This week could present a bit of an issue for some owners in fantasy football. In addition to the injuries to Drew Breese, Ben Rothlisberger, Cam Newton, and Mitch Tribusky, we have other quarterbacks who are banged up and Matt Stafford on a bye. As of this writing, it is questionable whether Josh Allen will play due to a concussion. It is also questionable whether Sam Darnold will return from his bout with mononucleosis. Not only does this affect the quarterback position, but it affects all of the other offensive players on their teams. These are some of the issues that cause multiple headaches for fantasy owners.
1-UP – KYLER MURRAY – QB – BENGALS
Murray has not put up great fantasy numbers in his first four weeks but has flashed his tremendous athletic ability during this time, especially with his legs. Someone must have reminded Murray that he can run, as he gained 96 rushing yards on 12 attempts over the past two games while logging his first career rushing touchdown against the Seahawks in Week 4. This week, he faces the lowly Bengals and could post top ten numbers for the week.
1- DOWN – ANYBODY TAKING SNAPS IN WASHINGTON
After a lackluster performance against the Giants last week, Washington gets the pleasure of facing the Patriots and their very stout defense.
2- UP – JAYLEN SAMUELS – RB – STEELERS
The Steelers have incorporated Samuels more in the offense now that Mason Rudolph will be the signal-caller for the rest of the year. On Monday night, Samuels had 26 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries paired with 57 receiving yards on eight catches. In addition, he lined up under center multiple times, going 3-of-3 for 31 yards as a passer (little touch passes) and running himself or handing it off to James Conner other times.
2 – DOWN – JOSH JACOBS – RB – RAIDERS
After an outstanding week one, Jacobs has done little in the last three weeks. This week, he has a brutal matchup in London against the Bears, who have allowed just one touchdown to a running back this year. Don’t dump him quite yet, as once he becomes more proficient in the passing game, his fantasy value will improve.
3 – UP – JORDAN HOWARD – RB – JETS
Howard has been solid the last couple of weeks, including his three-touchdown game against the Packers last week. He also had three catches for 28 yards on four targets against the Packers, which raised some eyebrows. Howard, Miles Sanders, and the Eagles have a favorable matchup against the Jets this week.
3 – DOWN – JUSTIN JACKSON – RB – CHARGERS
Melvin Gordon’s return spells doom for Jackson’s playing time. Austin Ekeler may lose a bit, but should still have some decent fantasy value.
4- UP – ANDY DALTON – QB – BENGALS
Yes, I am aware that Dalton and the Bengals looked terrible on Monday night. However, the Bengals return home to face the Cardinals, who have allowed huge games to Matthew Stafford, Lamar Jackson, and Kyle Allen. Prior to facing the Steelers, Dalton put up decent numbers in his first three outings.
4 – DOWN – JARED COOK – TE – SAINTS
Cook is probably one of the Saints players whose production has suffered the most in the absence of Drew Breese. He just is not seeing many targets while Teddy Bridgewater is under center.
5 – UP – JACOBY BRISSETT – QB – COLTS
Quick fact: Brissett has thrown for multiple touchdowns in every game this season. A shootout with the Chiefs is looming in week 5, and game flow will suggest that Brissett will have to throw quite a bit.
5- DOWN – DUKE JOHNSON – RB – TEXANS
Johnson still saw Carlos Hyde double him in terms of touches and seems unlikely to play a major role in next Sunday’s home matchup against the Falcons.
6 – UP – COURTLAND SUTTON – WR – BRONCOS
Here is another quick fact: Sutton currently ranks as WR15 among all wide receivers in PPR leagues. Emmanuel Sanders is banged up and Joe Flacco is becoming a bit more proficient with his new team.
6- DOWN – RANDALL COBB – WR – COWBOYS
Cobb has seen exactly five or six targets in all four games and not produced numbers to put him in the top 50 of fantasy wideouts. Michael Gallup’s return from injury won’t help either.
7- UP – WILL DISSLY – TE – SEAHAWKS
On Tuesday, his quarterback stated that he believes that Dissly will be a star in this league. Time for another quick fact: Dissly was a defensive tackle at the University of Washington until his junior season before converting to tight end. Dissly already has 27 receptions for 337 yards and six touchdowns in eight career games for Seattle. His 19 catches for 181 yards and four touchdowns this year come on the heels of a torn patella tendon that ended his rookie season after just four games.
7 – DOWN – STEELERS RECEIVERS
They just won’t produce the fantasy numbers expected while Mason Rudolph is at quarterback, at least not for now. Don’t cut them, just temper your expectations.
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