What Happened to Washington and is Sam Darnold Real?
Week 4 was a crazy week. I feel like teams won that weren’t supposed to like the Jets, and we are continuing to see teams roll like the Bills. What about the other teams and players that aren’t living up to their potentials like the 49ers and Saints. Huge upsets and letdowns across the board. We also saw Brady’s return to New England and the Cardinals remain the only unbeaten team. Let’s keep crushing into Week 5 and hope this week brings even more excitement and of course, more head-scratching.
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Washington Football Team Defense
Strange of me to mention a whole defense here, but they came into the season ranked high and drafted in leagues where defenses still remain behind the Rams and Bucs and were ranked 4th coming into the season. Chase Young, the young leader of this unit is ranked 30th in IDP overall rankings which is not great at all. The defense has allowed 73 points over the last two games and they are facing the Saints, Chiefs, and Packers in the next three games.
I do not see a win in any of these scenarios. For the young QB Heinicke to be successful and give the team a chance at scoring and winning, the defense must keep the opposing offenses off the field which they are not doing. The reason I mentioned them this week over individual players is that out there are still fantasy managers needing defense advice. If you are holding WFT defense, drop them and stream the likes of the Cardinals (43.5% owned), Cowboys (32.3% owned), or Vikings (17.5% owned).
Sam Darnold-QB Panthers
Ok, I for one knew he would be different leading a new team and under a new coach, but I did not see this coming. He has thrown for over 300 yards in every game but Week 1 vs the Jets and that was still 279 yards. He rushed for two touchdowns Week 4 with CMC and looked strong, fast, and nimble. Week 5 Darnold faces the Eagles that just let Mahomes throw five touchdowns against them.
Now, Darnold is no Mahomes but he is no slack either. He is quietly becoming a valid streaming, Superflex, and dynasty option. His offensive line has allowed him time in the pocket, but they are also allowing him to get hit a lot. So, do I think Darnold can keep it up all 17 games, at this point, I am not sure, but the way injuries are rampant and the wavier wire-thin…you could do worse. Take a chance on Darnold and his upcoming schedule of Eagles, Vikings (the only defense that worries me for him), Giants, and Falcons. He’s owned in only 18% of ESPN and 38% of Yahoo leagues.
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