NOBENEFIT TOBALANCE
Brees not so hot, thanks to Saints running backs, but Keenum, Goff, Wentz are delivering the goods
The emergence of the Saints’ running game is really bumming out those of us counting on Drew Brees to lead us to the promised land. Balanced offenses are great for Super Bowl runs in the real world, but an elite fantasy quarterback is a terrible thing to waste.
It could be worse, of course. Brees could be out altogether, like Aaron Rodgers, whose departure likewise turned the Packers’ Jordy Nelson into a pungent slice of fantasy cheese.
Then there’s the great Case Keenum, who is molding Vikings receiver Adam Thielen into a fantasy stud while serving up ample leftovers to Stefon Diggs. Whaddya say we let Teddy Bridgewater heal a bit longer from the sidelines, Coach?
Welcome to the fantasy limelight, Jared Goff. There were an awful lot of doubters out there. ( They know who they are.) You’ve been a welcome relief to those of us who grabbed you— perhaps in desperation— after Deshaun Watson bid farewell way too early.
It wasn’t that long ago that a CarsonWentz bye week went essentially unnoticed. Not anymore. Hurry back, and don’t forget to bring Eagles receivers Alshon Jeffrey, Nelson Agholor and Zach Ertz with you!
For oneweekend, at least, fantasy owners who hedged their bets on Devonta Freeman with Tevin Coleman will be rewarded. It’s a shame that Coleman’s first start of the season for the Falcons comes against the Seahawks; but the Bucs are on deck, and Freeman’s journey through the concussion protocol could be extended.
Finally, after he was sacked eight times by Adrian Clayborn and his Falcons teammates Sunday, it’s a minor miracle that we’re not talking about the future of the Cowboys without Dak Prescott. Forget the absence of Ezekiel Elliott. If they don’t get Tyron Smith back to protect Prescott’s blind side, this offense will turn positively Browns- like. On a related note, I guess it’s time for some of us to stop congratulating ourselves for snapping up Alfred Morris a couple weeks ago.
Catch ’ em while you can
JamaalWilliams, RB, Packers. The fourth- round rookie from BYU is the last man standing in the Packers’ backfield after Sunday’s injuries to Aaron Jones and TyMontgomery. It appears thatWilliams will get the nod for at least one game— an unfavorable matchup with the Ravens— but there could be more. And a starting RB is a starting RB. DannyWoodhead, RB, Ravens. PPR leaguers, in particular, should not delay much longer in scooping upWoodhead, who was discarded in most leagues after hisWeek 1 hamstring injury. The versatile back— arguably the most talented in the Ravens’ stable— is hoping to return Sunday. He should be a solid contributor down the stretch, simultaneously making Javorius Allen and Alex Collins irrelevant. RobertWoods, WR, Rams. With a pair of touchdown receptions in each of the last two games— not to mention 241 yards — Woods is demanding his fantasy due. He’s benefitting greatly from Goff’s hot hand and has clearly carved out a big- play role in the NFL’s top- scoring offense.
Don’t be fooled
Corey Coleman, WR, Browns. Coleman is preparing to return from a hand injury, but despite the Browns’ desperate need for a reliable starting wideout, you shouldn’t hitch your fortunes to the oft- injured second- year receiver. The Browns’ QB situation is so pathetic, no receiver can be trusted.