harrison Jr. performed his fewest slot snaps since Week 6.
Buffalo Payments @ Los Angeles Rams
- Puka Nacua: 12 receptions, 162 yards, 1 landing
- Kyren Williams: 29 carries, 87 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards
Payments broad receivers shine with out Keon Coleman: Coleman missed his fourth-straight sport as a result of a wrist damage.
Coleman’s lacking time has left the Payments with a four-wide receiver rotation relatively than a five-man rotation. This hasn’t all the time led to plenty of fantasy manufacturing in video games the place the Payments are forward and might run the ball. This week, they had been taking part in from behind and passing quite a bit. This gave all 4 broad receivers vital routes.
Khalil Shakir caught 5 passes for 106 yards, together with a highlight-worthy 51-yard landing catch. Amari Cooper was focused on 14 of his 26 routes for six receptions and 95 yards.
Whereas Cooper’s stat line was one of the best it’s been since becoming a member of the Payments, we shouldn’t essentially anticipate this going ahead. His taking part in time actually hasn’t elevated a lot since his second sport with the workforce. As soon as Coleman is again, it will likely be more durable for Cooper to play extra. He might have an enormous sport subsequent week towards the Detroit Lions, however after that, he has two dwelling video games towards the New England Patriots and New York Jets. These are video games the place each the sport script and the climate might result in Buffalo operating early and sometimes.
Cooper might be an enormous asset to the Payments as soon as they attain the playoffs, however he might be very dangerous to play within the final two weeks of the fantasy playoffs.
Monitor Demarcus Robinson’s well being: Robinson suffered a shoulder damage, limiting his snaps.
Robinson wasn’t capable of end final week as a result of a hand damage, which left him restricted in observe at the beginning of the week. He was dominating snap early on, taking part in 38 of a potential 39 snaps within the first half. Each Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp had been rotated out extra typically, whereas Tutu Atwell was the first backup.
Within the third quarter, Robinson solely performed in six of a potential 19 snaps, whereas Atwell largely took his place. Robinson performed one other three snaps, and his final play got here in the course of the fourth quarter.
The Rams have a brief week with a sport towards the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Evening. If Robinson misses the sport, anticipate Atwell to take his place. Usually, the Rams don’t throw quite a bit to their X receiver. Atwell tends to see extra manufacturing when he’s changing Kupp or Nacua. He would doubtless be somebody to keep away from in fantasy.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Payments tight finish Dalton Kincaid missed his third straight sport as a result of a knee damage. Quintin Morris additionally didn’t play as a result of shoulder and groin accidents. This meant Knox performed much more than the final two weeks.
- Rams tight finish Tyler Higbee has returned to observe however was inactive for this sport. He was a full participant in observe all week, which is an effective signal he might be able to play subsequent week.
Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers
Monitor Isaac Guerendo’s well being: Guerendo suffered a foot damage early within the fourth quarter and didn’t return.
The 49ers misplaced Elijah Mitchell to injured reserve earlier than the season as well as Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason to injured reserve final week. This made Guerendo the 49ers’ lead operating again in the present day. The 49ers additionally signed Patrick Taylor from the observe squad, signed Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets and added Ke’Shawn Vaughn to the observe squad. Vaughn was with the workforce in the course of the preseason, so he was a observe squad callup whereas Abanikanda was inactive this week after simply becoming a member of the workforce.
Guerendo performed 31 of 45 snaps over the primary eight drives, operating 12 occasions whereas Taylor solely ran as soon as. After the damage, Taylor performed many of the snaps, though Vaughn took three within the final 4 minutes with Brandon Allen at quarterback.
If Guerendo is ok, he can doubtless keep in fantasy beginning lineups. If not, Taylor is the doubtless starter, however Abanikanda can be a whole wildcard. The 49ers have a brief week, with a matchup towards the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Evening Soccer. Taylor needs to be a precedence waiver-wire decide, as he might be the clear starter a number of days from now towards a workforce that usually permits plenty of dashing manufacturing.
Monitor Travis Homer’s well being: Homer suffered a head damage and didn’t return.
The Bears had been already down their ordinary receiving again in Roschon Johnson, who was inactive as a result of a concussion. D’Andre Swift additionally wasn’t working towards at the beginning of the week as a result of a quadriceps damage. He was initially questionable however ended up taking part in.
Homer began the sport in Johnson’s function because the receiving again. Homer had this function at occasions with the Seattle Seahawks and likewise had it with the Bears at the beginning of the season. Homer performed his final snap late within the second quarter.
Swift performed all 32 snaps within the second half by which Caleb Williams was additionally on the sphere. The Bears put in some backups on the very finish of their blowout loss, which led to Darrynton Evans, who was a observe squad call-up, taking part in 4 snaps to shut out the sport.
The Bears have very powerful matchups towards the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions developing. If each Johnson and Homer miss these video games, it will likely be safer to start out Swift as a result of he would ideally have extra of a task within the passing sport. If both one is again, it will in all probability be higher to go away Swift on the bench.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Deebo Samuel solely ran the ball as soon as within the final three weeks with Christian McCaffrey within the lineup. With out McCaffrey, Samuel ran the ball 5 occasions. It might be much more subsequent week if Isaac Guerendo misses time.
- A good finish has reached over 120 receiving yards seven occasions this season. George Kittle has now completed it twice with a 151-yard efficiency Sunday. Brock Bowers and Trey McBride have additionally completed it twice, whereas Dallas Goedert had one of the best day for a decent finish this season with 170 yards in Week 3.
- Bears backup broad receiver and return man DeAndre Carter suffered a hamstring damage early within the sport and was ultimately dominated out. He’s usually the one different Bears broad receiver to play exterior of the highest three on the depth chart. Collin Johnson took his place as the first backup this week.
- Bears broad receiver D.J. Moore was questionable for this sport as a result of a quadriceps damage, however he was capable of play his ordinary function within the offense.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco begins for the Chiefs: Pacheco was the clear lead again after splitting time with Kareem Hunt final week.
Pacheco returned from injured reserve final week, however Hunt bought the beginning. Each operating backs had seven carries, however Pacheco grew to become extra concerned as the sport progressed.
This week, Pacheco began and ran the ball 14 occasions, in comparison with simply three carries by Hunt. Whereas Hunt nonetheless rotated in steadily, it was totally on passing performs. Samaje Perine continued dealing with passing-down duties. On this function, Hunt is not a viable fantasy starter and will be launched in most leagues.
The Chiefs face a difficult schedule for operating backs over the subsequent three weeks, with matchups towards the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. Pacheco can doubtless stay a fantasy starter throughout this stretch as a result of his constant function within the run sport and the Chiefs’ tendency to play with a positive sport script. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely he might be a league winner.
Chargers consolidate backfield: Los Angeles used a two-man backfield with Kimani Vidal and Gus Edwards.
Final week, the Chargers used a three-man rotation, with Hassan Haskins steadily taking part in in clear passing conditions. This week, the backfield was largely restricted to Edwards and Vidal. Edwards continued to play extra in clear operating conditions, as he has all through his profession. Vidal served as the first backup on early downs and performed in passing conditions.
Will probably be tough for Vidal to have fantasy worth on this function, because the Chargers haven’t focused operating backs typically this season. Vidal’s solely path to fantasy relevance is that if he cuts into Edwards’ taking part in time, which has not occurred to this point.
The Chargers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos over the subsequent two weeks — video games that needs to be comparatively aggressive. Edwards can doubtlessly be a fantasy starter in these matchups, relying in your different operating again choices. Vidal’s greatest probability for worth will are available Week 17 towards the New England Patriots, the place each backs might ideally see double-digit carries.
Joshua Palmer steps up with out Ladd McConkey: The Chargers’ rookie broad receiver was inactive with knee and shoulder accidents.
McConkey was basically the Chargers’ solely supply of offense final week, recording 9 receptions for 117 yards, whereas the remainder of the workforce mixed for simply 33 receiving yards. With McConkey out, Palmer shifted from primarily taking part in exterior receiver to the slot function, leading to his greatest sport of the season in each receptions and receiving yards.
Whereas Quentin Johnston remained an outdoor receiver, the Chargers rotated gamers for the opposite exterior spot. Jalen Reagor, Derius Davis and D.J. Chark Jr. all noticed snaps on the Chargers’ first offensive drive. Reagor was the clear favourite within the first half, taking part in 18 of a potential 28 snaps. Nevertheless, he suffered a finger damage early within the third quarter and didn’t return, leaving Davis as the first third receiver within the second half. No broad receiver exterior of Palmer and Johnston completed with greater than 10 receiving yards.
McConkey is anticipated again subsequent week and will return to the slot function, which might push Palmer again exterior and sure cut back his fantasy manufacturing. Palmer is an unrestricted free agent after the season, and his sturdy displaying within the slot might enhance his worth within the coming months.
Monitor Will Dissly’s well being: The Chargers’ receiving tight finish suffered a shoulder damage on the finish of the primary half.
Dissly performed 24 of a potential 29 snaps within the first half, recording two catches for 19 yards. On the ultimate play of the half, he slid down after making a catch and suffered a shoulder damage. In consequence, Stone Smartt, who didn’t play in any respect within the first half, grew to become the first receiving tight finish within the second half. He shined in his restricted alternatives, catching three passes for 54 yards. This marked simply the third time all season {that a} Chargers tight finish completed with greater than 50 receiving yards in a sport.
Los Angeles has a positive matchup towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers subsequent week. Whoever leads the tight finish group for the Chargers in that sport needs to be a prime waiver wire possibility for fantasy managers needing a decent finish in Week 15.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Mecole Hardman was positioned on injured reserve on Saturday with a knee damage. Nikko Remigio signed to take his roster spot. Remigio didn’t play on offense however returned each kickoffs and punts.
- Chiefs backup tight finish Noah Grey has caught 4 passes in every of his final 4 video games.
Desk Notes
- Snaps embody performs known as again as a result of penalties, together with offensive holding or defensive go interference. The opposite three stats have these performs eliminated.
- Targets might differ from official NFL sources. The probably discrepancy can be from a transparent thrown-away go, the place the NFL might give the goal to the closest receiver, whereas this knowledge is not going to.
- Carries are solely on designed performs. Quarterback scrambles gained’t rely for the full variety of carries within the sport.
