Last chance to buy Dalvin Cook and sell Latavius Murray
Cook played 57% of the snaps in Week 9 over Murray’s 45%. He also touched the ball three more times than Murray. Murray got the touchdown so you may be able to get something for him while he is on bye. I would hold onto Murray if you own Cook as insurance, but maybe go try to sell him to the Cook owner. If you don’t own Cook now is the time to go after him. Murray was a high-end RB1 the three prior weeks when Cook was out.
Alvin Kamara has dominated the goal line carries for the Saints.
Since the Saints bye in Week 6 Kamara has five touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns came from carries inside the opponent’s 10-yard line. Mark Ingram only has three carries inside the 10 since Week 6. Kamara is used heavily when the Saints are playing from behind or trying to score, but if he continues to dominate the goal line touches that spells trouble for Ingram. Ingram needs the goal line touches to make up for the lack of full workload in other areas of the came. The Bengals offense has been good so far this year which means it could be another Kamara game unless the Saints get out to an early lead.
The new Browns OC unleashed Duke Johnson in Week 9.
It’s only one week, but Duke Johnson was finally utilized in this revitalized Browns offense. Johnson had nine receptions on nine targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Granted the Browns were playing from behind early against the Chiefs which likely won’t happen every game. New OC Freddie Kitchens comes from the Bruce Arians coaching tree. Arians was known for using his running backs in the passing game (David Johnson) so there is a reason to believe Duke will be used more often going forward. In Week 10 the Browns play the Falcons who have been known to give up points to pass-catching backs all year.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has finished as a top 10 scorer in every game he has finished.
Fitzpatrick started off slow last week, but once the Panthers got up pick the Bucs were forced to go pass happy where Fitzpatrick shines. He is not afraid to throw it deep which leads to some picks, but the passing yardage and touchdowns make up for it. Washington has been a bottom five in points allowed to the quarterback the past three weeks setting up for another Fitzpatrick QB1 finish.
The highest over/under of the week goes to the Saints and Bengals at 55 points.
The Saints and Bengals are the number one and two team at giving up points to the quarterback position. Drew Brees is an obvious start, but there might be some hesitation about Andy Dalton. AJ Green has turf toe and is likely to miss some games. While Tyler Boyd has enjoyed a breakout year the Bengals offense as a whole has some questions without Green. Boyd never faces double coverage or the opposing team’s number one cornerback. If there was ever a time for it to happen John Ross needs to show why he was an early first-round pick.
Jalen Richard averages two more fantasy points per game when Derek Carr throws more than 35 times per game.
The Chargers have given up the fifth most receiving yards to running backs the past three weeks. The Chargers also will likely have no problem putting up points on the Raiders defense. Derek Carr is going to have to throw the ball and Richard has been a primary target of his. Richard ranks as a top 10 running back in targets per game and is a safe RB2 play in PPR leagues in Week 10.
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Dez Bryant might hurt the Saints fantasy players more than increasing his own fantasy value.
While Bryant joining the Saints is arguably one of the best places he could have landed, it might not be as good as it sounds. First off, Dez has clearly lost a step and isn’t the talent he used to be. He likely will primarily be used in the red zone as a big body wide receiver. There is room for him to get decent targets considering Cam Meredith hasn’t panned out for the Saints. The Saints also have a lot of high scoring teams left on their schedule including the Eagles, Panthers twice, and Buccaneers. Ben Watson definitely takes a hit, but Michael Thomas could also lose some targets. Tre’Quan Smith doesn’t play a role that Bryant could ever fit.
Matthew Stafford only has one QB1 performance all season.
Stafford was a favorite late round QB of mine coming into the year. He and Jim Bob Cooter seemed to have figured out a way to get the offense to move last year. In 2018, the Lions have tried to win through defense and rushing the football which they haven’t down well at for either. Without Golden Tate last week Stafford looked like he missed his favorite target. The whole offense came to a halt including Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, and Kerryon Johnson. Stafford really shouldn’t be owned anymore in normal-sized leagues and is not a good start against the Bears this week.
The Titans have moved on from Derrick Henry.
There were reports earlier this week that the Titans tried to trade Henry before the trade deadline. On Monday night Dion Lewis played 84% of snaps compared to Henry’s 20%. Henry did steal the goal line touchdown, but he is officially a touchdown or bust play. Lewis, on the other hand, plays most of the snaps and is used heavily in the passing game as well. The Titans know Lewis is their best back and this week they will have to score points on the Patriots making Lewis an RB2 play.
James White is still an RB2 with RB1 upside even with Sony Michel’s return.
White has been on fire for fantasy owners the past three weeks. Sony Michel’s return might scare some owners, but don’t be too worried. While White’s total touch count will decrease and some of his ceiling taken away, he still should put up good numbers. He was only averaging two more PPR points per game without Michel than with him. His pass game usage is virtually unchanged and the Patriots need pass-catching weapons besides Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon with Gronk banged up.
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