Author: James Fotheringham - @nflhypetrain

Welcome to the fantasy recap. If it wasn’t already, it’s fantasy playoff time and the end of bye weeks so plenty to celebrate if you’re still in your leagues. There’s also a lot to be anxious about with line-up decisions and injuries likely to become a big topic this week. Apologies for this being late and a bit quick, as some of you may know, I play in 40+ leagues and things are getting critical.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

QB: Trevor Lawrence (JAX) – 30cmp/368yds/3td/0int + 3rsh/7yds/1td = 33pts

I’d say Lawrence has officially arrived now.

Other star QBs: J.Hurts (30), J.Goff (26).

RB: Jerrick McKinnon (KC) – 6rsh/22yds + 7rec/112yds/2tds = 32pts

Maybe RBs should start being called “narrow receivers”.

Other star RBs: CMC/M.Sanders (29), A.Ekeler (24).

WR: Jerry Jeudy (DEN) – 8rec/73yds/3tds = 33pts

Remove Sutton from the equation and suddenly there’s clarity.

Other star WRs: J.Jefferson (33), J.Chase (29), T.Hill/M.Williams (24).

TE: Evan Engram (JAX) – 11rec/162yds/2td = 39pts

Erm… wow. Skipped surprise package and just gone straight here. Top score on the week.

Other Star TE’s: D.Njoku (19), D.Schultz (15).

Surprise Packages:

Russell Wilson (DEN) – 23cmp/247yds/3td/0int + 4rsh/57yds = 27pts

For once, Russ cooked.

Other surprise QBs: B.Purdy (22).

Chuba Hubbard (CAR) – 14rsh/74yds/1td + 3rec/25yds = 19pts

How to make a backfield interesting and annoying in equal measure.

Other surprise RBs: P.Strong (17), M.Mack (16).

Chris Moore (HOU) – 10rec/124yds/0td = 22pts

When you’re the next man up, you’re the next man up, no matter how bad the team is.

Other surprise WRs: Z.Jones (22), D.Chark (21), M.Goodwin (20).  

Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) – 6rec/45yds/1td = 19pts

Repeats in this position after going beyond what happened last week.  

Other surprise TEs: A.Hooper (12).

Disappointments:

Derek Carr (LV) – 11cmp/137yds/2int + 4rsh/11yds = 5pts

The Carr didn’t get going.

Other disappointing QB’s: M.Jones (7).

Travis Etienne (JAX) – 17rsh/32yds = 3pts

Plenty of work, but no output, which was the opposite of the rest of his team.

Other disappointing RB’s: J.Williams (4), D.Singletary (5).

Jaylen Waddle (MIA) – 2rec/31yds = 5pts

A weird off day for Miami and Waddle in particular.

Other disappointing WR’s: G.Davis (6), S.Diggs (7).

Noah Fant (SEA) – 0rec/0yds = 0pts

Knox was locked down against the Patriots but you could argue they didn’t need him.

Other disappointing TE’s: M.Gesicki/F.Moreau(0); M.Andrews(4).

Injury Roundup:

I’ve added a new section to note who left games with injuries which may have affected their fantasy score and you will have to keep an eye on over the coming week or weeks.

Quarterbacks:

Kyler Murray (Likely ACL tear – Out for season)

Kenny Pickett (Concussion – Usually miss next week)

Russell Wilson (Concussion – Usually miss next week)

Brock Purdy (Oblique/Ribs – Questionable for TNF)

Tyler Huntley(Concussion – Usually miss next week) (NB: Lamar still out with knee injury).

Running Backs:

Jeff Wilson (Hip – Day to day)

Rhamondre Stevenson (Ankle – unknown)

Dameon Pierce (Ankle – Potentially out 1-2 games)

Josh Jacobs (Finger – Questionable as he is every week but usually plays)

CMC (Knee – Questionable for TNF but should play)

Wide Receivers:

Tyreek Hill (Ankle – Should be fine)

Deebo Samuel (Knee/Ankle – Will miss multiple weeks)

Amari Cooper (Hip – Day to day)

Tee Higgins (Hamstring – Day to day)

Tyler Boyd (Finger – Day to day)

DJ Moore (Knee – Day to day)

Devante Parker/Richie James (Concussion – Likely miss a game)

Tight Ends:

Daniel Bellinger (Ribs – Unknown)

Pat Freiermuth (Foot – Unknown)

Waiver Wire Pickups:

Quarterbacks:

Trevor Lawrence – JAX vsDAL

Andy Dalton – NO vsATL

Mike White – NYJ vsDET

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Running Backs:

Rachaad White – TB vsCIN

Jerrick McKinnon – KC @HOU

Zonovan Knight – NYJ vsDET

JK Dobbins – BAL @CLE

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Wide Receivers:

Elijah Moore – NYJ vsDET

Treylon Burks – TEN @LAC

Zay Jones – JAX vsDAL

Donovan Peoples-Jones – CLE vsBAL

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Tight Ends:

Greg Dulcich – DEN vsARI

Dawson Knox – BUF vsMIA

Evan Engram – JAX vsDAL

Chigoziem Okonkwo – TEN @LAC

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Defence/Special Teams (Assume BUF/DAL/PHI/BAL/SF/NE is unavailable):

Broncos vsARI

Chiefs @HOU

Panthers vsPIT

Packers @LAR

Welcome to the fantasy recap. Week 13 will have been unlucky for some, especially those with players who suffered game ending injuries early on. Week 14 marks the start of the fantasy playoffs in some leagues but with 6 teams on bye I hope for your sake that they start in week 15. You don’t want people knocked out of the playoffs due to their star being on bye. That being said, injuries are also going to be key, and some have major knock on effects for other assets so this may make tough reading for some. But there were some stars too so let’s start with the positives.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

QB: Jalen Hurts (PHI) – 29cmp/380yds/3td/0int + 5rsh/12yds/1td/1fum = 33pts

Hurts was top of the tree in this week where many have put theirs up for Christmas.

Other star QBs: J.Burrow(30), G.Smith(23).

RB: Christian McCaffrey (SF) – 17rsh/66yds + 8rec/80yds/1td = 29pts

The 49ers lose their starting QB but their best asset stepped up to carry them through.

Other star RBs: T.Pollard (25), D.Swift (21), J.Jacobs (20).

WR: Davante Adams (LV) – 8rec/177yds/2tds = 38pts

Adams once again dominated albeit if you have Brown in your name you were probably good too.

Other star WRs: A.StBrown(35), AJ.Brown(32), T.Hill(30).

TE: Greg Dulcich (DEN) – 6rec/85yds = 15pts

This should be in surprises as a Denver player makes it into this section but it was a bad week for tight ends.

Other Star TE’s: C.Otton/E.Engram(14), T.Hill/C.Kmet/G.Everett(13).

Surprise Packages:

J.Goff (DET) – 31cmp/340yds/2td/0int = 22pts

Goff and co. put up 40 points on the Jags as though they were playing Madden on rookie.

Other surprise QBs: M.White (19), T.Huntley (17), B.Purdy(15).

Cam Akers (LAR) – 17rsh/60yds/2tds + 1rec/0yds = 19pts

Cam Akers has returned from the wilderness. Not sure how long it will last but good for him.

Other surprise RBs: S.Perine (22), A.Dillon (18pts), Z.Knight/J.Cook (17).

Garrett Wilson (NYJ) – 8rec/162yds/0td = 24pts

A Jets player, not scoring a td but puts up 24pts. Maybe times are changing for this offence.

Other surprise WRs: A.Pierce(19), J.Dotson(16), I.Hodgins/T.Sherfield(15).  

Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) – 4rec/68yds = 11pts

Okonokwo went with the flow this week and the rookie has started to emerge.

Other surprise TEs: N.Fant(14), C.Heyward/B.Jordan(9).

Disappointments:

DeShaun Watson (CLE) – 12cmp/131yds/1int + 7rsh/21yds/1fumlost = 6pts

Ignore fantasy, he’s a disappointment in general as a human so many will have taken delight in his terrible statline on his return.

Other disappointing QB’s: K.Cousins(12), A.Rodgers/T.Lawrence(14). Other low scorers were somewhat expected.

Jeff Wilson (MIA) – 1rsh/3yds = 0pts

Wilson was against his former team but here he was MIA, Missing in action.

Other disappointing RB’s: J.Hasty(0), G.Edwards(1), R.Mostert(3), A.Kamara/D.Henry/C.Patterson(6).

George Pickens (PIT) – 1rec/2yds = 1pt

The Steelers won but the Pickett to Pickens connection wasn’t picked by the coaching team.

Other disappointing WR’s: J.Waddle(2), M.Jones(3), Z.Jones/M.Pittman(4), A.Thielin(5).

Dawson Knox (BUF) – 0rec/0yds = 0pts

Knox was locked down against the Patriots but you could argue they didn’t need him.

Other disappointing TE’s: M.Alie-Cox(-1); M.Gesicki/T.Hill(0); G.Kittle(4).

Injury Roundup:

I’ve added a new section to note who left games with injuries which may have affected their fantasy score and you will have to keep an eye on over the coming week or weeks.

Quarterbacks:

Lamar Jackson (Knee – Could miss time)

Jimmy Garoppolo (Foot – Out for season)

Running Backs:

Kenneth Walker (Ankle – Unknown)

Wide Receivers:

Jalen Waddle (Leg – Returned to game but unclear)

Jacobi Meyers (Head – Unknown)

Treylon Burks (Concussion – Unknown)

Tight Ends:

Hayden Hurst (Calf – Unknown)

Waiver Wire Pickups:

The last week of byes but it is a big one so I hope that these don’t bias your playoffs.

BYE Weeks: ATL, CHI, GB, IND, NO, WAS

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Quarterbacks:

Derek Carr – LV @LAR

Geno Smith – SEA vsCAR

Tyler Huntley – BAL @PIT

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Running Backs:

Deejay Dallas – SEA vsCAR

Cam Akers – LAR vsLV

Zonovan Knight – NYJ @BUF

D’Onta Foreman – CAR @SEA

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Wide Receivers:

Garrett Wilson – NYJ @BUF

Josh Palmer – LAC vsMIA

Nico Collins – HOU @DAL

Donovan Peoples-Jones – CLE @CIN

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Tight Ends:

Greg Dulcich – DEN vsKC

Noah Fant – SEA vsCAR

Evan Engram – JAX @TEN

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Defence/Special Teams (Assume BUF/DAL/PHI/BAL/SF/NE is unavailable):

Seahawks vsCAR

Chiefs @DEN

Titans vsJAX

Raiders @LAR

Welcome to the fantasy recap. Week 12 saw some amazing games and some amazing performances. With the fantasy playoffs coming up soon for many, this article is going to adapt slightly to feature less description and highlight a few more players, as well as adding some (hopefully) more useful sections. As it’s been Thanksgiving weekend I want to extend my thanks to everyone and anyone who has read my articles over this season so far and all supporters of the Full10Yards group. Now let’s look at who was a proud turkey, and who got stuffed.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

QB: Josh Allen (BUF) – 24cmp/253yds/2td/1int + 10rsh/78yds/1td/1fum = 30pts

Allen seems to have shaken off his injury and is back being elite again. Just in time for the playoffs.

Other star QBs: J.Hurts, J.Herbert (29pts); K.Murray (26pts).

RB: Josh Jacobs (LV) – 33rsh/229yds/2td + 6rec/74yds = 48pts

Jacobs was the top scorer on the week and scored the winning TD in overtime. An incredible week.

Other star RBs: M.Sanders (31pts); A.Ekeler (25pts); B.Robinson (21pts).

WR: Chris Godwin (TB) – 12rec/110yds/1td = 29pts

The Bucs can be hard to judge at times but this week it was Godwin’s turn to be the primary option and he delivered.

Other star WRs: J.Jefferson (29pts); A.StBrown (28pts); T.Higgins (24pts).

TE: Dalton Schultz (DAL) – 4rec/31yds/2tds = 19pts

I’m giving tight ends their own section now and Dalton Schultz gets the first nod here despite it being a quite week for the elite players in the positon.

Other Star TE’s: T.Kelce (16pts); T.Hockenson, H.Henry (15pts); D.Njoku (14pts).

Surprise Packages:

Mike White (NYJ) – 22cmp/315yds/3td/0int + 3rsh/2yds = 25pts

A Jets QB just threw for 300+ yards and 0int. Let that sink in.

Other surprise QBs: T.Lawrence (23pts), S.Darnold (16pts).

JaMycal Hasty (JAX) – 12rsh/28yds + 5rec/67yds/1td = 21pts

Hasty ended up as the RB5 on the week after Travis Etienne missed most of the game through injury.

Other surprise RBs: A.Dillon (18pts), T.Johsnon, A.Abdullah (15pts); B.Snell (14pts), T.Homer (13pts), Z.Knight (12pts).

Zay Jones (JAX) – 11rec/145yds/0td/1tpt = 29pts

Another Jag after their epic win against the Ravens. Zay Jones was WR4 on the week and caught the game winning 2pt conversion.

Other surprise WRs: G.Wilson (26pts); I.McKenzie (22pts); D.Carter (20pts), N.Agholor (19pts).  

Josh Oliver (BAL) – 4rec/76yds/1td = 18pts

Mark Andrews played in this game and wasn’t injured so I can’t explain this one.

Other surprise TEs: J.Woods (17pts); J.Akins (14pts), J.Bates (11pts).

Disappointments:

Russel Wilson (DEN) – 19cmp/142yds/1td + 2rsh/8yds/1fumlost = 7pt

It’s really not worked out well for Russ in Denver has it? Against the Panthers, this was a new low.

Other disappointing QB’s: M.Ryan (9pts). Other low scorers were somewhat expected.

Damien Pierce (HOU) – 5rsh/8yds + 3rec/8yds = 5pts

A down week for Pierce as Ogunbawale took a td away. I see this as only a blip.

Other disappointing RB’s: Kareem Hunt (3pts); Cam Akers (4pts); Jerrick McKinnon (6pts).

Curtis Samuel (WAS) – 0rec/0yds + 4rsh/13yds = 1pt

Not even a target in a good matchup. I’m not quite sure what the Commanders were thinking but they still won.

Other disappointing WR’s: Alec Pierce (0pts); Tyler Boyd, Allen Lazard (4pts); Drake London, Mike Evans (5pts).

Tyler Higbee (LAR) – 0rec/0yds = 0pts

Not even a target and he wasn’t injured. Perkins just didn’t use him.

Other disappointing TE’s: M.Gesicki, J.Johnson, C.Otton (0pts); E.Engram (1pt); L.Thomas (2pts).

Injury Roundup:

I’ve added a new section to note who left games with injuries which may have affected their fantasy score and you will have to keep an eye on over the coming week or weeks.

Quarterbacks:

Aaron Rodgers.

Running Backs:

Travis Etienne, Damien Harris, Alvin Kamara, Michael Carter, Elijah Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey, Najee Harris.

Wide Receivers:

Tyreek Hill, Jacoby Myers. (Darnell Mooney and Allen Robinson were ruled out long term before their games begun).

Tight Ends:

None

Waiver Wire Pickups:

I realise I made an error last week as I said ARI and CAR were on bye. That’s this week; everyone plays on Thanksgiving week so apologies for that. The format is changing this week to just list the options that may be available.

BYE Weeks: ARI, CAR

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Quarterbacks:

Trevor Lawrence – JAX @DET

DeShaun Watson – CLE @HOU

Kenny Pickett – PIT @ATL

Geno Smith – SEA @LAR

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Running Backs:

Kyren Williams – LAR vsSEA

Gus Edwards – BAL vsDEN

Rachaad White – TB vsNO

Zonovan Knight – NYJ @MIN

JaMycal Hasty – JAX @DET

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Wide Receivers:

Zay Jones – JAX @DET

Van Jefferson – LAR vsSEA

Nico Collins – HOU vsCLE

Donovan Peoples-Jones – CLE @HOU

Darius Slayton – NYG vsWAS

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Tight Ends:

Foster Moreau – LV vsLAC

Tyler Conklin – NYJ @MIN

Juwan Johnson – NO @TB

Evan Engram – JAX @DET

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Defence/Special Teams:

Browns @HOU

Seahawks @LAR

Steelers @ATL

Buccaneers vsNO

Welcome to the fantasy recap. Week 11 had game relocations, injury repercussions and surprise resurgences. It was a week with intrigue as deep as the Buffalo snow and results just as surprising. Next week there are only 2 teams on bye (and not particularly good ones at that) so next week should be a good yardstick to measure playoff potential if you haven’t started them yet. Time to grab your shovels, let’s get digging.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

Tony Pollard (DAL) – 15rsh/80yds + 6rec/109yds/2td 37pts

Pollard benefitted from Zeke being eased back into the team and from 2 long TDs with plenty of yards after catch. It was a shocker of a game with Minnesota getting blown out after their great performances so far this season but it appears Dallas and indeed most of their fantasy assets are back on track.

Davante Adams (LV) – 7rec/141yds/2tds 33pts

When he’s not ill or injured Adams is a problem for any defence. The Raiders have struggled this season but the Carr/Adams connection isn’t the problem and Josh Jacobs has looked decent. Adams is the receiving TD leader through 11 weeks on 10 with only Diggs, Hill and Jefferson ahead on points but he could well pass the lot.  

Travis Kelce (KC) – 6rec/115yds/3tds 36pts

The Chiefs lost Tyreek Hill, any idea of a reliable running game and acquired Juju and MVS but one thing that doesn’t change is the Mahomes to Kelce connection that can just dominate teams. A 3TD game seems tame after the 4TD game against the Raiders but this was technically his highest score of the season. A season where he has averaged about 22pts per game. Dominant.

Surprise Packages:

Jacobi Brissett (CLE) – 28cmp/324yds/3td/0int + 7rsh/29yds/0td/1fumlost 25pts

Is this perhaps the biggest surprise of all? The week before DeShaun Watson is eligible to return, Brissett puts up 324 yards and 3tds as well

Samaje Perine (CIN) – 11rsh/30yds + 4rec/52yds/3tds 30pts

I had every Cincinatti Bengals player in my DFS team except for Tyler Boyd and Perine… Before Mixon left through injury, Perine was already having a great game but without Mixon he was leant on harder and put up a monster day, albeit mostly in the air.

Josh Palmer (LAC) – 8rec/106yds/2tds 31pts

You have a few weeks without Allen and Williams and Palmer is okay but not special. The chargers get their top 2 receivers back and then Palmer goes absolute ham. Typical. He will be on so many benches this week that you know there will be tears. It would appear he just struggles with double teams but give him space and decoys and he will burn defences.

Disappointments:

Kirk Cousins (MIN) – 12cmp/105yds + 1fumlost 1pt

What happened? The Vikings had looked so good this season but they did not get going against Dallas. I think you just discord this one but remember that Prime Time Kirk Cousins has historically struggled and that may still be a thing.

D’Onta Foreman (CAR) – 11rsh/21yds 2pts

After the departure of Christian McCaffrey, Foreman looked set for a solid workload. He started off very well but it’s somewhat fallen off a cliff since and as soon as you have any kind of expectation, it falls apart. This was the kind of stat-line you’d expect with CMC still there.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (SF) – 1rec/18yds 3pts

In a team that lost Tyreek Hill but that passes an awful lot, MVS should be much more utilised. Whether he isn’t performing, isn’t being schemed in or is just 4^th in line for targets, I think we all expected better than this.

Waiver Wire Pickups:

BYE Weeks: ARI, CAR

QB – Trevor Lawrence (JAX) – Coming off the bye Lawrence may be available in a lot of places and the Jags may be a team to keep an eye on going down the back straight. The Ravens aren’t great against the QB so why not.

Other QB Options – Heinicke vsATL, Mariota @WAS, Garoppolo vsNO.

RB – Latavious Murray (DEN) – Melvin Gordon has been waived, most of the alternatives are injured and he just had a 17 point game. Latavious Murray is the obvious pickup. Isiah Pacheco may be out there but he’s a risky play and the same goes for Elijah Mitchell.  

WR – Parris Campbell (IND) – Campbell has been solid for back to back weeks and looks happier with Matt Ryan back at QB. Darius Slayton is also showing consistency for the Giants and Treylon Burks has finally shown something.  

TE – Juwan Johnson (NO) – It’s hard to pick a lower owned TE at the moment but Juwan Johnson has been in double digits for 3 weeks running so he’s low key been good.

DST Options – Colts vsPIT, Chiefs vsLAR, Dolphins @HOU.

Welcome to the fantasy recap. Week 10 saw perhaps one of the games of the season between the Bills and the Vikings, a return to something like they used to be for the Colts and injuries to Jerry Jeudy, Juju, Zach Ertz and Cooper Kupp. Those injuries will have cost a lot of teams this week and if they are out for multiple games it may cause havoc as we get closer to the fantasy playoffs. Let’s dive in.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

Justin Fields (CHI) – 12cmp/167yds/2tds/1int + 13rsh/147yds/2td 39pts

Justin Fields was again the top scorer on the week with a 61yard rushing touchdown helping to inflate an already decent stat-line. If you weren’t a believer before, you should be now. I just wish I knew what the coaching staff was doing for the first 5 games of the season. Even Darnell Mooney is relevant again after being dropped everywhere.  

Jonathan Taylor (IND) – 22rsh/147yds/2td + 2rec/16yds 24pts

The Jonathan Taylor we were expecting at the 1.01 (or similar) may finally have returned. Injuries, poor QB play and bad coaching may all have played a part but he’s just been shutout so often. The Raider defence is proving something of a tonic for some struggling fantasy assets and with Philly next I’d keep expectations limited.

CeeDee Lamb (DAL) – 11rec/150yds/2tds 38pts

In a week with some incredible Wide Receiver performances Lamb was the one who racked up the most points. Stefon Diggs had more receptions and Justin Jefferson got all the headlines but Lamb was less sheepish about finding the endzone.

Surprise Packages:

Matt Ryan (IND) – 21cmp/222yds/1td/0int + 4rsh/38yds/1td 23pts

There was no bigger surprise this week than Matt Ryan not only being the starter at the last second, but then playing a pivotal part in a victory with Jeff Saturday at the helm. Ryan wasn’t properly named the starter until the kick-off so it came as a shock that he played and then more of a shock when he was good. Maybe this will continue, maybe it won’t. but for some, there is hope again.

Alec Ingold (MIA) – 4rec/45yds/1td 15pts

There were 3 Dolphins RBs in the top 15 at the position this week. Jeff Wilson was 7^th, Raheem Mostert 10^th and Alec Ingold (technically a FB but classed as an RB) at 15^th. They combined for 56 points against the Browns although it is worth noting they had 10 receptions between them and only 25 rushing attempts (17 of which were Wilson).

Nick Westbrook-Ikhene (TEN) – 5rec/119yds/2tds 29pts

Last week I was on the Full10Yards NFL Podcast and mentioned that the Titans wide receivers did not register a single reception in week 9. This week there were 10 receptions and 5 of them went to Nick Westbrook-Ikhene (A further 9 went to RB and TE options just for reference). On a day where the Broncos zeroed in on Henry and Burks, they gave Tannehill an easy and effective alternative option.

Disappointments:

Justin Herbert (LAC) – 21cmp/196yds/1td/1int + 5rsh/22yds/1fum 12pts

Herbert was the QB24 on the week and while you can point to the fact he has a limited number of receiving options and that their star man currently is Austin Ekeler, this is still not what we expected from a top 6 drafted QB. Since week 5 he’s only once registered a score above 15 and he is the QB15 of the season. Marcus Mariota is the QB13, just to give you an idea how bad it is.

Cordarelle Patterson (ATL) – 5rsh/18yds + 1rec/2yds 3pts

Chalk this one down to Thursday Night Football often being terrible. Shorter rest weeks, quota filling matchups and a night where the team’s leading rusher was Marcus Mariota. Just ignore and move on.  

George Kittle (SF) – 1rec/21yds 3pts

His skills as a blocker do occasionally lead to lacklustre fantasy numbers and this was no exception. With McCaffrey, Mitchell, Deebo and Aiyuk they have plenty of weapons and Kittles support in the trenches opens that up as well as him being a very noteworthy decoy or release valve depending on how plays go. You’re never going to get consistency, but you always know there’s going to be a week where he explodes.

Waiver Wire Pickups:

BYE Weeks: JAX, SEA, MIA, TB

QB – Daniel Jones (NYG) – Jones has been reasonable through this season and his scores tend to be in lock-step with the opposition ability. The Giants play Detroit this week so the signs point towards a good week.   

Other QB Options – Goff vsNYG, Wilson vsLV.

RB – Jerrick McKinnon (KCC) – The Chiefs seem to be ignoring Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco isn’t going to be a bell cow. McKinnon seems to be getting a lot of work in the receiving game and has scored double digits for two consecutive weeks. Chuba Hubbard, Gus Edwards, Darrel Henderson, James Robinson, Brian Robinson and Nyheim Hines are also worthy options.

WR – Christian Watson (GB) – Watson has been struggling with injuries and getting to grips with the league and Aaron Rodgers all season, but this week he broke out in an emphatic way and with Romeo Doubs out, Rodgers may have found a new weapon. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michael Gallup, Nico Collins, MVS, Devin Duvernay and DeAndre Carter could also prove useful if you’re stretched.

TE – Cole Kmet (CHI) – Now that Justin Fields has had some of the shackles taken off, Kmet has become the weapon we thought he might be in pre-season. Successive 20+pt weeks mean he’s now 50% owned and gaining. Hayden Hurst, Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson are all lesser owned possibilities but also lookout foe David Njoku being available as he should return and can be a difference maker.

DST Options – Bengals @PIT, Broncos vsLV, Commanders @HOU.

Welcome to the fantasy recap. Apologies for missing week 8 and the byepocalypse, which would have been a very handy waivers segment I will admit. Life and mental health meant the article was something I had to sacrifice to buy time for other things. But I am back to review another mad week with some frankly easy candidates for each category. Some players have moved to new places and starting to pick up their playbooks so there’s a lot of variables. The Steelers, Browns, Cowboys, Giants, Broncos and 49ers were all out of action and that makes it tied with week 14 for the most teams on bye in a week so fantasy line ups were less about “who to pick?” more “who is playing?” We lose some big hitters next week too so hopefully the section at the end will help you survive that mess. But here we are, week 9; enjoy.  

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

Joe Mixon (CIN) – 22rsh/153yds/4td + 4rec/58yds/1td 55pts

Okay so there’s nowhere else we can start this week other than with Joe Mixon. He won a lot of people their matchups on his own with 5TDs and one of the most dominating displays by a single player in fantasy for quite some time. This was one for the ages.

Justin Fields (CHI) – 17cmp/123yds/3tds/0int + 15rsh/178yds/1td 43pts

Early in the season many people thought the Bears and Fields were busts. Fast forward to week 9 and still without any real weapons or major passing yardage, Justin is having a Fields day and seemingly having fun out there in a team which (dare I say it) looks competitive again. The Fields may be gold for a little while, but with more receiving weapons, just imagine what this team could become.

Devante Adams (LV) – 10rec/146yds/2tds 37pts

Adams had an awful week 8, but that can mostly be attributed to an illness he suffered from all week essentially relegating him to a decoy. This week he was back to being dominant and seemed comfortable against a Jags defence that had no answer for him. That being said the offence did have an answer as the Raider lost, again.

Surprise Packages:

Jeff Wilson (MIA) – 9rsh/51yds + 3rec/21yds/1td 16pts

Wilson was one of the deadline day trades coming over from the new home of CMC San Francisco. He’s proven over many year that he’s a very capable pass catching RB2 and this game epitomised that.

Garret Wilson (NYJ) – 8rec/92yds + 1rsh/7yds 17pts

Just when you think the Jets have lost their last hope of being a respectable offence, they go out and beat the Bills. After earlier having a week of the disappointments section being all Wilsons, this is almost a section of surprising Wilsons as Garret had a good game just without getting into the endzone.

Cole Kmet (CHI) – 5rec/41yds/2tds + 2rsh/9yds 22pts

Cast your mind back to pre-season and your fantasy drafts. Was Cole Kmet a potential star and a late round Tight End you were targeting? Then after a few weeks was he on your waiver wire? Well after a season which can only be seen as a disappointment, this was the week he broke out and put up a monster score. 2TDs does help that but now the Bears seem to be unlocking their offence, Kmet is just one of the potential beneficiaries.

Disappointments:

Matt Stafford (LAR) – 13cmp/165yds/1td/0int + 2rsh/-1yds 10pts

Stafford and the Rams offence as a whole (if you exclude Cooper Kupp) has been a huge disappointment. This is the 5^th time in 8 games where Stafford has scored below 11pts but this was his lowest passing total to date. Being sacked 4 times won’t help either but there is very little running game and the O-Line is just trash.

Alvin Kamara (NO) – 9rsh/30yds + 3rec/32yds 9pts

The likes of Pacheco, Benjamin and Herbert are not outright RB1s on their team and should be expected to put up big numbers weekly. Clyde Edward-Helaire and David Montgomery have had their workloads dropped in recent weeks. D’Onta Foreman may be the Panthers RB1 but that is still the Panthers. I mentioned AJ Dillon last week and Aaron Jones was injured. So in the end I have gone for Alvin Kamara. Baltimore just shut him down and there was no other obvious reason he’d scor under 10pts.  

Drake London (ATL) – 3rec/23yds/1fumlost 2pts

His name was here 2 weeks ago and I see no reason to remove it. Drake London had everything going for him early on in the season, but the Atlanta offence does not look good.

Waiver Wire Pickups:

BYE Weeks: BAL, CIN, NE, NYJ

QB – Justin Fields (CHI) – It seems like Fields has become a plausible every week starter and most leagues are going to have a manager looking for a solution to their QB situation. If you feel like it’s a gamble you’re willing to take, then enjoy the ride.   

Other QB Options – Goff @CHI, D.Jones vsHOU, Carr vsIND..

RB – Chuba Hubbard (CAR) – The coaching changes in Carolina and some rest due to injury may give Hubbard a route to touches this week against a porous Atlanta defence. Most good running backs are owned but if a Patterson, Dillon, Herbert or Jeff Wilson are out there, go grab them.

WR – Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) – Josh Palmer and Alan Lazard could be out there in some leagues and they would be a major priority but if not then Wan’Dale Robinson fresh off the Giants bye week could be a handy addition.  Michael Gallup, Nico Collins and Mecole Hardman could also prove useful if you’re stretched.

TE – Greg Dulcich (DEN) – Dulcich had 3 consecutive weeks of 10+ PPR points before the bye and looked to be an answer for the Broncos and at about 40% ownership due to the bye, grab him now while you can. Cole Kmet could become an options and Juwan Johnson seems to be taking the receiving Tight End work in New Orleans.  

DST Options – Giants vsHOU, Titans vsDEN, Raiders vsIND, Rams vsARI.

Welcome to the fantasy recap and this week we had to survive without the Bills, Eagles, Vikings and Rams so it was a tough week to get through. Throw in a massive trade, some major injuries and strange coaching decisions and it added up to the usual FF mayhem. He’s who thrived, who nosedived and who has arrived on the scene this week.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

Andy Dalton (NO) – 30cmp/361yds/4tds/3int + 4rsh/21yds 30pts

I gave Joe Burrow the nod here last week and he was top dog once again but to switch it up I’ll pick this week’s QB2. That was Andy Dalton. The Red Rifle had a game he’d want to forget when it comes to real life since he threw 3 interceptions and lost the game to Arizona, but his fantasy score was tremendous.

Austin Ekeler (LAC) – 9rsh/31yds/1td + 12rec/96yds/1td 36pts

Ekeler is the clear RB1 on the season currently and in some scoring formats, tied for the league lead. After a mediocre start (we are still talking double digits every week though) he’s not dipped below 24 since week 3. Most receivers would love 12 receptions so his usage there as a running back is incredible, especially when you consider he caught every target he got.   

JaMarr Chase (CIN) – 8rec/130yds/2tds 33pts

Now Joe Burrow is fully mended the Bengals offence looks hard to stop. Chase had the biggest day as you can see but Tyler Boyd was the WR2 and Higgins was still in the top 24 and got 90+yards. Boyd had the most yards at 155 but only made the endzone once. But if you played The QB, RB, 3WR and TE from the Bengals this week, you’d have scored 145pts.

Surprise Packages:

Justin Fields (CHI) – 13cmp/179yds/1td/1int + 14rsh/82yds/1td 20pts

Fields has steadily increased his fantasy output but is still yet to complete more than 15 passes in a game this season. He’s now has consecutive weeks with 80+ rushing yards but this was the first time since week 2 that he found the end zone on a rushing play. Daniel Jones also deserves a mention here for hitting 29pts with 202 passing yards and 107 rushing yards.

Eno Benjamin (ARI) – 12rsh/92yds/1td + 4rec/21yds 23pts

There were a lot of good running backs this week where you could argue that it’s a surprise but they were predictable. I think the surprise this week has been just how well some of the narratives went for backups ascending to starting roles. Gus Edwards, Raheem Mostert, Rhamondre Stevenson, Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, Deonta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard the list goes one. But to me Benjamin stuck out as James Conner had been pretty poor so far and the RB position in Arizona looked a bit suspect. Benjamin ripped up that narrative and made a case to be the long term starter. Also credit Antonio Gibson for being a top 16RB this week despite having Brian Robinson and all the narratives against him.

Mecole Hardman (KC) – 4rec/32yds/1td + 2rsh/28yds/2td 28pts

The Chiefs brought in Juju and MVS and yet this week it was Hardman who had the big day. I say big day, he hit paydirt 3 times despite only tallying 60yards overall. Juju was just behind with 25pts but had 124yds and 1td and MVS had 111 yards to get 14pts. There were so many surprises at WR this week though. Marquise Goodwin stepping in for Metcalf, Parris Campbell becoming a target monster, DJ Moore returning from the shadows, Ray-Ray McCloud, Darius Slayton, Kalif Raymond and Damiere Byrd were all top 24WRs this week. How?

Disappointments:

Lamar Jackson (BAL) – 9cmp/120yds/0td/0int + 10rsh/59yds 11pts

I was spoiled for choice in the surprises section, but there was no end of options in the disappointment section too. Jared Goff scoring 2pts (with no injury), Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers losing to backups, Mariota coming crashing down after last week, Matt Ryan losing his job, Dak Prescott not returning to a fanfare or even Derrick Carr struggling to start… But this week I have to go for Lamar on a rare down week. No TDs, 179 total yards and yet the Ravens still won.

AJ Dillon (GB) – 4rsh/15yds + 0rec/0yds 2pts

What on earth is going on in Green Bay? They were meant to have a 2 headed monster RB committee with Dillon and Aaron Jones and that would help with their weaker receiving corps. Excluding week 1 he’s not scored double digit fantasy points and this was his lowest total to date. The other notable were Leonard Fournette only tallying 26yrds and 5pts against Carolina. Ouch.

Drake London (ATL) – 1rec/9yds 2pts

I usually ignore players who left through injury, hence why Amon-Ra St Brown and DK Metcalf aren’t featured here. Nor do I put players you’re not likely to have played like Skyy Moore scoring his second -3pt game of the season. Others were banged up or scored in the 5s and 6s but this week’s mention goes to Drake London. The rookie started the season so well and with so much hype, but since week 3 he’s not scored above 7.5pts or had more than 4 receptions or found the endzone.

Waiver Wire pickups:

BYE Weeks: KC, LAC

QB – Jameis Winston (If Healthy) (NO) – With only 2 bye weeks this week you would think it would be much easier but it really isn’t. The Broncos, Titans, Colts, Browns, Patriots, 49ers, Jets, Falcons, Steelers and Panthers don’t have a playable QB between them for the time being and there are a host more where, without even looking at the matchup, you still cringe and think better of it. Winston has options and a reasonable matchup against the Raiders, but he has to be healthy first.

Other QB Options – Mills vsTEN, Heinicke @IND, G.Smith vsNYG.

RB – Michael Carter (NYJ) – With Breece Hall out for the season with an ACL tear, Carter will now be joined by former Jaguar James Robinson. He will need some time to adapt but Carter began the season well and should see plenty of work, especially when Zach Wilson is doing precious little in the passing game. Gus Edwards, the Panthers RBs and Khalil Herbert also need to be considered.

WR – George Pickens (PIT) – It’s slimmer pickings (excuse the pun) this week at WR but I think it’s your last chance to grab Kenny Pickens off waivers if he’s there as he looks to be the #1 and the Steelers future. Claypool and Johnson are trade candidates so his value will only rise. Alec Pierce, Parris Campbell, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Isaiah McKenzie and Zay Jones are also options.

TE – Harrison Bryant (CLE) – I’ve barely mentioned Tight Ends this week despite it being national Tight End week but really they all followed type this week. The good ones were great and the others were just meh. One major note was David Njoku getting injured and probably missing 2-4 weeks which means Harrison Bryant will see a large uptick in work as it’s a position that sees good usage in Cleveland.    

DST Options – Commanders @IND, Colts vsWAS, Ttians @HOU, Jaguars vsDEN.

Welcome to the fantasy recap in what has been an upside down week. The NFL saw a bunch of underdog winners and with some of the up and down fantasy scores, a number of fantasy matchups probably went against the predictions as well. It’s time to wade through the week and look forward to week 7 where we are going to be missing some big names between the Bills, Rams, Vikings and undefeated Eagles.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

Joe Burrow (CIN) – 28cmp/300yds/3td/0int + 4rsh/25yds/1td 33pts

Joe Burrow was top of the shop this week and Ja’Marr Chase with 7 receptions for 132yds and 2tds for 32pts was the main beneficiary.

Deon Jackson (IND) – 12rsh/42yds/1td + 10rec/79yds 28pts

With Jonathan Taylor missing once again, Jackson took the reins and the Colts got over their Jags curse. Jackson made a lot of his points in the receiving game but his one TD was on the ground. Matt Ryan and Michael Pittman also had 25+ PPR point games with Ryan having the most passing yards and Pittman the most receptions on the week.

Brandon Aiyuk (SF) – 8rec/83yds/2tds 28pts

Aiyuk is not the kind of player to have a monster game particularly often and in a game where the 49ers lost handily, it’s odd seeing him put up a top 5 WR score, but here we are. 2TDs on 8 receptions will do that for you. Some likely customers like Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill were up there too, but in reality, it was a bit of an odd week.

Surprise Packages:

Marcus Mariota (ATL) – 13cmp/129yds/2td/0int + 6rsh/50yds/1td 24pts

Mariota had not topped 18 points all season until this week and against a top 5 defence and still without Cordarelle Patterson, I’m not quite sure anyone saw him being a QB1 this week. Then again, Teddy Bridgewater, Justin Fields and Bailey Zappe will also be in the top 12 this week…  

Chase Claypool (PIT) – 7rec/96yds/1td 23pts

Claypool had been poor all season but against the Bucs he decided to become unplayable. Mapletron caught all 7 of his targets and made some critical big plays with backup Mitchell Trubisky back in at QB. The Steelers had no right to be competitive in that game, but Trubsiky and Clapypool won it for them.

Mike Gesicki (MIA) – 6rec/69yds/2tds 25pts

If you take away the 2tds it’s a modest stat line but to outscore Andrews and Kelce is worthy of a spot on this list. Another fun note at Tight End was that 3 rookies made the top 12 in Bellinger, Ferguson and Woods, all scoring double digits too.

Disappointments:

Zach Wilson (NYJ) – 10cmp/110yds/0td/0int + 5rsh/1yds 5pts

I was spoiled for choice this week when it came to disappointments. Rodgers, Brady, Stafford, Geno could all have fit here without having to factor in injuries and diminished weapons. Rodgers scored 10 fantasy points against the Jets but the fact Wilson scored half of that and won the game is extraordinary. Additionally there was a theme here that was too good to miss. Russell Wilson would have also been fitting here, just to give you a hint.

Jeff Wilson (SF) – 7rsh/25yds/1fumlost + 0rec/0yds -1pts

The 49ers looked to have a great matchup against Atlanta but their usual weapons did not perform. Wilson had a terrible time and Tevin Coleman didn’t fare much better. Kareem Hunt and CEH were also options here.

Garret Wilson (NYJ) – 1rec/8yds 2pts

In a game where your team wins 27-10 you’d think one of your best WRs must have had a decent game. Well, I mentioned earlier about Zach Wilson, he only passed for 110 yards and Elijah Moore got 0 of them and Wilson only 8. MVS also deserves to be here with 3 targets and no receptions for a goose egg. What a weird week, especially if you are a Wilson.

Waiver Wire pickups:

BYE Weeks: BUF, LAR, PHI, MIN

QB – Ryan Tannehill (TEN) – With bye weeks in full force the ownership rates are somewhat woolly so I’ve dropped them here. Speaking of drops, with the Titans on bye last week a lot of teams dropped Tannehill and in week 7 he plays against a very leaky Colts DST. Maybe go grab Robert Woods while you’re at it if he’s available.

Other QB Options – Winston@ARI, Lawrence vsNYG, Garoppolo vsKC.

RB – Brian Robinson (WAS) – Robinson should be heavily owned but some leagues did not take the gamble and he may well be out there. It’s slim pickings otherwise with the likes of Jamaal Williams and Mike Boone potentially the best you can get.

WR – Wandale Robinson (NYG) – The Giants have needed a receiving option outside fo Saquon Barkley and if Robinson can stay fit he could be the guy to get the work. Against the Jags this week he has a shot to build upon the 3 for 37yds and a td he got against the Ravens.

TE – Cade Otton (TBB) – Cameron Brate may not be seen on a football field for a while and rookie Otton seems to have built himself up as the alternative. The next game is against the Carolina Tankers so there’s a chance to score some decent points. 

DST Options – Patriots vsCHI, Packers @WAS, Raiders vsHOU, Broncos vsNYJ.

Welcome to the fantasy recap and this was the last week for a while without teams on bye. Next week it starts to get tricky for fantasy owners as waiver wires become important and there’s much less margin for error. What isn’t helping is just how hard some things are to predict this season. Some big names are putting up tiny scores, lesser heralded names are putting up the odd monster and nobody knows what a good score is anymore. We’re here to recap week 5 and look ahead to week 6.

NB: Scores based on PPR leagues

Fantasy Stars:

Josh Allen (BUF) – 20cmp/424yds/4td/1int + 5rsh/42yds 36pts

Josh Allen made the most of a matchup with a banged up Pittsburgh Defence and put up the biggest score of the week. Gabe Davis helped himself to 171 yards and 2 TDs on only 3 of those 20 completions to be the highest scoring wide receiver and in an unusual turn, none of Allens’ TDs came via his legs.  

Leonard Fournette (TBB) – 14rsh/56yds/1td + 10rec/83yds/1td 36pts

I had my doubts about Fournette pre-season but he seems to be one of the major focal points for the Bucs in both the running and passing game. With the wide receivers often banged up, Fournette is seemingly a constant option for Brady and a ground and an air TD against Atlanta made his managers very happy.

Taysom Hill (NO) – 0rec/0yds + 1cmp/22yds/1td + 9rsh/112yds/3td 33pts

A Tight End is predominantly there to block players or grab low yardage receptions. So the statline above shows just how much of an anomaly Taysom Hill is. A passing TD as a QB (which we know he has in his locker) and 9 rushes (many of which were designed plays) is not normal and the old argument of “should he even count as a Tight End” may resurface. But in a team which had Alvin Kamara back but no Jameis Winston, this was extraordinary.

Surprise Packages:

Tevin Coleman (SF) – 8rsh/23yds/1td + 3rec/44yds/1td 22pts

Coleman was signed to the 49ers practice squad in late September after they lost Elijah Mitchell and this was his first game of the season… An outlet in both the rushing and passing game, he was the kind of player designed to assist Jimmy Garoppolo and he did that well. Jeff Wilson also had a solid day and the 49ers seem to have a trustable tandem again.

Carson Wentz (WAS) – 25cmp/359yds/2td/1int + 5rsh/15yds 20pts

There are sometimes fantasy stat-lines that you look at and have to question their validity. This is one of them. Wentz has been much maligned for the last few weeks and yesterday the interception on the goal line that result in the Commanders losing the game was the overriding memory. However, prior to that he’d had a solid game with his 2^nd largest passing yardage and the 2^nd highest of all QBs in week 5 (going into MNF). Sometimes even being QB6 on the week won’t change people’s opinions.

Darius Slayton (NYG) – 6rec/79yds 14pts

The Giants have a lot of issues when it comes to receivers. It’s Saquon Barkley or bust but somehow they keep winning. Each week a different receiver seems to be handy for them and in London it was the almost forgotten Darius Slayton. This isn’t a situation where you need to rush to grab him on the waiver wire as it was only his 2^nd game with a reception and he still only say 54% of snaps, but if he gets up a head of steam then maybe he could be a bye week flex play.

Disappointments:

Jared Goff (DET) – 19cmp/229yds/0td/1int + 3rsh/7yds/1fum(lost) 6pts

A hero last week, my waiver wire suggestion for this week… oh dear. The Patriots were in the bottom 5 against QBs but they owned the Lions as they shut them out. The Patriots knew the Lions game plan and did not allow for the intermediate crossing routes that have given the Lions so much success this season. If other teams take a leaf out of the Patriots playbook here then the Lions offence may already need to adapt.

Chase Edmonds (MIA) – 1rsh/1yd + 0rec/0yds 0pts

All week, fantasy oweners and content creators have discussed whether Edmonds is cutable and if Raheem Mostert has taken over for good. Well this performance supported both of those theories and a non-existent day against the Jets would suggest that the writing is on the wall for Edmonds.

Christian Kirk (JAX) – 1rec/3yds 2pts

The Jags WR had a nice looking matchup against the Texans but Houston are the Jags bogey team and they shut down Kirk as well as a number of other weapons to somewhat quieten the hype that was building around Jacksonville. I suspect this is a temporary blip for Kirk but it is a concern.

Waiver Wire pickups:

BYE Weeks: DET, HOU, LVR, TEN

QB – Geno Smith (SEA) – 40% owned – Smith seems to be getting more and more comfortable in his QB1 role and this was a 3^rd above average week in a row. He is retaining the ball and using it well in often high scoring games. Next week he has Arizona and their struggling defence.

Other QB Options – WinstonvsCIN, Lawrence@IND, Garoppolo@ATL, M.Jones@CLE.

RB – Eno Benjamin (ARI) – 20% owned – Benjamin outperformed James Conner this week and with Conners history of injury concerns this is a useful move now with the potential to be something much bigger were something to happen.  8 attempts and a TD is handy but the 3 receptions for 28 yards could get higher.

WR – Alec Pierce (IND) – 30% owned – For the 2^nd week running Pierce outyarded Michael Pittman and sent alarm bells ringing in the fantasy community. The Colts offence has its issues but Pierce recently has been the outlet. They have JAX, TEN and WAS upcoming so it’s a patch where they can turn it around.

TE – Logan Thomas (WAS) – 10% owned – Taysom Hill seems to always be a boom or bust player but you may want to take that chance. Most Tight Ends are a weekly gamble this season so my suggestion here is Logan Thomas. He missed week 5 through injury but should play in week 6. Wentz would have been even more effective with Thomas in the line-up and may have won the game with him available in the endzone.  

DST Options – Chargers vsDEN, Bears vsWAS, Patriots @CLE, Jaguars @IND.