While football will always remain a team sport, it doesn’t stop certain individuals from being more important than others; especially when their presence alone separates you from the pack. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) witnessed that kind …
While football will always remain a team sport, it doesn’t stop certain individuals from being more important than others; especially when their presence alone separates you from the pack. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) witnessed that kind of player return to action for them and the results were evident.
In his first full game back since Week 8, quarterback Jacoby Brissett produced two touchdowns and led the Colts to a much-needed 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6). With the JB7 under center, the first place AFC South leader played their best game in recent weeks and seems to be back on track as six games remain in their season.
Here are five takeaways from the Colts’ 33-13 win over the Jaguars.
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
JB7 literally makes a huge difference
Even during Brissett’s good start to this season, there were still various Colts fans and media who weren’t on the bandwagon. After every game, including JB7’s standout performances against the Falcons and Texans, those same people continued to wonder if he was actually capable of being this team’s quarterback.
But after not having the NC State product available for action over the last two weeks, there were little to no complaints from JB7’s doubters as he once again displayed his obvious talent and leadership. Although his final numbers weren’t the best (15/24, 148 passing yards, one passing touchdown to one INT), the Colts’ QB1 impact was still felt throughout Sunday’s game.
Against the Jaguars, we saw the same Brissett who took care of the ball, made the right adjustments pre-snap, and had a couple of sensational plays to either extend or conclude Colts’ offensive drives.
It’s almost the most important time of the fantasy football season. And for those of you who are on the outside of the playoff bubble, it is the most important time. It’s when teams get eliminated and relegated to the much-dreaded consolation bracket. I, for one, cannot be consoled if I land there.
So if you’re in need of a push over the finish line, then prepare for the playoffs with a key waiver wire addition. An injury to Colts running back Marlon Mack could create significant value. And we may have witnessed a breakout game for a Lions running back not named Kerryon Johnson.
Here are eight players you should consider claiming off waivers this week.
8. Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos
ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 0%.
Patrick is probably only worth owning in keeper and dynasty formats. But he’s been an intriguing player, consistently jumping past DaeSean Hamilton on the depth chart for targets since 2018. Patrick returned from IR, and appears to be the No. 2 receiver in Denver.
7. Jay Ajayi, RB, Eagles
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ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 23%.
The excitement about the Ajayi signing may have gone a bit too far. Miles Sanders was the lead back against the Patriots in Week 11, and was OK without a complement in Jordan Howard. If Howard, Sanders and Ajayi are all active in a three-man committee, that will make for unhappy fantasy owners. Still, if you have a spot on your roster, Ajayi could be worth stashing.
6. Ryan Griffin, TE, Jets
ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 3%.
It seems Chris Herndon has failed his backers. Griffin is the Jets’ top tight end, with five receptions, 109 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins in Week 11. If you’re in need of an option, Griffin is probably as good as any on the waiver wire.
5. Devante Parker, WR, Dolphins
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ESPN: 58%. Yahoo! 45%.
He’s a well-owned player, so it’s likely he’s not available in your league. But he should be owned in all leagues. Miami is going to trail their opponents for most of the season, which means they’re going to favor the passing game for most of the season. That means that even though Parker is in a bad offense, he may get easy, garbage-time production.
4. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers
ESPN: 25%. Yahoo! 54%.
The 49ers have very few reliable fantasy football players in their lineup. Kyle Shanahan features a different running back or receiver in seemingly every game. But Deebo Samuel has been on a nice two-game run, with 16 receptions for 146 yards. He’s worth owning — and maybe even playing in a pinch.
3. Ross Dwelley, TE, 49ers
ESPN: 7%. Yahoo! 14%.
In the absence of George Kittle, Dwelley served as a touchdown magnet. He had four catches for 14 yards and two TDs. Fantasy football owners who have Kittle (or even play against Kittle) should also own Dwelley, in the event Kittle misses another week.
2. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Lions
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ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.
Detroit wasn’t getting production from their who’s-who cast of running backs in recent weeks. Ty Johnson wasn’t cutting it between the tackles. But perhaps the Lions have found their running back who will serve as a holdover while Kerryon Johnson is on IR. Scarbrough, an Alabama alumnus, had 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown this week.
1. Jonathan Williams, RB, Colts
ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.
Marlon Mack said he would be OK, but it seems the doctors are saying otherwise. He appears to have suffered a fractured hand, according to NFL Network. Jonathan Williams took over after Marlon Mack left the game on Sunday. Williams was outstanding with 13 carries for 116 yards.
