Category: General Fantasy Analysis

Reviewing 2019 late-season fantasy football trends

Looking at which fantasy football performers stand out in either direction from 2019’s final month.

Anyone serious about winning in fantasy football spends an inordinate amount of time trying to understand where they went wrong. We invest countless hours of legwork in effort to forecast sleepers and breakouts, so it is naturally easier to follow the logic of how we were right. Sometimes it takes much more work to understand how and why we missed the mark.

One common place to begin is looking back at the past season and how players finished. While so much usually changes from year to year, it is helpful to get a sense of which guys were trending and how it relates to the rest of the league.

[lawrence-related id=448916]

Most anyone still paying attention late in 2019 can tell you glorious tales about how much their team was helped by several players, but it also can be easy to lose perspective, especially if you didn’t roster a player and didn’t gave a front-row seat to their efforts. The same applies to team defenses and matchups. This becomes far more dicey to evaluate year over year.

We’ll check out where the top players and defenses finished in point-per-reception scoring over the final four fantasy weeks of 2019 and see what we might be able to discern prior to the 2020 fantasy football draft season.

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Rk Player
Pts
Avg
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
1 Jackson, Lamar BAL QB
115.0
28.8
24.3
21.8
37.1
31.8
2 Winston, Jameis TBB QB
107.2
26.8
12.7
40.7
34.7
19.0
3 Brees, Drew NOS QB
102.5
25.6
11.3
40.1
28.3
22.9
4 Fitzpatrick, Ryan MIA QB
101.2
25.3
28.8
16.3
22.5
33.7
5 Tannehill, Ryan TEN QB
95.2
23.8
15.8
29.5
26.2
23.7
6 Watson, Deshaun HOU QB
92.9
23.2
28.9
32.1
20.9
11.1
7 Wentz, Carson PHI QB
90.8
22.7
26.4
21.9
23.5
19.0
8 Trubisky, Mitchell CHI QB
88.5
22.1
25.9
34.1
20.3
8.3
9 Goff, Jared LAR QB
86.8
21.7
25.0
20.1
19.6
22.1
10 Mahomes, Patrick KCC QB
85.6
21.4
19.5
15.9
24.7
25.4
11 Ryan, Matt ATL QB
83.0
20.7
22.6
21.3
19.1
20.0
12 Allen, Josh BUF QB
75.3
18.8
23.5
12.7
18.4
20.6
13 Prescott, Dak DAL QB
73.1
18.3
26.7
17.5
17.7
11.3
14 Carr, Derek OAK QB
71.6
17.9
13.6
20.2
15.9
21.9
15 Dalton, Andy CIN QB
70.9
17.7
13.3
11.6
10.1
35.8
16 Rivers, Philip LAC QB
70.6
17.7
18.6
24.6
16.3
11.2
17 Brady, Tom NEP QB
69.3
17.3
26.3
12.8
12.9
17.2
18 Allen, Kyle CAR QB
69.0
23.0
27.3
24.1
17.6
 DNP
19 Garoppolo, Jimmy SFO QB
68.2
17.0
11.1
30.1
12.6
14.4
20 Rodgers, Aaron GBP QB
66.3
16.6
28.1
13.4
14.4
10.3
21 Murray, Kyler ARI QB
62.4
15.6
15.3
16.0
18.4
12.7
22 Brissett, Jacoby IND QB
62.3
15.6
16.7
22.6
7.3
15.7
23 Mayfield, Baker CLE QB
62.1
15.5
12.0
15.0
19.0
16.1
24 Lock, Drew DEN QB
62.0
15.5
14.9
25.9
8.6
12.7
25 Wilson, Russell SEA QB
61.8
15.5
18.9
12.6
19.3
11.0
26 Darnold, Sam NYJ QB
61.0
15.3
10.5
19.1
19.8
11.6
27 Minshew, Gardner JAC QB
59.8
15.0
12.7
13.6
18.7
14.8
28 Cousins, Kirk MIN QB
55.2
13.8
19.0
13.6
13.7
8.9
29 Blough, David DET QB
52.5
13.1
19.3
12.2
12.3
8.7
30 Haskins, Dwayne WAS QB
51.5
12.9
6.5
10.7
21.0
13.3
31 Jones, Daniel NYG QB
49.5
24.7
14.2
DNP
DNP
35.3
32 Hodges, Devlin PIT QB
42.0
10.5
12.7
13.5
12.5
3.4
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick trending upward toward the end of the year offers some hope for 2020’s early-season outlook, but a new incoming offensive coordinator and a likely first-round QB selection may unravel any headway.
  • Kyler Murray tailing off is worth noting. The Arizona offense found a reliably dangerous running game, led by impending free agent Kenyan Drake. Murray wasn’t asked to throw as much, and Drake’s return could signal a more balanced approach to the 2020 playcalling script.
  • Dak Prescott was the No. 3 fantasy passer in 2019 even with a poor closing stretch. Despite a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, Dak’s offensive coordinator was retained to call the plays for 2020. Don’t get too hung up on the slowdown, which coincided with Ezekiel Elliott scoring four times in those same three games.
(David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports)

Running backs

Rk
 Player
Pts
Avg
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
1
 McCaffrey, Christian CAR RB
111.5
27.9
17.2
24.5
37.5
32.3
2
 Barkley, Saquon NYG RB
98.4
24.6
14.5
9.7
30.3
43.9
3
 Sanders, Miles PHI RB
94.2
23.6
21.5
10.9
35.2
26.6
4
 Elliott, Ezekiel DAL RB
90.4
22.6
20.7
23.3
31.0
15.4
5
 Drake, Kenyan ARI RB
89.8
22.5
7.1
9.7
39.6
33.4
6
 Jones, Aaron GBP RB
85.4
21.4
7.1
31.2
17.1
30.0
7
 Gurley, Todd LAR RB
77.4
19.4
18.5
21.3
20.8
16.8
8
 Ekeler, Austin LAC RB
73.0
18.3
16.7
31.3
13.1
11.9
9
 Mixon, Joe CIN RB
72.5
18.1
17.0
27.6
18.6
9.3
10
 Mostert, Raheem SFO RB
72.5
18.1
23.4
24.9
12.9
11.3
11
 White, James NEP RB
72.2
18.1
37.7
12.4
15.2
6.9
12
 Freeman, Devonta ATL RB
71.0
17.8
10.4
19.4
7.5
33.7
13
 Gordon, Melvin LAC RB
66.5
16.6
13.0
19.4
11.4
22.7
14
 Carson, Chris SEA RB
63.7
15.9
17.9
12.1
26.7
7.0
15
 Kamara, Alvin NOS RB
63.6
15.9
12.4
8.3
13.9
29.0
16
 Peterson, Adrian WAS RB
61.1
15.3
15.9
13.6
18.1
13.5
17
 Ingram, Mark BAL RB
59.8
15.0
8.2
10.9
23.6
17.1
18
 Henry, Derrick TEN RB
58.1
19.4
25.6
23.9
8.6
 DNP
19
 Hunt, Kareem CLE RB
56.0
14.0
17.5
14.8
15.6
8.1
20
 Singletary, Devin BUF RB
53.6
13.4
19.1
17.8
10.9
5.8
21
 Fournette, Leonard JAC RB
53.2
13.3
18.1
9.3
12.3
13.5
22
 Washington, DeAndre OAK RB
52.3
13.1
7.9
21.6
4.2
18.6
23
 Chubb, Nick CLE RB
49.9
12.5
8.9
12.7
23.8
4.5
24
 Scott, Boston PHI RB
46.2
11.6
0.0
24.8
13.5
7.9
25
 Lindsay, Phillip DEN RB
45.7
11.4
9.2
13.5
3.2
19.8
26
 Hyde, Carlos HOU RB
40.1
10.0
3.2
9.8
16.4
10.7
27
 Laird, Patrick MIA RB
39.6
9.9
16.8
12.6
7.4
2.8
28
 Cohen, Tarik CHI RB
38.4
9.6
7.5
9.1
15.5
6.3
29
 Cook, Dalvin MIN RB
38.2
12.7
15.4
15.5
7.3
 DNP
30
 Montgomery, David CHI RB
38.1
9.5
16.7
8.6
5.9
6.9
31
 Johnson, Duke HOU RB
37.4
9.4
20.0
10.5
4.3
2.6
32
 Burkhead, Rex NEP RB
36.6
9.2
1.5
1.5
13.9
19.7
33
 Jones, Ronald TBB RB
36.5
9.1
0.8
9.9
5.9
19.9
34
 Freeman, Royce DEN RB
35.9
8.9
6.4
11.2
6.6
11.7
35
 Hines, Nyheim IND RB
35.3
8.8
12
6.5
3.2
13.6
36
 Bell, Le’Veon NYJ RB
34.8
11.6
10.7
DNP
10.8
13.3
37
 Barber, Peyton TBB RB
33
8.3
18.4
7.3
6
1.3
38
 Guice, Derrius WAS RB
31.9
15.9
27.7
4.2
DNP
DNP
39
 Wilkins, Jordan IND RB
30.8
7.7
7.6
0.1
8.7
14.4
40
 Mack, Marlon IND RB
29.8
9.9
DNP
9.8
1.9
18.1
41
 Penny, Rashaad SEA RB
29.3
14.6
26.7
2.6
DNP
DNP
42
 Thompson, Chris WAS RB
29
7.3
3.9
11.3
4.6
9.2
43
 Michel, Sony NEP RB
28.8
7.2
4.5
1.9
11.3
11.1
44
 Gaskin, Myles MIA RB
27.7
6.9
3.6
2.1
9.2
12.8
45
 Hill, Brian ATL RB
27.1
6.7
6.7
12.2
1.6
6.6
46
 Thompson, Darwin KCC RB
25
6.3
10.4
8.3
4.9
1.4
47
 Lewis, Dion TEN RB
24.8
6.2
1.9
4.1
9.1
9.7
48
 Williams, Jamaal GBP RB
24.6
6.2
10.7
2.4
4.3
7.2
49
 Jacobs, Josh OAK RB
23.3
11.6
10.4
DNP
12.9
DNP
50
 Boone, Mike MIN RB
23.2
5.8
0
1.3
17.6
4.3
51
 Murray, Latavius NOS RB
23
5.8
0.2
11.4
6.9
4.5
52
 Pollard, Tony DAL RB
23
7.7
0.7
DNP
22.3
0
53
 Samuels, Jaylen PIT RB
22.1
5.5
7.4
5.4
1.4
7.9
54
 Ogunbowale, Dare TBB RB
22
5.5
3.2
9.8
2.6
6.4
55
 Richard, Jalen OAK RB
20.9
5.2
1.8
6.6
5.6
6.9
56
 Johnson, David ARI RB
20
5
4.4
13.3
0.6
1.7
57
 Mattison, Alexander MIN RB
19.7
9.9
11.3
8.4
DNP
DNP
58
 Scarbrough, Bo DET RB
19.7
6.6
8.3
8
DNP
3.4
59
 Snell, Benny PIT RB
19.3
4.8
13.7
4.1
0.1
1.4
60
 McCoy, LeSean KCC RB
18.9
6.3
12
5.3
1.6
DNP
61
 Conner, James PIT RB
18.3
9.2
DNP
DNP
15.1
3.2
62
 Williams, Damien KCC RB
18.2
18.2
DNP
DNP
DNP
18.2
63
 Bernard, Giovani CIN RB
18
4.5
2.2
6.6
5.7
3.5
64
 Ham, C.J. MIN RB
17.7
4.4
6.2
3.5
4.8
3.2
  • Saquon Barkley’s season ended on a high note in fantasy, and it can be used as an illustration of how elite talent typically wins. He overcame a rookie quarterback, serious offensive line injuries, and a high-ankle sprain of his own. Look for “Quadzilla” to destroy everything in his path in an offensive system that has done right by his position.
  • Joe Mixon’s late-season resurgence helps erase a dismal start to the year, and it gives hope for the 2018 AFC rushing champ to get back on the right path in 2020. The second year of Zac Taylor’s system will be smoother for Mixon, and the offensive line is a priority for the offseason rebuild. The No. 1 overall pick should be Joe Burrow, and for as good as he eventually will be in the NFL, look for a reliance on Mixon.
  • Drake — regardless of how awesome as he was in Weeks 15 and 16, the sample size of RB1-quality play is minuscule. Don’t get overly caught up in the hype based on a few great outings. That said, it is tough to gauge his success after enduring what Miami called an offense for most of his career.
(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)

Wide receivers

Rk
Player
Pts
Avg
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
1
Thomas, Michael NOS WR
103.6
25.9
10.8
30.4
30.8
31.6
2
Parker, DeVante MIA WR
85.0
21.3
34.9
4.8
23.2
22.1
3
Woods, Robert LAR WR
81.9
20.5
30.2
25.7
5.7
20.3
4
Brown, A.J. TEN WR
81.8
20.5
7.5
33.6
25.4
15.3
5
Perriman, Breshad TBB WR
81.5
20.4
13.7
16.0
34.6
17.2
6
Adams, Davante GBP WR
80.4
20.1
24.4
8.1
23.3
24.6
7
Jones, Julio ATL WR
76.6
25.5
DNP
11.6
38.4
26.6
8
Robinson, Allen CHI WR
75.2
18.8
22.6
21.8
19.5
11.3
9
Golladay, Kenny DET WR
69.6
17.4
25.8
17.8
7.4
18.6
10
Boyd, Tyler CIN WR
69.5
17.4
16.9
13.2
5.6
33.8
11
Hopkins, DeAndre HOU WR
67.0
16.8
15.6
26.2
17.9
7.3
12
Anderson, Robby NYJ WR
66.0
16.5
17.1
25.1
12.6
11.2
13
Miller, Anthony CHI WR
64.2
16.1
23.0
13.2
26.8
1.2
14
Edelman, Julian NEP WR
63.3
15.8
21.9
24.3
2.9
14.2
15
Johnson, Diontae PIT WR
63.0
15.8
4.1
25.6
11.2
22.1
16
Allen, Keenan LAC WR
62.6
15.7
18.8
13.3
18.9
11.6
17
Kupp, Cooper LAR WR
62.2
15.6
18.5
14.5
16.1
13.1
18
Shepard, Sterling NYG WR
60.3
15.1
13.0
7.6
20.1
19.6
19
Hill, Tyreek KCC WR
59.1
14.8
10.1
13.0
23.8
12.2
20
McLaurin, Terry WAS WR
58.1
14.5
2.8
15.7
24.0
15.6
21
Beasley, Cole BUF WR
57.3
14.3
23.0
14.9
1.6
17.8
22
Williams, Mike LAC WR
56.2
14.1
16.7
14.3
17.1
8.1
23
Sims, Steven WAS WR
54.7
13.7
5.9
8.0
15.5
25.3
24
Sanders, Emmanuel SFO WR
54.2
13.6
8.1
34.1
2.9
9.1
25
Slayton, Darius NYG WR
53.9
13.5
10.4
32.4
11.1
0.0
26
Sutton, Courtland DEN WR
52.8
13.2
23.4
8.4
11.9
9.1
27
Moore, D.J. CAR WR
52.7
13.2
19.2
12.1
20.3
1.1
28
Diggs, Stefon MIN WR
51.1
12.8
9.2
15.2
12.0
14.7
29
Washington, James PIT WR
50.8
12.7
21.1
7.3
13.3
9.1
30
Samuel, Deebo SFO WR
50.6
12.7
14.1
15.9
4.7
15.9
31
Pascal, Zach IND WR
48.3
12.1
17.9
20.4
8.4
1.6
32
Stills, Kenny HOU WR
47.1
11.8
15.1
2.8
18.5
10.7
33
Landry, Jarvis CLE WR
46.9
11.7
13.6
11.6
7.3
14.4
34
Cooper, Amari DAL WR
46.1
11.5
16.5
20.3
2.9
6.4
35
Conley, Chris JAC WR
45.9
11.4
9.7
1.7
20.9
13.6
36
Brown, John BUF WR
45.82
11.4
10.72
5.6
16.9
12.6
37
Crowder, Jamison NYJ WR
45.7
11.4
2.8
5.9
27
10
38
Samuel, Curtis CAR WR
43.2
10.8
16.5
6.2
16.4
4.1
39
Gallup, Michael DAL WR
42.6
10.6
9.3
16.9
1.6
14.8
40
Godwin, Chris TBB WR
42.2
14.1
9.0
16.1
17.1
DNP
41
Beckham, Odell CLE WR
40.8
10.2
5.9
5.9
14.6
14.4
42
Ward, Greg PHI WR
39.6
9.9
1.5
7.4
19.1
11.6
43
Wilson, Albert MIA WR
39.5
9.8
11.3
1.5
10.9
15.8
44
Metcalf, DK SEA WR
38.9
9.7
13.5
13.8
11.6
0
45
Gage, Russell ATL WR
38.8
9.7
16.2
3.7
8.3
10.6
46
Fitzgerald, Larry ARI WR
38.6
9.6
11.6
5
7.2
14.8
47
Amendola, Danny DET WR
36.9
9.2
6.2
8.4
18.2
4.1
48
Lockett, Tyler SEA WR
36.5
9.1
0
8.3
26
2.2
49
Lazard, Allen GBP WR
36.1
9.0
19.3
3.9
3.4
9.5
50
Johnson, Marcus IND WR
35.9
8.9
9.5
19.5
5.7
1.2
51
Watson, Justin TBB WR
35.9
8.9
0
16.9
3.7
15.3
52
Ridley, Calvin ATL WR
35.7
17.8
17.1
18.6
DNP
DNP
53
Sharpe, Tajae TEN WR
35.2
11.7
DNP
6.5
4.8
23.9
54
Westbrook, Dede JAC WR
34.1
8.5
19
8.5
4.1
2.5
55
Kirk, Christian ARI WR
33.2
8.3
5.3
16.9
10.1
0.9
56
Williams, Tyrell OAK WR
33.1
8.2
1.9
6.5
12.5
12.2
57
Ford, Isaiah MIA WR
32.1
8.0
0
15.2
5.1
11.8
58
Bourne, Kendrick SFO WR
31
7.7
7.2
16.8
2.1
4.9
59
Hamilton, DaeSean DEN WR
30.6
7.6
3.2
5.6
3.3
18.5
60
Tate, Golden NYG WR
29.8
9.9
DNP
2.1
12.1
15.6
61
Jeffery, Alshon PHI WR
28.7
14.4
28.7
0.0
DNP
DNP
62
Erickson, Alex CIN WR
27.74
6.9
4.1
10.5
1.6
11.5
63
Cobb, Randall DAL WR
27.6
6.9
8.3
6.3
0.7
12.3
64
Harmon, Kelvin WAS WR
27.54
6.8
8.1
4
4.2
11.24
  • A.J. Brown’s strong closing stretch is among the top performances to get excited about heading into 2020. He has all of the tools to be a fantasy stud, and most signs point to QB Ryan Tannehill returning. The only realistic way he isn’t the starting quarterback in ’20 is if Tom Brady ends up a Titan.
  • On the other side of the coin, Breshad Perriman’s otherworldly performance was the product of circumstances beyond his control. No Mike Evans paved the way for a significant uptick in looks, and the eventual loss of Chris Godwin only amplified Perriman’s production. Among the worst fantasy outcomes involves the veteran returning to Tampa.
  • Deebo Samuel has one of the brightest futures of all young receivers, and his closing run in 2019’s final fantasy month wasn’t his strongest showing. However, little of it was Samuel’s doing. The run-heavy system can work against him, but the 2020 outlook for Samuel currently projects his role as the No. 1 receiver with Emmanuel Sanders facing free agency. That certainly could change in the next few weeks, though, but it won’t drastically diminish Samuel’s fantasy stock.
  • Scratch the Week 16 drubbing of the Chicago Bears by the Kansas City Chiefs and second-year receiver Anthony Miller’s late run looks pretty dang good. The second-year receiver’s season was off to a slow start as he had to overcome surgery. A new offensive coordinator in 2020 will play a factor in his valuation, but this is Matt Nagy’s system at its core. Miller is poised to enjoy a strong third year.
  • Carolina Panthers receiver D.J. Moore posted erratic stats in that stretch, but he had a quarterback problem and a first-time offensive coordinator working against him. A fresh start, the expected return of Cam Newton, and another year of maturation should keep the PPR weapon in the mix of being a high-end WR2.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tight ends

Rk
 Player
Pts
Avg
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
1
 Higbee, Tyler LAR TE
84.8
21.2
23.7
18.6
23.1
19.4
2
 Kelce, Travis KCC TE
80.6
20.2
14.0
20.0
25.2
21.4
3
 Kittle, George SFO TE
67.4
16.9
3.4
18.7
26.4
18.9
4
 Cook, Jared NOS TE
64.7
16.2
11.5
20.4
9.4
23.4
5
 Ertz, Zach PHI TE
59.4
14.9
5.4
30.1
17.1
6.8
6
 Andrews, Mark BAL TE
58.9
14.7
14.0
2.4
15.2
27.3
7
 Waller, Darren OAK TE
58.1
14.5
17.0
13.2
20.2
7.7
8
 Gesicki, Mike MIA TE
55.4
13.9
18.9
1.6
8.7
26.2
9
 Goedert, Dallas PHI TE
54.3
13.6
12.6
7.1
10.5
24.1
10
 Smith, Jonnu TEN TE
45.9
11.5
2.0
11.9
16.7
15.3
11
 Smith, Kaden NYG TE
44.2
11.1
13.0
2.9
6.8
21.5
12
 Witten, Jason DAL TE
43.9
11.0
18.2
8.7
13.6
3.4
13
 Howard, O.J. TBB TE
38.6
9.7
11.1
11.3
8.6
7.6
14
 Eifert, Tyler CIN TE
36.2
9.1
2.2
8.9
7.4
17.7
15
 Hollister, Jacob SEA TE
34.5
8.6
10.4
7.4
5.3
11.4
16
 Fant, Noah DEN TE
33.4
8.4
1.5
21.3
7.6
3.0
17
 Thomas, Ian CAR TE
32.0
8.0
6.4
16.7
4.3
4.6
18
 Doyle, Jack IND TE
31.8
8.0
19.3
4.7
4.1
3.7
19
 Henry, Hunter LAC TE
29.3
7.3
3.0
11.9
4.9
9.5
20
 Rudolph, Kyle MIN TE
27.6
6.9
15.0
3.1
7.8
1.7
21
 Uzomah, C.J. CIN TE
27.0
6.8
10.1
1.4
1.8
13.7
22
 Hurst, Hayden BAL TE
26.2
6.6
5.1
16.3
2.9
1.9
23
 Hooper, Austin ATL TE
25.4
8.5
DNP
5.2
5.0
15.2
24
 Brate, Cameron TBB TE
24.5
6.1
1.5
13.0
6.3
3.7
25
 Seals-Jones, Ricky CLE TE
24.4
6.1
0.0
3.2
17.9
3.3
26
 Jarwin, Blake DAL TE
22.3
5.6
2.9
11.0
6.0
2.4
27
 Horsted, Jesper CHI TE
21.3
5.3
8.8
7.6
1.9
3.0
28
 LaCosse, Matt NEP TE
19.8
5.0
3.4
3.4
5.2
7.8
29
 Fells, Darren HOU TE
19.4
4.9
10.3
2.2
1.2
5.7
30
 Smith Jr., Irv MIN TE
17.9
4.5
1.6
5.1
8.8
2.4
31
 Clay, Charles ARI TE
17.8
4.5
4.9
7.5
2.8
2.6
32
 Hill, Josh NOS TE
17.1
4.3
1.2
8.4
7.5
0.0
  • Tyler Higbee will be one tough cookie to project in 2020. His track record entering the final six weeks of 2019 was that of a middling fantasy option in a system that was anything but friendly to his position’s fantasy fortunes. Tight end Gerald Everett remains a factor, and someone in the backfield is poised to see more targets. A probable bounce-back season by Brandin Cooks also works against Higbee. All of that still doesn’t make it easy to overlook such a dominant finish to Higbee’s season. A sizeable contract extension suggests he will see quite the target count in 2020.
  • Mike Gesicki was all over the place in the final four fantasy games, although he showed enough in ’19 to suggest his rookie season was not a true indication of his skills as a pro. The Dolphins will implement a new system yet again this offseason, and there’s a looming rookie quarterback situation to navigate. The latter typically rewards fantasy tight ends.
  • Jonnu Smith has managed to shrug off a weak start to his career, albeit mainly as a reserve, and post respectable stats when given the chance. Delanie Walker remains under contract for 2020, which could be terminated to make way for Smith to ascend into the primary role. Keep an eye on the situation as the league transaction season begins later his month.

Kickers

Rk
Player
Pts
Avg
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
1
Sanders, Jason MIA PK
49.1
12.3
12.1
21.0
8.0
8.0
2
Lutz, Wil NOS PK
42.0
10.5
14.0
10.0
10.0
8.0
3
Gould, Robbie SFO PK
37.0
9.3
5.0
12.0
10.0
10.0
4
Butker, Harrison KCC PK
36.0
9.0
8.0
11.0
9.0
8.0
5
Bullock, Randy CIN PK
35.0
8.8
8.0
13.0
7.0
7.0
6
Bailey, Dan MIN PK
33.0
8.3
6.0
8.0
15.0
4.0
7
Koo, Younghoe ATL PK
33.0
8.3
6.0
16.0
5.0
6.0
8
Gay, Matt TBB PK
32.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
9
Myers, Jason SEA PK
32.0
8.0
13.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
10
McManus, Brandon DEN PK
31.0
7.8
11.0
8.0
3.0
9.0
11
Elliott, Jake PHI PK
28.0
7.0
11.0
5.0
7.0
5.0
12
Hopkins, Dustin WAS PK
28.0
7.0
11.0
3.0
9.0
5.0
13
Boswell, Chris PIT PK
27.0
6.8
8.0
11.0
4.0
4.0
14
Crosby, Mason GBP PK
27.0
6.8
7.0
8.0
3.0
9.0
15
Fairbairn, Ka’imi HOU PK
27.0
6.8
4.0
6.0
6.0
11.0
16
Ficken, Sam NYJ PK
27.0
6.8
6.0
10.0
1.0
10.0
17
Forbath, Kai DAL PK
27.0
9.0
4.0
DNP
14.0
9.0
18
Hauschka, Steven BUF PK
27.0
6.8
8.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
19
Badgley, Mike LAC PK
26.0
6.5
8.0
9.0
4.0
5.0
20
Seibert, Austin CLE PK
25.0
6.3
7.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
21
Tucker, Justin BAL PK
25.0
6.3
8.0
6.0
4.0
7.0
22
Folk, Nick NEP PK
24.0
8.0
DNP
4.0
10.0
10.0
23
Gonzalez, Zane ARI PK
23.0
5.8
1.0
5.0
8.0
9.0
24
Pineiro, Eddy CHI PK
23.0
5.8
6.0
7.0
7.0
3.0
25
Slye, Joey CAR PK
23.0
5.8
3.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
26
Carlson, Daniel OAK PK
22.0
5.5
3.0
3.0
10.0
6.0
27
Zuerlein, Greg LAR PK
22.0
5.5
10.0
4.0
1.0
7.0
28
Lambo, Josh JAC PK
21.0
5.3
3.0
4.0
8.0
6.0
29
Rosas, Aldrick NYG PK
21.0
5.3
7.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
30
Prater, Matt DET PK
19.0
4.8
8.0
1.0
5.0
5.0
31
McLaughlin, Chase IND PK
18.0
6.0
DNP
9.0
1.0
8.0
32
Succop, Ryan TEN PK
16.0
5.3
7.0
6.0
3.0
DNP

Too much volatility exists from season to season and even within a given year to place much weight on swings of a kicker. The opportunity to register fantasy points is limited to how many chances a team provides.

Defense/special teams

Rk
Player
Pts
Avg
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
1
Vikings, Minnesota MIN Def
64.0
16.0
12.0
16.0
27.0
9.0
2
Colts, Indianapolis IND Def
56.0
14.0
10.0
15.0
0.0
31.0
3
Chiefs, Kansas City KCC Def
53.0
13.3
19.0
5.0
15.0
14.0
4
Buccaneers, Tampa Bay TBB Def
48.0
12.0
22.0
3.0
14.0
9.0
5
Rams, Los Angeles LAR Def
46.0
11.5
21.0
15.0
0.0
10.0
6
Steelers, Pittsburgh PIT Def
36.0
9.0
10.0
17.0
5.0
4.0
7
Broncos, Denver DEN Def
35.0
8.8
7.0
15.0
5.0
8.0
8
Saints, New Orleans NOS Def
35.0
8.8
15.0
5.0
8.0
7.0
9
Packers, Green Bay GBP Def
34.0
8.5
7.0
6.0
10.0
11.0
10
Titans, Tennessee TEN Def
33.0
8.3
15.0
10.0
5.0
3.0
11
Bills, Buffalo BUF Def
31.0
7.8
8.0
3.0
18.0
2.0
12
Falcons, Atlanta ATL Def
31.0
7.8
0.0
13.0
11.0
7.0
13
Texans, Houston HOU Def
31.0
7.8
5.0
3.0
4.0
19.0
14
Patriots, New England NEP Def
29.0
7.3
3.0
5.0
17.0
4.0
15
Bengals, Cincinnati CIN Def
25.0
6.3
14.0
5.0
2.0
4.0
16
Eagles, Philadelphia PHI Def
25.0
6.3
5.0
2.0
9.0
9.0
17
Seahawks, Seattle SEA Def
25.0
6.3
6.0
10.0
7.0
2.0
18
Jets, New York NYJ Def
24.0
6.0
1.0
4.0
7.0
12.0
19
Redskins, Washington WAS Def
22.0
5.5
11.0
6.0
4.0
1.0
20
Cardinals, Arizona ARI Def
21.0
5.3
1.0
7.0
5.0
8.0
21
Dolphins, Miami MIA Def
20.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
7.0
6.0
22
Ravens, Baltimore BAL Def
20.0
5.0
4.0
8.0
5.0
3.0
23
49ers, San Francisco SFO Def
17.0
4.3
3.0
2.0
4.0
8.0
24
Browns, Cleveland CLE Def
17.0
4.3
3.0
10.0
2.0
2.0
25
Jaguars, Jacksonville JAC Def
16.0
4.0
6.0
1.0
4.0
5.0
26
Cowboys, Dallas DAL Def
15.0
3.8
4.0
6.0
4.0
1.0
27
Giants, New York NYG Def
15.0
3.8
0.0
5.0
7.0
3.0
28
Lions, Detroit DET Def
14.0
3.5
3.0
1.0
4.0
6.0
29
Chargers, Los Angeles LAC Def
13.0
3.3
2.0
6.0
2.0
3.0
30
Panthers, Carolina CAR Def
13.0
3.3
5.0
1.0
4.0
3.0
31
Bears, Chicago CHI Def
8.0
2.0
4.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
32
Raiders, Oakland OAK Def
6.0
1.5
1.0
2.0
2.0
1.0

Much like kickers, a defense is subjected to far too many factors outside of its control (field position, momentum, scoreboard, injuries, matchups, etc.) This makes for a tenuous situation to consider trends carrying into a new league year.

Tunnel Vision of Week 16

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Andy Dalton 396 – 0 4
 Daniel Jones 352 – 12 5
 Ryan Fitzpatrick 419 – 9 4
 Lamar Jackson 238 – 103 3
 Ryan Tannehill 272 – 8 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Saquon Barkley 279 2
Kenyan Drake 194 2
Alvin Kamara 110 2
Miles Sanders 156 1
Philip Lindsay  118 1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Tyler Boyd 128 2
Michael Thomas 136 1
Steven Sims 73 3
Tajae Sharpe 69 2
Davante Parker 111 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Mark Andrews 93 2
Jared Cook 84 2
Mike Gesicki 82 2
Kaden Smith 35 2
Dallas Goedert 91 1
Placekickers XP FG
Sam Ficken 1 3
Nick Folk 1 3
Kai Forbath 0 3
Ka’imi Fairbairn 2 3
Matt Gay 2 2
Defense Sck-TO TD
Colts 5 – 3 2
Texans 3 – 5 1
Buccaneers 5 – 2 0
Jets 4 – 2 0
Rams 6 – 2 0

Check back next week for the Annual Huddle Awards

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

RB Mark Ingram – Calf
RB James Conner – Thigh
QB Mason Rudolph – Shoulder
QB Dwayne Haskins – Ankle
RB Myles Gaskin – Ankle
WR D.J. Moore – Concussion
TE Zach Ertz – Ribs
RB Chris Carson – Hip
QB Kyler Murray – Hamstring
RB Spencer Ware – Shoulder
RB C.J. Prosise – Broken arm

Chasing Ambulances

It is possible that a few leagues use Week 17 and could have these players in question. Even better – use Week 17 to go play a daily game or two. And replacement players are always cheap to use.

RB Mark Ingram – Suffered a calf injury and left the game. He’ll rest in Week 17 regardless and allow Gus Edwards and Justice Hill to replace him. Edwards always gets more carries and would be the better option when they host the Steelers this week.

RB James Conner – Left with a calf injury in the loss to the Jets.  The Steelers used a committee of Benny Snell, Jaylen Samuels, and Kerrith Whyte to replace him. They play in Baltimore so there would be marginal fantasy value with just one back. And none with three or even four running backs.

TE Zach Ertz – Left with a rib injury and Dallas Goedert led all receivers with nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Cowboys. The Eagles have to win this week to take the NFC East and Ertz will play if there is any chance. He could be limited though depending on how bad the rib injury is. Goedert is a worthy consideration anyway since the Eagles are almost out of receivers.

RB Chris Carson – Injured his hip and early reports have him likely to miss the rest of the year. But Rashaad Penny already beat him to the injured reserve and C.J. Prosise just broke his arm. Travis Homer is the top of the depth chart at last for now. He is a sixth-round rookie with eight rushing attempts and six receptions over the last four games.  He’s an obvious step down from Carson and the Seahawks face the 49ers this week. They will promote a practice squad guy or find a free agent or both. Limited if any real value this week, though.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

WR Michael Thomas – He set the new NFL record with 145 catches in a season and he still has one more game against the Panthers. In their last meeting during Week 12, Thomas caught 11 passes for 101 yards and a score on the Panthers. 150 is not out of reach and 155 sounds like an average game.

WR DeAndre Hopkins – Faced the No. 32 ranked defense against wide receivers and only caught five passes for 23 yards. And yes, as mind-bending as that seems, it was his worst performance all year – right when you needed him most.

WR Breshad Perriman – For the last four games, he’s gained at least 70 yards and topped 100 yards in the last two. Perriman blew up with 113 yards and three touchdowns in Week 15 after Mike Evans was gone and he laid down seven receptions for 102 yards this week. What will the Bucs do with three viable receivers? Hard to say since Perriman was only signed for one year and will be a free agent in 2020.

TE Tyler Higbee – In his three previous seasons, Higbee never gained 100 yards and averaged just around 17 yards per game. He rarely caught more than two passes and even went seven different weeks without a catch despite playing. When Gerald Everett went out injured in Week 12, there were no expectations on what Higbee might do other than play like he had for three and a half years. But he turned in at least seven catches for 100 yards in each of the last four games. He is the highest-scoring tight end for the last month. He is the third-highest scoring receiver, period.

RB Devonta Freeman – Yet another head-scratcher. Freeman does little all year and yet in Week 16, he ran for 53 yards and a touchdown, plus caught nine passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Jaguars. It was his best game of the year and double the fantasy points from ten other of his games this season.

QB Will Grier – The Panthers’ third-round pick finally took his debut start in the loss to the Colts. He only completed 27 of 44 passes for 224 yards and three interceptions. But – he connected 15 times with Christian McCaffrey and his other 13 completions were spread over eight players. At least he was kind to the McCaffrey owners in their championships – because he was in a lot of them.

WR Tyler Boyd – There were a lot of players that saved their best games for the fantasy championships, even if they sunk their owner’s chances long ago. Boyd only scored three times this season and just once in his first ten games. At Miami this week, he ended with nine catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns.  He turned in just three receptions for 26 yards the previous week.

TE Mike Gesicki – The second-round pick by the Dolphins in 2018, Gesicki did little and never scored until Week 12 of this year. He followed that with a score this next week with 79 yards against the Eagles. In Week 16, he ended with six receptions for 82 yards and two more touchdowns. Worth noting for next year.

RB Alvin Kamara – Ran for 80 yards and two touchdowns at Tennessee and added six catches for 30 yards. That’s a better game than his previous four combined. He only had one rushing touchdown in his first 14 games.

RB Miles Sanders – The Eagles have always employed a committee backfield under HC Doug Pederson. But Jordan Howard remains out and Sanders comes off a big game with 79 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries plus five receptions for 77 yards in the win over the Cowboys. Jordan Howard was only signed for 2019, so could it be? I bet not. Shame though.

RB Kenyan Drake – Where was this when he was in Miami? Drake ran for 166 yards and two scores plus caught three passes for 18 yards. After his first touchdown, he celebrated by pretending to open a safe, load money in a bag and then throw it over his shoulder and walk away. He had 146 total yards and a score last week. And yes, he’s going to be carrying a big bag of money when he becomes a free agent next year.

4,000-yard passers – These quarterbacks have a shot at 4,000 yards on the season (Name and need) – Russell Wilson (123), Patrick Mahomes (143), Deshaun Watson (148), Tom Brady (164), Carson Wentz (250). That would make ten this year and there were 12 in 2018.

1,000-yard rushers – These running backs are close to the mark – Joe Mixon (25), Phillip Lindsay (42), Saquon Barkley (89).

1,000-yard receivers – It’s not just for wideouts anymore – Austin Ekeler (50), Christian McCaffrey (67), Tyler Boyd (13), DJ Chark (26), Mike Williams (37), Odell Beckham (46), A.J. Brown (73), Terry McLaurin (81), George Kittle (33), and Zach Ertz (84).

Huddle player of the week

RB Saquon Barkley  –  This is ironic. The first pick in most fantasy drafts has been a bust against all expectations. He missed three games and never ran for 100 yards since Week 2. There are not a lot of teams that weathered such a bad flop from their No. 1 pick. But those that did were rewarded with 22 carries for 189 yards and one touchdown, plus four receptions for 90 more yards and a second score. It was everything you expected and never got. Until Week 16.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Andy Dalton 396 4 QB Deshaun Watson 220 0
RB DeAndre Washington 106 1 RB Nick Chubb 45 0
RB Rex Burkhead 97 1 RB Chris Carson 60 0
WR Steven Sims 64 2 WR DJ Chark 18 0
WR Tajae Sharpe 69 2 WR Amari Cooper 24 0
WR Hunter Renfrow 107 1 WR DeAndre Hopkins 23 0
TE Mike Gesicki 82 2 TE Zach Ertz 28 0
PK Sam Ficken  1  XP   3 FG PK Chris Boswell 1 XP 1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 152 Huddle Fantasy Points = 29

Now get back to work… and Merry Christmas!

Tunnel Vision of Week 15

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Jameis Winston 458 – 4 4
 Lamar Jackson 212 – 86 5
 Ryan Tannehill 279 – 10 3
 Patrick Mahomes 340 – 11 2
 Mitchell Trubisky 348 – 29 1
Running Backs Yards TD
Kenyan Drake 146 4
Christian McCaffrey 175 2
Miles Sanders 172 2
Ezekiel Elliott 160 2
Saquon Barkley  153 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Breshad Perriman 116 3
Julio Jones 134 2
Jamison Crowder 90 2
DeVante Parker 72 2
Terry McLaurin 130 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Ricky-Seals Jones 29 2
Travis Kelce 142 0
George Kittle 134 0
Darren Waller 122 0
Zach Ertz 61 1
Placekickers XP FG
Dan Bailey 3 4
Robbie Gould 1 3
Nick Folk 4 2
Dustin Hopkins 3 2
Harrison Butker 0 3
Defense Sck-TO TD
Vikings 2 – 7 1
Patriots 0 – 5 1
Eagles 1 – 1 1
Buccaneers 2 – 3 1
Packers 3 – 3 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

Pretty light but last week removed some important players from this Sunday already.

WR Chris Godwin – Hamstring
WR Scott Miller – Hamstring
RB J.D. McKissic – Neck
RB Dalvin Cook – Shoulder
WR Brandin Cooks – Back

Chasing Ambulances

WR Chris Godwin – The Buccaneers already missed Mike Evans and then Chris Godwin went down untouched and had to be carted to the locker room. While the prognosis isn’t available as of this writing, all such signs usually mean missing a week or more And only next week matters.  Breshad Perriman (5-113, 3 TD) was the one to step up with Evans gone.

Scotty Miller also scored in his first game back from injury but then pulled his hamstring. Justin Watson turned in a touchdown in Week 14 replacing Evans for part of the game but was limited to only two catches for 17 yards. If Godwin is still out, Perriman becomes the No. 1 but he won’t surprise anyone after his three scores in Week 15.

Watson would have to play more as the only receiver with any experience left on the roster. The Bucs host the Texans and their weak secondary this week. And Jameis Winston is on a mission to post yardage and scores.

RB Dalvin Cook – He went down yet again with a shoulder injury. He was in obvious pain and seemingly more than the times before. He has to be in doubt for the homestand against the Packers and their weak rushing defense this week. Alexander Mattison would have been the backup, but he was inactive with an ankle injury.

That only leaves Ameer Abdullah (5-25) and Mike Boone (13-56, 2 TD) behind. The Vikes need a run game and whichever back starts will be fantasy relevant against the soft Packers run defense.  If  Cook or Mattison do not return, then expect the same sort of committee with Abdullah and Boone. Cook was injury-prone for his first two seasons and seemed to finally get over his durability issues. Until you absolutely, positively needed him for one specific game. Oh, Dalvin…

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Christian McCaffrey – He not just the guy with the magic year in most of the league playoffs, and he’s not just the No. 1 fantasy running back but a significant margin. He is also the only Panthers player that ever produced over 2,000 total yards in one season. He’s rushed for 1,307 yards on 265 carries and added 814 yards on 94 receptions. That’s 2,121 yards. He still has two more games.

RB Chris Carson – Already had a strong season but the Seahawks just lost Rashaad Penny last week. That left Carson to run 24 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Panthers. Penny was getting up to 15 carries but C.J. Prosise (5-15) and Travis Homer (2-7) didn’t get in the way as much.

RB Joe Mixon – He rushed for 136 yards on 25 carries and even caught three passes for 30 yards versus the No. 1 defense versus running backs. The Bengals only passed for 151 yards and lost the game badly. But at least Mixon’s late-season push continues. He’ll be interesting in 2020 so long as the offense around him gets an upgrade.

QB Jameis Winston – Fractured thumb be damned. Winston passed for 458 yards and four touchdowns against the Lions were nicely timed for fantasy owners in their playoffs. He leads the NFL with 4,573 passing yards and that is a pace for 5,226 yards. That would rank fourth-best in NFL history. He averages 326 yards per game and his final two games are at home against the Texans and Falcons. He only needs 213 yards per game to become the eighth quarterback to throw for more than 5,000 yards.

WR Anthony Miller – He’s produced marginal stats at best this season but he gained over 100 yards in each of his last two road games and scored these last two weeks. His nine catches for 118 yards and a touchdown this week was a season-best.

WR Davante Adams – The Packers only threw for 203 yards and one score on Sunday, but Adams accounted for 103 yards on seven catches and caught the lone touchdown pass.  The Packers have evolved to where there is no fantasy value in any receiver aside from Adams. No matter what happens in the Packers’ passing effort, Adams will produce and no one else will.

TE Travis Kelce – He reeled in 11 catches for 142 yards in the win over the Broncos. He now totals 1,131 yards on the year in the thinnest of fantasy positions. He also just set the record for the only tight end in the history of the NFL to record four straight 1,000 yard seasons.

WR DeVante Parker – He was a flop for his first three seasons. Parker currently totals 59 catches for 954 yards and eight touchdowns and should break 1,000 yards likely this week when they host the Bengals. He just signed a 4-year, $40 million extension. Apparently, he only comes to life when the Dolphins offense becomes completely stripped of all talent. He scored four touchdowns over the last three games.

RB Carlos Hyde – After six years and four different teams, Hyde currently stands at 224 carries for 1,030 yards for the Texans. His first 1,000-yard season. He was only paid $1.8 million this year and is a free agent in 2020. Will the Texans finally draft a talented rookie back or just more of the same by re-signing Hyde?

WR Terry McLaurin – All may not be lost with Dwayne Haskins. The speedy rookie McLaurin just scored for the second week in a row and gained a career-best 130 yards on five catches versus the Eagles.

WR Odell Beckham – He’s nursed a sports hernia all season according to recent reports. And he’s been a disappointment to fantasy owners. He did just catch a season-best eight passes for 66 yards at the Cardinals, in a game where Jarvis Landry was held to only five receptions for 23 yards. He fielded a season-high 13 targets versus eight for Landry.

TE Tyler Higbee – He led the Rams with 12 catches for 111 yards in the loss to the Cowboys. He is in his fourth season and had never gained more than 295 yards in any year. Higbee just turned in his third 100-yard game in a row. He’s suddenly reached the Top-10 for tight ends this season. Gerald Everett is out and had been the lead receiver.  Higbee replaced Everett at an opportune time, but he’s been the No. 1 tight end for the last three weeks.

WR Julio Jones – The Falcons star didn’t have to share with Calvin Ridley but was facing the 49ers defense in San Francisco. He ended with 13 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns including the game-winner.  He also became the only wideout with 20 targets in one game this year. Tyler Lockett was the leader with 18 in Week 9.

Huddle player of the week

Kenyan Drake  –   Someone is going to be a soon-to-be rich free agent in 2020. Drake just ran for 137 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries and added nine yards on one catch in the win over the Browns. He’s everything that you thought David Johnson would be. Timing is everything in the world of expiring rookie contracts.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick 312 2 QB Jimmy Garoppolo 206 1
RB Miles Sanders 172 2 RB Melvin Gordon 64 0
RB Tony Pollard 143 1 RB Dalvin Cook 43 0
WR Breshad Perriman 116 3 WR Emmanuel Sanders 9 0
WR Jamison Crowder 90 2 WR Julian Edelman 9 0
WR Anthony Miller 118 2 WR Robert Woods 17 0
TE Ricky Seals-Jones 29 2 TE Hunter Henry 29 0
PK Dan Bailey 3  XP  4  FG PK Greg Zuerlein   1 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 129 Huddle Fantasy Points = 28

Now get back to work…

Tunnel Vision of Week 14

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Yards TD
 Jameis Winston 456 – 5 5
 Drew Brees 249 – 1 6
 Mitchell Trubisky 244 – 63 4
 Deshaun Watson 292 – 44 3
 Jimmy Garoppolo 349 – 1 4
Running Backs Yards TD
Austin Ekeler 213 1
Aaron Jones 192 1
Joe Mixon 186 1
Derrick Henry 109 2
Raheem Mostert  109 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
A.J. Brown 166 2
Emmanuel Sanders 192 2
Diontae Johnson 76 2
Michael Thomas 134 1
DeAndre Hopkins 132 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Noah Fant 113 1
Jared Cook 64 2
Travis Kelce 70 1
George Kittle 67 1
Tyler Higbee 116 0
Placekickers XP FG
Jason Sanders 0 7
Younghoe Koo 4 4
Randy Bullock 0 4
Robbie Gould 6 2
Harrison Butker 2 3
Defense Sck – TO TD
Steelers 5 – 3 1
Falcons 5 – 4 0
Broncos 3 – 3 1
Colts 1 – 4 1
Browns 2 – 1 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

WR Mike Evans – Hamstring
TE Jared Cook – Head
WR Devante Parker – Concussion
WR Albert Wilson – Concussion
RB Derrius Guice – MCL sprain
TE Ryan Griffin – ankle
TE Noah Fant – Foot
TE Mark Andrews – Knee
WR Calvin Ridley – Abdomen
QB Jameis Winston – Hand
QB Tom Brady – Elbow
TE Foster Moreau – Knee
RB Rashaad Penny – Knee
WR DJ Chark – Ankle

Chasing Ambulances

Well. After a few weeks of few injuries, the blue tent was busting at the seams on Sunday. Still a little early to say if these are serious or nothing, but enough of them are worth watching.

WR Mike Evans – He pulled lame at the end of his 61-yard touchdown catch. Hamstrings can be a tricky thing so his practices this week will be key. If he missed Week 15 at the Lions, Breshad Perriman would take his place and already ended with 70 yards and a score against the Colts this week. A worthy pickup for the Evans owners.

WR Devante Parker – Appeared to have a concussion and if he misses the tilt at the Giants this week, Isaiah Ford would step in. He took over on Sunday and became the leading receiver with 92 yards on six catches. Probably more of a Daily Play than a league championship start.

RB Derrius Guice – Appeared to sprain his MCL, Guice is hardly helping his injury-prone perception. Adrian Peterson would just step up the rushing yardage while Chris Thompson would handle the receiving as he just did when he caught seven passes for 43 yards.

TE Mark Andrews – Sprained his knee and could miss the tilt against the Jets this week. Hayden Hurst was the tight end that they drafted before they took Andrews in a later round last year. Hurst ended with 73 yards and a score on three catches as the leading receiver in the win over the Bills. Lamar Jackson loves his tight ends.

RB Rashaad Penny – Pulled up like he had a serious knee injury even though the tackle did not look bad. His absence would mostly lead to more Chris Carson and just a worthless dash of C.J. Prosise.

WR DJ Chark – Hobbled off at the end of the game, his ankle injury is not yet known to be serious. If he misses next week in Oakland, his targets would likely just be spread out among Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley and maybe Keelan Cole. But the Jags are playing with their hands in the air like they just don’t care. Except for Chark.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

WR Olamide Zaccheaus –  The undrafted rookie out of Virginia just set the NFL record with his first NFL catch that went for a 93-yard touchdown, the longest first-catch touchdown ever. I speak on behalf of every sportswriter in the country when I say we should just refer to him as “OZ” to avoid constant misspellings and mispronunciations.

RB Joe Mixon – He started the year so slowly that he killed fantasy owners. But he’s improved over the season and turned in a season-best 146 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries plus caught three passes for 40 yards. He scored in five of the last seven games but only upped his yardage until after midseason.

WR Terry McLaurin – The rookie just scored for the first time since Week 6. His production suffered tremendously after the change to Dwayne Haskins but it is a positive sign that he scored and turned in four catches for 57 yards in the loss to the Packers. The next two games are at home versus the Eagles and Giants – the No. 29 and No. 30 defenses versus wideouts. At least there is hope.

QB Drew Lock – His debut only produced 134 passing yards and two scores versus the Chargers. His second outing was when he threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns in Houston. Those were both wins. He completed 22-of-27 passes and connected with ten different receivers. He may not be the second incarnation of John Elway, but at least he’s pointed in the right direction playing with a team that has been stripped down.

WR Emmanuel Sanders – There’s just no other way to spin it. The 49ers offense is very good. Sanders ended with seven catches for 157 yards and one touchdown against the Saints. In the flurry of traded players, Sanders may be the most pleased with his new team regardless of the price of real estate in the Bay Area. He’s a 2020 free agent. He’ll be able to afford a house anywhere.

RB Alvin Kamara – It’s bad enough that he almost never scores, but he only ran for 25 yards on 13 carries versus the 49ers along with four catches for 18 yards. Latavius Murray accounted for 69 yards on his seven runs and gained 25 yards on his two receptions. That’s 43 vs. 94 total yards.

WR Robby Anderson –  His first ten games contained just one score and one decent yardage effort. These last three weeks had him score in Washington, then gain 86 yards and score on the Raiders in Week 12. The last two games were both seven catches for over 100 yards each and a score versus Miami on Sunday.

WR Mike Williams – He only caught two passes in the win over the Jaguars, but he gained 63 yards and scored a 44-yard touchdown. Despite scoring ten times in 2018 as the No. 3 receiver, it was his first score since Week 17 of last year.

The Jaguars – Their 35-point loss to the visiting Chargers smacked of a team that has given up and is just going through the motions. That should help the Raiders and Falcons as they host the team with the missing defense.

RB David Johnson – He’s been a nonfactor after leaving in Week 7 and returning in Week 10. But he came up with 19 yards on three runs and added two catches for 34 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Steelers. Kenyan Drake only ran for 37 yards on 11 carries and caught three passes for 30 yards in that game. Johnson isn’t dead, but he is still too big of a risk to rely on.

RB Sony Michel – He was moderately productive in the first half of the year and scored six times. Since Week 9, he’s never scored, has no role as a receiver and just faced the No. 32 defense versus running backs. He gained eight yards on five rushes. Granted, the Pats were trailing but even Rex Burkhead gained 15 yards on seven carries. Michel bears almost no resemblance to 2018 and yet he’s one of the few Patriots that isn’t on the injury report.

QB Tom Brady – He finally turned in high production in Week 13 when he passed for 326 yards and three scores. But in Week 14, he was back to his less effective ways. Brady only managed 169 yards and one score with one interception against the visiting Chiefs. His 63.3 QB Rating was the lowest of the year although he’s been stuck at sub-90 QBR for the last six games.

WR A.J. Brown – The rookie was already impressive but since turning to Ryan Tannehill, Brown’s production has spiked. He turned in a season-best 153 yards and two scores on five catches in the win over the Raiders. And that was two weeks after he posted 135 yards and a touchdown on the Jaguars in Week 12. Tannehill also produced a season-best with 391 yards and three scores. His first read is Brown.

RB DeAndre Washington – He subbed for the inactive Josh Jacobs. The Raiders No. 2 back ran for 53 yards and one score on 14 carries and added six catches for 43 yards in the loss to the Titans. Jalen Richard only totaled 46 yards. Hosting the Jaguars for Week 15 could make him at least a daily play if Jacobs remains out.

WR Robert Woods – He finally caught a touchdown for the first time this year. But his seven catches for 98 yards made it four straight starts that resulted in 95 yards or more. Remember Brandin Cooks? You can stop now.

Huddle player of the week

Jameis Winston  –  Just in time for Christmas, the NFL gives fantasy football Jameis Winston. He not only threw for 456 yards and four touchdowns. He not only rushed in a touchdown. But he also tossed three interceptions to help the Colts remain motivated in the game. He’s a gift that keeps on giving – to everyone.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Mitchell Trubisky 307 4 QB Josh Allen 155 1
RB Raheem Mostert 109 2 RB Alvin Kamara 43 0
RB DeAndre Washington 96 1 RB Leonard Fournette 63 0
WR Diontae Johnson 76 2 WR John Brown 26 0
WR Marcus Johnson 105 1 WR Davante Parker 28 0
WR Olamide Zaccheaus 93 1 WR Julio Jones 66 0
TE Noah Fant 113 1 TE Kyle Rudolph 11 0
PK Jason Sanders 7 FG PK Matt Prater 1 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 161 Huddle Fantasy Points = 34

Now get back to work…

Tunnel Vision of Week 13

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Yards TD
 Ryan Fitzpatrick  365 – 2 3
 Aaron Rodgers 243 – 24 4
 Kyle Allen 278 – 22 3
 Dak Prescott 355 – 25 2
 Carson Wentz 310 – 0 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Derrius Guice 137 2
Derrick Henry 166 1
Raheem Mostert 154 1
Peyton Barber 44 2
James White 177 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Devante Parker 159 2
Kenny Golladay 158 1
Alshon Jeffery 137 1
Courtland Sutton 74 2
Davante Adams 64 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Tyler Higbee 107 1
Mike Gesicki 79 1
Jack Doyle 73 1
Jason Witten 42 1
Mark Andrews 50 1
Placekickers XP FG
Will Lutz 2 4
Brandon McManus 2 3
Jason Sanders 2 (+TD) 1
Jake Elliott 2 3
Dustin Hopkins 2 3
Defense Sck-TO TD
Buccaneers 5-4 1
Saints 9-3 0
Chiefs 2-3 1
Titans 3-3 1
Rams 5-1 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

TE Greg Olsen – Concussion
RB Kalen Ballage – Leg
WR Chester Rogers – Knee
WR Trey Quinn – Concussion
RB Darrel Williams – Hamstring
QB Baker Mayfield – Hand

Chasing Ambulances

Another light week with nothing major happening on the injury front.

TE Greg Olsen – Out with a concussion that looked significant at the time. He’d give way to Ian Thomas if Olsen misses time and Thomas turned in four catches for 24 yards in the loss to the Redskins. But at this point of the season, it’s a non-event.

RB Kalen Ballage – This is the worst backfield so it doesn’t really matter. Myles Gaskin ran for 20 yards on two carries but Patrick Laird would pick up more work and he only ran for five yards on ten carries. Nothing here to bring into fantasy playoffs.

RB Darrel Williams – The Chiefs’ backfield is a mess and Williams only gained 13 yards on six runs before his hamstring injury that happened when he was untouched. Damien Williams could be back this week anyway and LeSean McCoy takes his cut. The only interesting outcome was letting Darwin Thompson run for 44 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes. Again – not a lot here to rely on for fantasy playoffs.

QB Baker Mayfield – He appeared to hit his hand on a helmet and had an x-ray taken. He returned to the game so it is a non-event pending any further concerns this week in practice.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

WR Anthony Miller – Taylor Gabriel was out with a concussion which elevated Miller in the win over the Lions. While he has yet to score a 2019 touchdown, Miller turned in a career-best 140 yards on nine catches last Thursday. And that follows two weeks of six-catch performances.

WR Cole Beasley – Saved his best for playing his ex-employer. Beasley hung six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in Dallas but that makes a score in five of the last seven games and over 70 yards in three of his last four. As great as that sounds, facing BAL, @PIT, @NE, and NYJ sound like temper expectations.

Bills backfield – Said it many times before but it still kills me. Devin Singletary runs for 63 yards on 14 carries while Frank Gore still is given nine runs to gain 11 yards. I want Singletary next year when Gore is gone. Unless they bring in yet another aging back to slow down the offense.

RB Raheem Mostert – He was on a streak of games with only six carries but in Week 12, he gained 45 yards and scored. In Baltimore, Mostert was the only player with notable statistics when he ran for 146 yards on 19 carries and scored once. He added two catches for eight yards. Tevin Coleman was held to only six yards on five rushes.  That’s hard to rely on playing at the Saints this week, but he looked clearly superior to Coleman.

RB Derrius Guice – He torched the Panthers for 129 yards and two touchdowns on just ten rushes and added two receptions for eight yards. Adrian Peterson also gained 99 yards and a score on 13 carries but it was against the Panthers and their  No. 27 ranked defense versus running backs. Even better, the Redskins head to Green Bay this week to face the No. 30 defense against the position.

WR D.J. Moore – The Panthers wideout just caught six passes for 75 yards and one score in the loss to the Redskins. For the last five games, he’s totaled more fantasy points than any other wideout besides Jarvis Landry. And next week he faces the No. 30 defense versus wideouts in the Falcons.

QB Sam Darnold – After scoring six touchdowns over the previous two games, Darnold was held to only 239 yards and no scores by the Bengals. That calls into question if the Redskins and Raiders matchups were just a function of bad secondaries. This week they host the Dolphins but that doesn’t look as inviting as it once did. One plus – Robby Anderson still caught seven passes for 101 yards while all other receivers did very little.

QB Andy Dalton – Took his start and brought a win to the Bengals since they still own the worst record, just not a win-less record. With the Dolphins and both meetings with the Browns left o play, the Bengals have to decide if they want to risk that No. 1 overall pick next April.

RB Marlon Mack – Targeting this week to return. The Colt need him since the backfield is now a mess with Jordan Wilkins (11-47), Nyheim Hines (4-22, TD) and Jonathan Williams (8-14) canceling each other out in the loss to the Titans.

TE Jack Doyle – Eric Ebron landed on injured reserve and that left Doyle as the lone receiving tight end. He turned in six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. His 11 targets were more than any other Colt. And this week, he plays the Buccaneers that are ranked No. 31 versus tight ends.

QB Nick Foles – Facing the Buccaneers has been a gift for almost every opposing quarterback but Foles completed just 7-of-14 for 93 yards, with one interception and two lost fumbles by half time. He was benched so that Gardner Minshew could throw for 147 yards and one score in the second half. Now the problem is who plays in Week 14? The rookie or the $88M quarterback?

RB Ronald Jones – He was held to only eight yards on six carries while Peyton Freaking Barber was given 17 carries to gain 44 yards and two touchdowns. Just when you think it may be safe to trust Jones. You cannot.

WR Alshon Jeffery – Missed two games with an ankle injury but returned to post nice catches for 167 yards and a score in the loss to the Dolphins. This was the first time he’s played as well as he did in 2018. The Dolphins secondary was missing several players, so it’s likely a one-game aberration.

WR James Washington – The change to Devlin Hodges the last two weeks resulted in Washington logging 98 yards and a score at the Bengals and then 111 yards and a touchdown on Sunday versus the Browns. Even better, the Steelers face the Cardinals this week.

WR Robert Woods – He still has not caught a touchdown but he posted 95 yards in Week 10 before disappearing in Week 11 for unknown personal reasons. His return in Week 12 saw him catch six passes for 97 yards against the Ravens. On Sunday, he caught 13 passes for 172 yards. You do not need touchdowns with those sort of stats.

Cardinals backfield – The loss to the Rams meant less rushing anyway, but the backfield had Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmond, and David Johnson available. They elected to never use Edmonds, and run Drake 13 times for 31 yards and Johnson gained 15  yards on four rushes. Both Drake and Johnson caught two short passes. The remaining schedule – PIT, CLE, @SEA, and @LAR –  all go against Top-12 defenses versus running backs.

QB Drew Lock – The Broncos opted to start their 2.10 pick in Lock, and the rookie responded with two touchdowns to Courtland Sutton in the first quarter.  He ended with only 134 passing touchdowns and those two scores. But he helped lead the Broncos to the eventual win. He’ll need to throw in Houston and Kansas City next, but the first quarter is over and there isn’t enough there to merit any consideration.

TE Darren Waller – Led the Raiders with seven catches for 100 yards in the beatdown by the Chiefs. His nine targets were more than double anyone else and Tyrell Williams ended with only one catch for nine yards. The Raiders can no longer connect with wideouts and the top three receivers were two tight ends and the running back DeAndre Washington.

Huddle player of the week

Devante Parker  –  This is simply mind-blowing.  Devante Parker was already the only receiver worth covering for the Dolphins but he caught seven passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Those were his first scores since Week 9 but Parker’s making the most of his opportunity after Preston Williams left in Week 10. He helped win a lot of fantasy games this week – if he was in the starting lineups.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick 367 3 QB Drew Brees 184 1
RB Raheem Mostert 154 1 RB Aaron Jones 31 0
RB Peyton Barber 44 2 RB Ronald Jones 8 0
WR Allen Lazard 103 1 WR Odell Beckham 29 0
WR Anthony Miller 140 0 WR Chris Godwin 50 0
WR Curtis Samuel 65 1 WR Michael Thomas 48 0
TE Tyler Higbee 107 1 TE Hunter Henry 10 0
PK Will Lutz 2 XP 4 FG PK Brett Maher 1 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 141 Huddle Fantasy Points = 29

Now get back to work…

Tunnel Vision of Week 12

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Yards TD
Ryan Tannehill 259 – 40 4
Jameis Winston 313 – 38 3
Sam Darnold 315 – 16 3
Ryan Fitzpatrick 214 – 45 3
Baker Mayfield 327 – 5 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Derrick Henry 165 2
Leonard Fournette 159 2
Christian McCaffrey 135 2
Nick Chubb 164 1
Rashaad Penny 129 1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Chris Godwin 184 2
Jarvis Landry 148 2
D.J. Moore 126 2
DeAndre Hopkins 94 2
A.J. Brown 135 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Jared Cook 99 1
Zach Ertz 91 1
Mike Gesicki 28 1
Logan Thomas 24 1
George Kittle 129 1
Placekickers XP FG
Dustin Hopkins 1 4
Austin Siebert 5 2
Will Lutz 4 2
Chase McLaughlin 4 3
Younghoe Koo 1 3
Defense Sck-TO TD
Jets 1 – 2 1
Redskins 6 – 4 1
Seahawks 3 – 5 0
Buccaneers  6 – 2 1
Steelers 4 – 2 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

WR Julio Jones – Shoulder
WR Hunter Renfrow – Ribs
QB Mason Rudolph – Splinters
QB Dwayne Haskins – Wrist
WR Paul Richardson – Hamstring

Chasing Ambulances

Week 12 was the most injury-free slate of games that I can remember. Julio Jones hurt his shoulder but went back into the game. Dwayne Haskin’s wrist may be an issue, but he’s already a terrible fantasy play anyway and the Skins would likely benefit reverting to Case Keenum.

Mason Rudolph was benched and Devlin Hodges played better, but the Steelers already struggle when they pass and Hodges is no late-season savior.

There wasn’t an injury that would spawn any meaningful depth chart changes. And that’s likely to repeat until the end of the season because those who were going to get injured, already have. And everyone else is already banged up by now anyway.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Jonathan Williams – The Colts will still miss Marlon Mack for a few more weeks and Williams followed up his surprise 147-yard Week 11 performance with 121 yards and a touchdown last Thursday in Houston. This week at home against the Titans holds a lot of promise.

WR Will Fuller – Missed five games but his first Sunday back and he posted seven catches for 140 yards against the Colts. The next two games go against the Patriots and Titans, so he’s likely to crawl back under the rock.

WR Russell Gage – Hasn’t scored this year but turned in a season-best eight catches for 76 yards in the loss to the Falcons. Notable is that while his two previous games were mediocre and on the road, his only previous homestand since  Muhammad Sanu left was when he caught seven passes for 58 yards. The Falcons play at home versus the Saints and Panthers for the next two weeks.

RB Qadree Ollison – The Falcons rookie power back totaled only 13 touches over the last two games but they were the first with him playing and he scored a touchdown in each.

QB Brian Allen – The Broncos quarterback was held to only 10-of-25 completions for 82 yards and one interception in the loss to the Bills. The Broncos 2.10 draft pick of Drew Lock is practicing again after spending the season on injured reserve because of a wrist injury. He’ll be starting sooner than later and the next three opponents are LAC, @HOU, and @KC. The Broncos will lose, but it could be a good experience for Lock who is bound to throw for more than 82 yards.

WR Sterling Shepard – Returned from his serious concussion and ended with five receptions for 15 yards in the loss to the Bears. This week hosting the Packers isn’t a great matchup, but the Giants will face the Eagles, Dolphins, and Redskins after that.

WR Allen Robinson – Just posted six catches for 131 yards and a score against the Giants. He’s done well only when facing weaker defenses and usually at home. With an ending schedule of @DET, DAL, @GB, KAN, and @MIN he’s going to be very hard to rely on again.

RB Benny Snell – With James Conner sidelined, Snell was given another start and he ran for 98 yards on 21 carries at the Bengals. His only other start was Week 6 when he posted 89 total yards at the Chargers. Keep an eye on the Conner situation because the Steelers face the Browns and Cardinals next. Jaylen Samuels wasn’t a factor and he comes into play only as a receiver when the Steelers are facing a tough defense and need to dump the pass off to a running back. Conner (shoulder) never practiced last week so he may miss a second game.

QB Baker Mayfield – Comes off a season-high 327 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Dolphins. Mayfield has been a major disappointment to many, but the Browns slogged through a murderous schedule. Mayfield threw for two or more scores in the last three weeks (all at home).  He plays at the Steelers this week but then faces the Bengals and Cardinals.

WR D.J. Moore – The Saints were without CB Marson Lattimore in Week 11 but still held Mike Evans to only 69 yards on four catches and that was in Tampa Bay. But this week in New Orleans, Moore turned in six receptions for 126 yards and two scores for a career-best performance. Moore’s first score was on a 51-yard catch and run.

RB Josh Jacobs – was held to only 34 yards on ten carries and only caught one pass for two yards. The rookie merely went through his first NFL trash game and Derek Carr only threw for 127 yards and no scores. They were also likely thinking ahead to this week in Kansas City.

QB Sam Darnold – He passed for 315 yards and two scores and even ran in a touchdown. That came on the heels of 293 yards and four touchdowns last week at the Redskins. Granted, the Skins and Raiders didn’t feature top secondaries, but neither will the  Bengals and Dolphins the next two weeks. Even Robby Anderson (4-86, TD) came to life.

RB Rashaad Penny – Chris Carson is the starter, but he only gained 26 yards on eight runs while Penny became the “hot hand” at the Eagles and ran for 129 yards on 14 carries. Penny never had a catch while Carson ended with four receptions for 31 yards. There’s no changing of the depth chart and this is the same back that only gained two yards last week while Carson turned in 101 yards and a score at the 49ers.

RB Bo Scarbrough – The Week 11 surprise took his second start and ran for 98 yards on 18 carries. He still has not caught a pass and realize that he’ll be facing the Bears, Vikings, and Buccaneers next. That won’t be nearly so accommodating.

RB Derrius Guice – The Skins 2018 draft pick only managed ten runs for 32 yards at home versus the Lions who brought the No. 32 defense against running backs. With Dwayne Haskins as the starter, this offense has lost all punch. The out schedule is worse but there is a chance that Haskin’s wrist is bad enough to bring back Case Keenum.

RB Leonard Fournette – He ran for 97 yards and two scores plus caught nine passes for 62 yards in the loss in Tennessee. It was his only score since Week 5 and these last two weeks with Nick Foles as the starting quarterback resulted in season-high seven and nine catches, respectively.

Huddle player of the week

Chris Godwin  –  The only safe fantasy play is to start both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin if you could somehow draft both because you’re probably going to receive a monster game from one of them every week. Never both. And a tough call as to which one will go off. But this week, Godwin led all fantasy scorers with seven receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He was already one of the best sleeper types and now helped win many fantasy games this week.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Ryan Tannehill 299 4 QB Dak Prescott 216 0
RB Rashaad Penny 129 1 RB Jaylen Samuels 32 0
RB Benny Snell 103 0 RB Josh Jacobs 36 0
WR Robby Anderson 86 1 WR Amari Cooper nope 0
WR Will Fuller 140 0 WR T.Y. Hilton 18 0
WR Allen Hurns 42 1 WR Mike Evans 50 0
TE Mike Gesicki 28 1 TE Darren Waller 41 0
PK Dustin Hopkins 1 XP 4 FG PK Jake Elliott 1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 122 Huddle Fantasy Points =  27

Now get back to work…

Tunnel Vision of Week 11

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Yards TD
Josh Allen 256-56 4
Jimmy Garoppolo 424-7 4
Lamar Jackson 222-86 4
Dak Prescott 444-18 3
Sam Darnold 293-(-3) 4
Running Backs Yards TD
Mark Ingram 85 2
Ezekiel Elliott 73 2
Christian McCaffrey 191 0
Todd Gurley 133 1
Marlon Mack 109 1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
John Brown 137 2
D.J. Chark 104 2
Calvin Ridley 143 1
Stefon Diggs 121 1
Randall Cobb 115 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Ryan Griffin 109 1
Mark Andrews 75 1
Ross Dwelley 14 2
Kyle Rudolph 67 1
Dallas Goedert 36 1
Placekickers XP FG
Steven Hauschka 4 3
Brandon McManus 2 3
Justin Tucker 5 2
Will Lutz 4 2
Younghoe Koo 2 3
Defense Sck-TO TD
Falcons 5-4 1
Browns 4-4 0
Ravens 7-2 0
Saints 2-4 1
49ers 4-2 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

RB Marlon Mack – Hand
WR Auden Tate – Neck
QB Jameis Winston – Ankle
WR Phillip Dorsett – Head
RB  James Conner – Shoulder
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster – Concussion
WR Diontae Johnson – Concussion
QB Mitchell Trubisky – Hip/futility

Chasing Ambulances

A light week is always great to see. But it also means fewer new options for free agents. Winston is expected to be fine, so there was just one injury that will force a depth chart change.

RB Marlon Mack – Is reported to have fractured his hand which means multiple weeks. Jordan Wilkins is out with an ankle injury and never practiced last week. That forced the Colts to rely on fourth-year scrub depth player Jonathan Williams who is already on his third team and only totaled 32 career carries before this week. He ran for 116 yards on just 13 carries thanks in part to a 48-yard gain. Nyheim Hines remains the third-down back. Williams will fill in until either Mack or Wilkins returns.

RB James Conner – While he was off the injury report, Conner re-injured his shoulder last Thursday and hurt is fantasy owners while preventing Jaylen Samuel owners from knowing that they should start their guy. This is a situation worth tracking since the Steelers play @CIN, CLE, and @ARI next. The Bengals next week is particularly appealing. Trey Edmunds stepped in and ran for 11 yards and caught three passes for 27 yards in relief last week. That was a blowout loss – there should be more work for the backfield this week.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster – Both he and Diontae Johnson left wrestle mania the game with concussions and Johnson seemed to be somewhat severe. If either receiver (or both) is still out, James Washington becomes the No. 1 wideout but that doesn’t mean much will happen. It certainly did not last week.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

QB Deshaun Watson – Only passed for 169 yards and no scores at the Ravens. Fortunately, DeAndre Hopkins (7-80) still had a decent game, unlike all other receivers. Watson is a top fantasy quarterback but has to face IND, NE and DEN next though all are at home.

RB Gus Edwards – He ran for 112 yards and a touchdown on eight carries but he only had two rushes by halftime and Mark Ingram already had eight. Edwards broke off a 63-yard scoring run at the end of the fourth quarter but there’s no change in the backfield. Ingram remains the primary and thanks to Lamar Jackson, that still doesn’t mean that much work.

RB Brian Hill – Not only was he limited to only 30 yards on 15 carries, but it was against the No. 27 defense versus running backs.  Kenjon Barner (2-15) and the rookie Qadree Ollison (4-11, TD) both looked better. The next two games face the Buccaneers and Saints which both sport Top-5 defenses versus running backs so there is no right answer here,

RB Ezekiel Elliott – Only ran for 45 yards on 16 carries but did score once and added two catches for 28 yards and a second score. He ran for 152 yards against the Lions last year. Considering the “Got Paid” eras for David Johnson, Le’Veon Bell and Todd Gurley, and now Elliott struggles, have to wonder if that feeds into the next wave of running backs looking to cash in on that second contract.

RB Bo Scarbrough – Was originally drafted by the Cowboys last year and then cut, the ex-Alabama back was called up from the practice squad for his first NFL action. He ran for 55 yards and one score on 14 carries (better than, ahem, Ezekiel in the same game). Ty Johnson has proven to be a non-factor and J.D. McKissic is just a third-down back. Scarbrough will face the Redskins next week and that holds at least a low-level opportunity for a fantasy start.

QB Nick Foles – His return as a starter didn’t cause a win, but at least he threw for 296 yards and two scores. DJ Chark ended with eight catches for 104 yards and both touchdowns, so the switch may actually help Chark. Just not, apparently, anyone else.

WR DeVante Parker – Caught a team-high seven passes for 135 yards in the loss to the Bills. With Preston Williams on injured reserve, Parker is about all the Fins have as wideouts. Allen Hurns turned in four catches for 53 yards replacing Williams and they just signed him to a two-year extension. But Parker holds the only fantasy value on this entire team.

WR Courtland Sutton – The Broncos season is already over and Brandon Allen took the start in Week 9 after Joe Flacco left. That hasn’t proven to be a benefit for anyone – except for Sutton. In Week 9, he caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown at the Colts, and then this week he led the team with five receptions for 113 yards in Minnesota. The schedule is not that kind but he comes off one of his worst matchups looking great.

TE Cameron Brate – The Buccaneers played the Saints who were without CB Marshon Lattimore but still managed to handle Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. As perhaps the final middle finger to fantasy owners, O.J. Howard bobbled an easy catch and ended up benched because it was picked off his back for an interception. That left Brate to reel in a career-high ten passes for 73 yards. Why didn’t they trade Howard?

TE Ryan Griffin – The Jets put Chris Herndon on injured reserve so Griffin is still best of the bunch. And that was pretty good against the Redskins. Griffin ended as the top receiver with 109 yards on five catches. Oddly, his last three home games total 27 yards on five receptions. His last three road games add up to 215 yards on 15 catches. He’ll play at the Bengals in Week 13.

RB Derrius Guice – Adrian Peterson remains the primary back, but that only meant nine runs for 25 yards versus the Jets. Guice gained 24 yards on seven rushes and he added one catch for a 45-yard touchdown. The 1-9 Redskins are already trying new things like seventh-round rookie wideout Kelvin Harmon (5-53) and Guice showing up in the box score should get him more work. Not so great for Adrian Peterson.

RB David Johnson – Say goodnight, DJ. He was healthy(ish). He was active. And he never had a touch. Kenyan Drake took them all – 16 carries for 67 yards and six catches for 13 yards at the 49ers. Barring some encouraging words from HC Kliff Kingsbury, that first-round pick has to take the bench and watch.

WR Deebo Samuel – Granted, both games were at home but the rookie turned in eight catches for 112 yards in Week 10 versus the Seahawks and then eight receptions for 134 yards on Sunday against the Cardinals. He’s offering far more consistency and production than any other wideout.

RB Joe Mixon – Too little, too late, but at least Mixon showed up in Week 10 with 151 total yards against the Ravens. On Sunday, he ran for 86 yards on 15 carries (5.7 YPC) and scored in Oakland.

QB Tom Brady – He only threw for 216 yards and no scores at the Eagles and he ended with a QB rating of just 67.3.  He had nearly no deep ball and really hasn’t this season. I realize that he is only 42, but he looked slow and old.

Huddle player of the week

John Brown  –  This was a low-scoring week for fantasy players other than quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Jimmy Garoppolo, Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott. Brown was the top wideout and higher scoring than any running back when he caught nine passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns.  He suffers from playing in an offense that is all about the run, but he doesn’t suffer every week.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Sam Darnold 291 4 QB Tom Brady 216 0
RB Gus Edwards 112 1 RB James Conner 16 0
RB Jonathan Williams 147 0 RB Leonard Fournette 57 0
WR Jakeem Grant 32 2 WR Tyler Boyd 10 0
WR Marcus Johnson 38 1 WR JuJu Smith-Schuster 21 0
WR Pharoah Cooper 35 1 WR Kenny Golladay 34 0
TE Ross Dwelley 14 2 TE Eric Ebron 27 0
PK Steven Hauschka 4 XP 3 FG PK Chris Boswell 1 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 129 Huddle Fantasy Points = 23

Now get back to work…

Tunnel Vision of Week 10

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Yards TD
Lamar Jackson 223 – 63 4
Daniel Jones 308 – 20 4
Patrick Mahomes 446 3
Kyler Murray 324 – 38 3
Dak Prescott 397 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Derrick Henry 188 – 3 2
Aaron Jones 93 3
Christian McCaffrey 108 – 33 1
Melvin Gordon 108-25 1
Dalvin Cook 97-86 1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Christian Kirk 138 3
Darius Slayton 121 2
Tyreek Hill 157 1
Golden Tate 95 2
Amari Cooper 147 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Mark Andrews 53 2
Travis Kelce 75 1
O.J. Howard 47 1
Jack Doyle 44 1
Kyle Rudolph 14 2
Placekickers XP FG
Harrison Butker 2 4
Younghoe Koo 2 4
Matt Gay 3 3
Jason Sanders 1 3
Sam Ficken 4 2
Defense Sck-TO TD
Steelers 4-3 1
Ravens 2-3 2
Rams 3-2 1
Raiders 5-3 1
Jets 6-2 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

TE Trey Burton – Calf
RB Devonta Freeman – Ankle
RB Giovani Bernard – Knee
RB Ty Johnson – Concussion
RB Jordan Wilkins – Ankle
WR Ryan Switzer – Back
RB Saquon Barkley – Undisclosed

Chasing Ambulances

Devonta Freeman – This is the only injury likely to create new opportunities. The Falcons already placed Ito Smith on injured reserve last week and next up means Brian Hill. He ran for 61 yards on 20 carries mostly all after Freeman left by halftime. Hill also caught a ten-yard pass. Hill already has some value as the new No. 2 for the Falcons and will be the primary if Freeman misses any time. Next week, the Falcons play the Panthers that just let Aaron Jones score three touchdowns. At this point in the season, Hill is a worthy addition if you have the room.

Free Agents and Notable Performances

RB Melvin Gordon – Finally broke 100 yards for 2019 when he ran 22 times for 108 yards and a touchdown plus caught a pass for 25 yards. He ran for 80 yards on 20 carries in Week 9 versus the Packers. After six games back, he’s back in playing form with two straight games of 20 carries and 4.0 YPC.

RB J.D. McKissic – Ty Johnson left with a concussion so McKissic (10-36) and Paul Perkins (7-9) filled in. McKissic also caught six passes for 19 yards as the busiest receiver. He worth adding to a roster if there are reception points and the upcoming schedule (DAL, @WAS, CHI, @MIN) will need to use a running back as a receiver. That was with Jeff Driskell as the quarterback but Matt Stafford uses him a well.

TE Mark Andrews – Big game with six catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns. The notable part is that he’s only topped 50 yards in one other game since Week 2. He gained 99 yards on six catches in Week 6. Against the same Bengals team in their first meeting. They can’t always be the Bengals each week, but when they are, Andrews comes to life.

RB Joe Mixon – Okay, so he hasn’t rushed in a touchdown this year, but at least Mixon just turned in his first 100-yard rushing effort of the year. He ran for 114 yards on 30 carries and added 37 yards on two catches in the loss to the Ravens.

QB Ryan Finley – The rookie debuted with only 167 yards and one touchdown with one interception versus the Ravens which were not the best choice for a first game. Short of a catastrophic situation for your fantasy team, doesn’t look like he needs to be picked up. There is even game film on his this week.

Saints backfield – Sunday was a trash game for the Saints who never showed up. So it is hard to draw too many conclusions from what happened in the loss to the Falcons. Alvin Kamara returned from his ankle injury but only gained 24 yards on four carries. Latavius Murray ran five times for 12 yards so the Saints equally mixed the pair for at least this week. Kamara still caught eight of his targets while Murray only drew two passes. But the situation is more reminiscent of how the Saints used to mix Kamara and Mark Ingram.

WR Darius Slayton –  He only caught one pass for six yards in the Week 9 loss to the Cowboys but the fifth-round rookie just turned in his first game over the century mark when he caught ten passes for 121 yards and two scores on the Jets. He has a bye this week but his fantasy playoff schedule for Weeks 14 to 16 are @PHI, MIA, and @WAS.

RB Saquon Barkley – There are missing offensive linemen and a rookie quarterback, but that still doesn’t completely explain how one of the most talented running backs on the planet just rushed for a net of one yard on 13 carries in the loss to the Jets. Barkley still caught five passes for 30 yards but the first pick in most fantasy drafts was hoped to offer more than 31 yards. Barkley was reported to have gone to the x-ray room after the game but no word as to why.

Cardinals backfield – The return of David Johnson did not change much. He only ran for two yards on five carries and caught one 8-yard pass. Kenyan Drake rushed ten times for 35 yards and caught six passes for a net six-yard gain. And that is without Chase Edmonds eventually mixed back in. For now, the backfield is split and Drake is getting the bigger share.

WR Andy Isabella – The Cardinals rookie is becoming a common deep threat lately with a 55-yard catch this week and an 88-yard reception in Week 10. His 78 total yards against the Buccaneers was second highest for the receivers.

RB Ronald Jones – He’s recently been given over ten carries per game but he had never caught more than two passes. Against the Cardinals, Jones ran for 29 yards and a score on 11 carries and added eight catches for 77 yards. The Bucs had not used running backs much as receivers, so it is worth noting since Jones’s fantasy value would be much greater if he had more than two receptions per game.

RB Damien Williams – Nice development for Williams. After sharing with LeSean McCoy, he was allowed 12 carries in Week 9 and gained 125 yards with one score. On Sunday, he ran for 77 yards on 19 carries and added five catches for 32 yards. McCoy was a healthy scratch. He lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown which works against a running back. But at least the Chiefs turned him into a workhorse this week.

WR DeVante Parker – With Preston Williams on injured reserve, Allen Hurns filled in bot only caught two passes for 32 yards on his four targets. Parker saw more work with ten targets and five receptions for 69 yards. The Fins will need to throw and look like they only trust Parker now.

WR DJ Moore – Kyle Allen is connecting better with Moore in recent weeks and his seven-catch, 101-yard effort in Week 9 was followed up with nine receptions for 120 yards at Green Bay.

RB Aaron Jones – He ran for 93 yards on 13 carries and had no receptions. But he scored three touchdowns, giving him a total of 14 scores on the year. He’s scored in seven of his ten games and yet hasn’t rushed the ball more than 13 times in the last five weeks.

Huddle player of the week

Christian Kirk  –  The second-year receiver hadn’t scored a touchdown this year and was mostly held to moderate production each week while his rookie quarterback went through his learning curve.  Facing the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay was a great place for a career-best game. Kirk caught six passes for 138 yards and scored three touchdowns. It probably won’t be that easy next week in San Francisco. But he led the position for Week 10.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Mitchell Trubisky 181 3 QB Drew Brees 287 0
RB Brian Hill 71 1 RB David Johnson 10 0
RB Peyton Barber 47 1 RB Saquon Barkley 31 0
WR James Washington 90 1 WR Cooper Kupp 0 0
WR Mecole Hardman 63 1 WR Robby Anderson 11 0
WR Adam Humphries 23 1 WR JuJu Smith-Schuster 44 0
TE Anthony Firkser 36 1 TE Darren Waller 40 0
PK Younghoe Koo 2 XP 4 FG PK Steven Hauschka 2 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 106 Huddle Fantasy Points = 26

Now get back to work…