Another week down in this crazy NFL season. What have we found out? Well, it's the Chiefs, Bills, and Eagles' world, and we all are living in it. These 3 teams have stood out much more than the rest of the league, and they undoubtedly look like three of the best teams in the league. Will either of these teams be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come February? Maybe, maybe not. That's the beauty of the NFL season. Any given Sunday. Very cliche, but also very true. Let's dive into another weekly recap and discuss the best fantasy performances.
Ravens 27, Buccaneers 22
Ravens top performer(s): After a pretty brutal first half, which had the Ravens veer away from their running game, they were able to put together a really solid second half of football. They leaned heavily on their ground game in the second half, without much of a choice, due to losing Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman to injuries. Lamar had an efficient second half, as he and Isaiah Likely were the players of the game for the Ravens. Gus Edwards led the team in carries, but he did tweak his hamstring, which is something to monitor moving forward, as are the injuries to Andrews and Bateman.
Bucs top performer(s): That’s it. I throw my hands up regarding the 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I’ve been waiting for this offense to break out for weeks. After many failed attempts at predicting when this breakout will come, I’m officially declaring that I believe it’ll never come this season. Now, I’m not saying Tampa won’t go on a run and make the playoffs, but if you’re expecting the juggernaut offense of the past two seasons, you haven’t been watching this offense struggle as greatly as they are. Mike Evans was the star in this one, like he is every week, but Tom Brady continues to miss too many throws. Now, I understand what he is going through personally has to weigh on him while he’s on the field. I hope everything works out for him, and he can find happiness. But, the way he’s been playing this year, has me staying away from this offense.
Broncos 21, Jaguars 17
Broncos top performer(s): Pretty strong game from Jerry Jeudy in this one, with over 60 yards and a score as well. The running back committee continues to be infuriating, and it probably won't change any time soon. Courtland Sutton with only one catch?! How does that happen? I have no idea, but until I see more, he belongs on fantasy benches.
Jaguars top performer(s): It is officially Travis Etienne season. We here at TFD have been hyping this for weeks, and hell, we've pretty much been shouting it from the rooftops. After James Robinson was traded last week, it was what all Etienne owners were waiting for. In his first game action as RB1 he totaled over 150 yards rushing and a score. Love to see it, and expect that production to continue.
Falcons 37, Panthers 34
Falcons top performer(s): For those of you that have remained steadfast (and maybe a little stubborn) rolling out Kyle Pitts each week, this was the performance you were waiting for! 5 catches 80 yards and a score. If he can keep this up every week, he will justify his ADP. Until he shows it with consistency, though, I have a hard time trusting him in my lineup. On the other hand, he is pretty much the only relevant fantasy option for Atlanta.
Panthers top performer(s): D'Onta Foreman and DJ Moore. Both had HUGE games for the Panthers, in a game that they should have won. The Panthers' cast is pretty weak overall, so Foreman and Moore are viable fantasy options moving forward.
Cowboys 49, Bears 29
Cowboys top performer(s): The Tony Pollard show! When word came out that Zeke was likely to miss this game, all eyes were on Tony Pollard. Frankly, he has looked like the better RB all year in Dallas. Zeke still has the power for some goal line TDs, but Pollard just looks like the better, more explosive RB at this time in their respective careers. Ceedee Lamb had a nice game as well. Zeke, Pollard, Lamb, Dak, and Schultz are all viable weekly plays. Gallup could reach that threshold as well as he continues to work his way back after the ACL injury last year.
Bears top performer(s): Justin Fields played another pretty solid game, all things considered. I would also like to mention that Khalil Herbert needs to continue to get more snaps and carries. The guy just produces when he is given the opportunity. His chances will be more boom or bust, but he is a solid option to have each week on your roster. If there's a way to get him, go do it.
Dolphins 31, Lions 27
Dolphins top performer(s): Tua, Tyreek, and Jaylen Waddle. Copy, paste, and repeat each and every week. This offense is legit, and will put up big numbers. Start them all with confidence.
Lions top performer(s): Pretty tough game for the Lions here as they squandered away a game in which they had a great shot of winning. Jamaal Williams had 2 TDs and over 50 yards rushing. I'm officially concerned about D'Andre Swift, though. Didn't get too much play last week, and with the Lions season unfolding fairly quickly, I could see them shelving him the rest of the way. With Hockenson being traded to Minnesota, this elevates the fantasy ceiling of other Lions pass catchers, mainly Amon-Ra St Brown.
Vikings 34, Cardinals 26
Vikings top performer(s): Dalvin Cook is officially heating up. Had another game over 100 yards with a rushing score. Solid performance from Justin Jefferson as well. This is an elite offense from a fantasy perspective and adding TJ Hockenson makes them just a little more scary.
Cardinals top performer(s): Deandre Hopkins welcome to this space again. Instantly has regained his WR1 form, and it seems like this will only continue. Start with confidence.
Saints 24, Raiders 0
Saints top performer(s): If there's been one thing that has been great to see from the Saints offense the last couple of weeks, it's the re-emergence of Alvin Kamara. He scored again 3 times on Sunday, which was a welcome sight for fantasy managers. However, outside of Kamara and Chris Olave, there's not a lot to be excited about from a fantasy production standpoint.
Raiders top performer(s): Almost impossible to have a player of the gamewhen the offense gets shutout, and the QB throws for only 101 yards. Mack Hollins had 7 catches for 64 yards. Davante Adams with 1 catch for 3 yards is inexcusable. The Raiders need to find a way to become more consistent on offense. By the way, Josh McDaniels is proving (again) that he does not belong as a head coach.
Patriots 22, Jets 17
Patriots top performer(s): Is it good when an individual is your leading rusher and receiver in the same game? Well, that's what Rhamondre Stevenson did this past week in the Patriots win. He's providing insane value for those who selected him with a mid to late round pick. I do think Damien Harris will continue to see some time as well, but Stevenson is rolling, and it would be foolish to bench him at this point.
Jets top performer(s): Tough game for the Jets and especially Zach Wilson, who threw 3 INTs. Garrett Wilson had a pretty strong game, which was refreshing to see after he effectively disappeared after his strong start with Joe Flacco under center. This offense will continue to struggle without Breece Hall, so expect inconsistent results moving forward.
Eagles 35, Steelers 13
Eagles top performer(s): AJ Brown is a monster. That's it. 3 TDs in the first half alone, and could have scored a fourth TD later in the game as well if it wasn't for a shoestring tackle by Minkah Fitzpatrick. Another elite offense from a fantasy standpoint, Philly provides multiple weekly starters including Hurts, Brown, Sanders, Goedert, and Devonta Smith.
Steelers top performer(s): Pretty tough matchup for the Steelers offense in this one against the tough Philly defense. Chase Claypool threw a TD, so we will give him the nod as the "fantasy star" in this one. Claypool was traded to Chicago yesterday, and let's see if he is going to produce in Chi-town. I've repeated this just about every week, but stay away from the Steelers when it comes to fantasy.
Titans 17, Texans 10
Titans top performer(s): In case you had any doubt if King Henry was "back," allow Sunday's performance against the Texans be a reminder just how dominant he can be. He pretty much carried the Titans to the W on Sunday rushing for over 200 yards and 2 scores. The Titans as a team rushed for over 300 yards as Malik Willis struggled in his first NFL action, passing for only 55 scores.
Texans top performer(s): Dameon Pierce is the focal point of this offense. Outside of him and Brandin Cooks, the Texans don't really have much to lean on. I would start Pierce this week, even against the tough Philly defense. If one area of their defense has been susceptible or suspect, it's their rush D. Losing Jordan Davis is a big loss for Philly as well.
Commanders 17, Colts 16
Commanders top performer(s): Scary Terry McLaurin continues to put up big numbers with Taylor Heinicke under center. This was the type of production most were expecting when they drafted McLaurin with a mid round pick in fantasy drafts. Until the RB situation becomes clearer, I'm staying away from all of them. Start Scary Terry, and that's about it.
Colts top performer(s): Another pedestrian performance from the Colts offense, and this time it was enough to get their offensive coordinator fired. Such a disappointment from this team. JT might be one of the biggest busts as a number one overall fantasy pick in recent memory. Not entirely his fault, but this is why you should not automatically select the consensus number one player based upon LAST year's production. As far as the player of this game, I'll give it to Michael Pittman, who had 7 catches for 53 yards. Very blah.
49ers 31, Rams 14
49ers top performer(s): By now you have probably heard the tidbit that CMC threw, caught, and rushed for a TD in the same game, becoming just the 11th player in NFL history to do so. The 49ers will get healthier after the bye and I expect this to only help their offense. CMC, Kittle, Deebo, and even Aiyuk are all weekly starts.
Rams top performer(s): What is up with the Rams? They look, well, just bad. Until they get some kind of running game, this offense will keep struggling. Cooper Kupp is great, but outside of that, this Rams offense has been one massive disappointment.
Seahawks 27, Giants 13
Seahawks top performer(s): The three usual suspects from the Seahawks in this one. Kenneth Walker, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett all found pay dirt. All continue to be viable fantasy options each week and strong plays, regardless of matchup. Geno Smith is one of the better feel-good stories so far this season.
Giants top performer(s): Just when we all thought Danny Dimes was going to have another strong game, he laid a dud. The whole offense did, but Saquon Barkley found the end zone again, and continues to look like a strong RB1.
Bills 27, Packers 17
Bills top performer(s): Stefon Diggs. That's it. In a game where Josh Allen was not his usual dominant self, he leaned heavily on Diggs, who responded with over 100 yards and a score. Another elite offense that has multiple strong fantasy plays weekly.
Packers top performer(s): The Packers kept this one kinda close, but it doesn't matter since the result was another L. Rodgers played better, but still was far from the greatness we have come to expect from him in prior years. Aaron Jones had close to 150 yards rushing but was unable to find the end zone. Outside of Jones, I wouldn't trust any Packers in my lineup, unless I'm in a deep league.
Browns 32, Bengals 13
Browns top performer(s): Nick Chubb and Amari Cooper. They've been in this space just about every week, and it's going to continue for the foreseeable future. Will things change with Watson back in a few weeks? Maybe, but their fantasy ceilings will be elevated. These two are weekly must starts, without hesitation.
Bengals top performer(s): Just when everyone thought the Bengals got their offense figured out, they produce a stinker like that. Now, this was slightly expected due to the Jamar Chase news. In case you missed it, he has a hip injury and will be out for a few weeks. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd had TDs in this one as well. Higgins is a weekly WR2, Boyd is a fine flex option, and Joe Mixon is a weekly start as well, even though he has been disappointing. Weren't the Bengals supposed to have solved their offensive line issues?
