Week 3 Film
*Every week I go back and watch all the non primetime games in condensed version and highlight things that stood out the most.
Titans @ Browns
Elijah Moore is being utilized unfortunately he’s not doing very much, PPR is saving him with 9 catches, but just for 49 yards with a 1.1 ADOt? LOL. He’s making the case for standard leagues. Moore also had a lost fumble. Moore is an Ok player, he’s not bad but he’s not as good as many thought he would be.
Cooper nice day, his TD the corner and safety let him run right by them, terrible defense, he was wide open. He had another catch on the sideline that the ref who was right there called him out of bounds, clearly the ref is blind. The NFL really needs to get new or younger refs.
Nothing significant from DPJ or Njoku once again, I thought Watson played better, was a little more comfortable in the pocket, but this Titans secondary is bad and they committed a ton of penalties which helped the Browns move down the field. Will be tough to trust DPJ, he’s sort of cut-able right now and I’m holding Njoku, but avoiding him in my lineups if I can help it.
Jerome Ford ran a little slant n go, that the corner terribly bit on, just lazy coverage, that went for a td. Ford also had a nice little bounce out run for a TD. He was stuffed most of the day, but that was expected against stout Titans Run D. Kareem Hunt mixed in on some passing downs, caught a screen for a 1st down, looked Ok to me. Came in late for some carries ran Ok. He’s not start-able right now as a flex, maybe in games where you know that Cleveland will have to throw a ton.
Treylon Burks had a 20 yd ADOT on 124 air yards, but finished with just one catch for 5 yards. Everything that was thrown to him was heavily contested. Tannehill had some nice throws to him, but this Cleveland secondary is tough. He also had a few nice throws to Hopkins, but again everything was heavily contested. I thought Tannehill could have thrown a drag route to Burks in the redone that could have went for a TD, but instead he threw to Spears which resulted in like a 3 yd play.
Tannehill was Ok in this game, did what he could do facing a relentless pass rush and good coverage, still had some bad throws, but made a lot of nice throws as well. Derrick Henry had little room to run, had a couple decent runs, but was not used in the pass game and overall this Titans team was just shut down by Cleveland D. Spears didn’t get anything either in the pass or run game, he’s tough to use as a flex, maybe in a easier matchup where the Titans will have to throw. Continue to hold.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401547428
Chargers @ Vikings
Justin Herbert threw his 100th career TD in this game which should have been a pick but it deflected off the defender and into the hands of Josh Palmer. Herbert however played a very solid game, getting the ball out quick, avoiding pressure, making some great offset throws. Keenan Allen balled out, catching a ton of underneath throws, Vikings did a poor job playing off on him and just giving him layups. Mike Williams made a great catch, ran a beautiful slant n go that would have been a TD if Herbert threw his way, but got hurt later in the game and is now out for the season. Big Mike was on his way to a big year, unfortunately he continues to struggle with injuries year in and year out. This one is devastating though and the Chargers will have a tough time filling his shoes.
Gerald Everett once again looked great, catching passes and breaking tackles, he may benefit the most from the absence of Williams. Or Quentin Johnston who was thrown a couple screens in this game and no doubt will have a much bigger role now with a chance to show his talents. Josh Palmer lost a fumble in this game.
Josh Kelley ran 11 times for 12 yards and only had 1 catch, his fantasy significance has hit a brick wall. He never was the most talented guy, the Week 1 game against the Dolphins looks like a facade. Ekeler may be out a another week or so, but It will be tough to depend on Kellley while he remains out, although it can’t get much worse than the last two weeks.
Kirk Cousins was slinging it, had a great throw over the middle to Jefferson that went for a td, also a nice throw down the sideline to Osborn that also went for a TD. Chargers were getting decent pressure on him, Hockenson had another good day, Jordan Addison was decent with six catches for 52 yards. He ran 8 less routes than Osborn but had 5 more targets and 5 more catches. TJ Hockenson lost a fumble in this game, but guy is a stud.
Alexander Mattison ran well and hard, def feeling the pressure of the Cam Akers signing. He had over 100 total yds and caught five balls, nearly had a rushing TD getting tackled at the one and almost would have caught a TD had Joey Bosa not knocked Kirk Cousin’s arm causing his pass to fall short to a wide open Mattison who was running a drag route. Mattison broke tackles and ran some good routes, he has good burst. Contrary to popular belief, he is talented. It should be noted he did drop another pass in this game, but so did Chandler and Mattison lost two fumbles again, but one he hit the ground and the other forward progress was called. However, I thought he had a good day and will maintain that #1 role even with Akers looming. Akers will most likely get a chance to show out next week and this could end up being a 50/50 split at some point.
Vikings had their chances at the end, in the redone twice with a chance to take the lead but failed to scrore. Got a gift when Staley ran Kelley on 4th n 1 and was stuffed from his own 20. Staley surely got bailed out, had he lost this game he might have been fired.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401547436
Texans @ Jags
Trevor Lawrence didn’t play a bad game but it wasn’t good. Ridley dropped a TD early, also dropped another after that and Jamal Agnew caught a ball and fumbled it, that didn’t help. Lawrence threw one bad pick and really this offensive had no flow all game. Ridley was targeted on another end zone look but they couldn’t connect. Christian Kirk was doing nothing until he caught a TD on a jumbled up coverage then caught a few balls after that saving his day. Evan Engram continues to look good and had another productive day. Travis Etienne ran well and looks good, Tank Bigsby vultured a TD from him. Bigsby got some touches in this game after getting none last week. D’Ernest Johnson is just a garbage time player at this point.
C.J. Stroud still playing without multiple starters on the offensive line continues to impress. Making quick decisions and throwing the ball accurately. Nico Collins took a back step to Tank Dell in this one, as Dell started it early catching a long bomb where he was tackled at the one then scoring on a 68 yard TD on a busted coverage. Robert Woods looks good out there for a 31 year old, but Nico and Dell are the guys over him right now. Dalton Schultz with another poor game, and Brevin Jordan caught a TD, not him. Damien Pierce rushing numbers aren’t good right now, but I thought he ran well in this game and he fell into the end zone. When this line gets healthier he’s going to have some nice games. He’s playing in a good offense that is much improved from last year with C.J. Stroud now in town. Devin Singletary got some work in garbage time, but had some nice runs, still not usable. John Metchie barely played got two targets, one on a penalty, but I still think he can move over Woods at some point, or if there is an injury he will step into a nice role. Still talented, just missed a lot of time obviously with the cancer and then pulling his hamstring in camp. His playing time will increase, I’m holding out hope for him this year.
Texans were missing multiple defensive backs and offensive lineman and still pulled out the W.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401547435
Atlanta @ Detroit
Lions defense was getting a lot of pressure on Ridder and they covered well, but this offensive game plan and Ridder were bad in this one. Jonnu Smith getting 8 targets mainly on quick hitter seam routes, one late should have been picked. The next play Ridder was strip sacked. He had a couple nice throws in this game, but more bad and looked lost for most of the day. No room for the running game either as this Atlanta Line which can’t pass block very well didn’t run block well here either which is supposed to be there strength. Kyle Pitts had a decent day, Ridder missed him on a deep route overthrowing him. One nice throw to Drake London but after that nothing was really close, they need to find more ways to get this guy the ball, rather than giving Jonnu Smith 8 targets. Allegier had one nice catch where he broke a couple tackles, but he was bottled up as well. His flex days are over right now, unless you get a very good matchup. Ridder could be benched in London for Heinecke, stay tuned.
Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions offense played Ok. Goff had some nice throws, best one was on a sideline throw to Amon Ra St Brown. The TD throw to LaPorta was wide open on a nice designed play. Goff also ran one in on a read option that Falcons defense or anyone for that matter was expecting. Ben Johnson is a smooth play caller and designs this offense to fit Goff’s strengths. The problem with Goff continues to be if he has to throw under pressure or not in rhythm it can get ugly. He overthrew St brown for a INT and missed a few other throws as well. There weren’t a lot of explosive plays in this game and they didn’t do much on offense. Jahymr Gibbs was not used in the passing game catching just one ball, he had some nice runs later in the game finally getting into a rhythm. Still, you would have liked to see more from him in this one. Safety Brian Branch stuck out on defense for the Lions making a lot of plays.
Broncos @ Dolphins
This was one of the craziest NFL games Ive seen in a long time. The Dolphins absolutely smashed the Broncos. Mostert, Achane went ballistic. They ran for over 300 yards against Denver. Mostert is fast, Achane is even faster. Kid is a weapon, if he gets a hole watch out. Im not sure if the Broncos had sort of packed it in or if this Phins scheme and blocking is just on point, probably a little bit of both, but no doubt Miami can create some big run plays and Achane should have some more pop games like this. I mean he ran for 203 yards in his first game! The passing plays in the end zone were also Andy Reid KC like. Achane is like the Dolphins McKinnon, but this kid was looking like Warrick Dunn out there. We do have Jeff Wilson returning also but Achane will still be involved in the game-plan. He is still behind mystery who was also excellent, but how do you not give this kid more touches? Will be interesting to see how they utilize all 3 backs. Right now Achane needs to be picked up everywhere where available and needs to be in your lineups. Jaylen Waddle didn’t even play in this game. Tua and Tyreek connected per usual. Huge game against the Bills next, I think we will see what the Dolphins are really about in that game, as the Bills defense has been playing very tough this season.
Russ made some nice throws, was being pressured a lot, Cortland Sutton was heavily involved, catching a lot of drag routes, but fumbled two away. Jerry Juedy is slowly warming up he caught a bomb down the sideline on a money pass from Russ, he should be solid the rest of the year. Marvin Mims caught a bomb early and also returned a punt, he is very fast. They need to start utilizing him more. Adam Trainman is horrible, he didn’t have a catch, dropped his only target. They need Dulcich back. The Broncos run game continues to be non existent but I thought Javonte ran Ok, he seems like he’s getting a little better each week. Perine is not being used enough to be relied upon. Disastrous game and start to the season for Denver. Their defense looks like shit and they can’t play consistent offensive football.
Colts @ Ravens
This game was boring as hell to watch. Lamar Jackson was dinking and dunking all day, no big shots downfield, this Todd Monken offense looks like nothing special at all. Basically looks like the same Ravens offense we’ve seen. Lamar ran for over 100 yards, but threw for just 202 yards and had no TD’s. He missed a lot of throws, a big one to Zay Flowers in OT. Rashod Batemen dust in this one, Mark Andrews Dust, Zay Flowers 6 yards per catch, just a shit game, again this Ravens offense is not creative at all.
The backfield is a mess, Gus, Drake, Gordon, blah. Justice Hill should be back soon to further muddy things. Gus may be out next week so Gordon would be usable, but still very underwhelming. Keaton Mitchell may have value in a few weeks.
The Colts offense was just as boring. Minshew played well and got the W, huge throw and catch to Pittman at the end to help set up the winning drive. Minshew did pull an Orlovsky and step into the back of his end zone, Ravens got the ball back up 3 with 2 minutes left and ran 3x and punted, awful. They should have never lost that game. Zach Moss ran tough and hard for the second straight week. Trey Sermon worked behind him but still looks nothing like the back he was at Ohio State. He dropped another pass. Pittman is being heavily targeted, Josh Downs could continue to be more and more involved as the season goes on. Pierce made one big catch but again dropped two more contested catches. Still not on the fantasy radar, same with the Tight Ends. Maybe Jelani Woods when he comes back. This game made me want to go to sleep.
Saints @ Packers
Derek Carr hurt his shoulder in this game and was replaced by James Winston. Olave had another beautiful catch and good throw by Carr. Carr continues to take deep shots and has thrown them accurately. He took a deep shot to Shaheed that was unsuccessful. Tony Jones and Kendre Miller were the only backs to play. Jones was decent, as was Miller considering this was his first NFL game and coming back from injury wearing a knee brace. Still, he’s not usable now with Kamara coming back. We need to seem get healthy and then earn his role over Tony Jones, which should happen. Jamaal Williams is likely out a few more weeks at least. Another disappointing game for Juwan Johnson, he’s just not getting the targets he was last year. He can’t be relied upon right now, there are better options out there. Michael Thomas didn’t have a catch until Winston came in, but still it’s just a bunch of underneath routes. He’s not dependable. I would say the only dependable player right now is Chris Olave, I love Shaheed and he returned a Punt for a TD, but he’s just not getting the volume or playing time just yet. I don’t mind him as a WR3 or flex however if your options aren’t great. He’s an electric player who will have some huge games. They did use him in the backfield running an angle route near the GL, so maybe we see more of that going forward. Carr should be back this week, Jameis isn’t really a threat to his job.
Jordan Love had a rough first half failing to get anything going and getting picked by overthrowing a bomb to Romeo Doubs. Saints CB Alante Taylor stood out making multiple big plays. The Saints D is tough. However, in the 2nd half and after his Interception, Love picked it up, using his feet and throwing some nice passes. He had a nice read option TD run where he beat Demario Davis, threw a couple nice shots to Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs who both made great catches. Reed did drop a few in this game including a potential TD, but made up for it with a huge catch later on. Doubs had another awesome TD catch to go along with his sideline fingertip catch earlier. Love was protected better and show a lot of poise finishing that game off and getting the win. I feel pretty good about the prospects of Doubs, Watson and even Reed with Love tossing the ball. A.J. Dillon had a few nice runs and had a nice catch and run on a swing pass but still he’s just not doing much or falling into the end zone. Aaron Jones should be back next week. Luke Musgrave is basically the 5th option in this offense. Love still is a little off at times, but he is getting good protection can use his legs and has been throwing a lot of pretty balls. His WR talent is also very solid. Jaire Alexander was out in this game, Rashan Gary is a force for the Pack on the line.
The Saints had a chance to take the lead as James got them into FG range, but Ben Grupe? Missed a 46 yarder and the Packers knelt on the ball and won.
Bills @ Commanders
Sam Howell and the Commanders offense had a rough one, Howell made some terrible decisions and throws in this game. The first two weeks I thought he had played reasonably well, but he took a big step back in this game. Some of the plays made by the Bills defense were nice and their defense looks more aggressive this year under Mcdermott then under Leslie Frazier the last few seasons. Another fumble for Antonio Gibson. Brian Robinson was game scripted out of this one but he’s still light years ahead of Gibson. Another disappointing game for Jahan Dotson, he just can’t be trusted right now with Howell tossing it and in this scheme. Terry McClaurin also had a slow day. Ugly day for the entire offense, we may see Jacoby Brissett soon.
I thought the Bills offense looked Ok, not a great flow for them. Gabe Davis ran a slow corner route but Josh put a perfect ball on him. Davis also dropped a ball. Davis is a decent WR, but I just don’t think he can be a consistent option, but maybe he can because of Allen. Diggs good day at the office per usual, Kincaid nothing, James Cook a ton of work looks good, blocking wasn’t great. Latavius Murray still has juice at 33, caught a pass broke a tackle for a 1st down and punched one in late for a TD. He has some flex value currently. Trent Sheffield caught his first pass of the year, he should start playing more alongside Khalil Shakir, they should scrap Deonte Harty from this offense. I still don’t feel great about Ken Dorsey’s offense, just seems very vanilla overall. This team goes as Josh goes as he had his first rushing TD of the year. They are going to need Gabe, Kincaid and either Sherfield/Shakir to step up while getting creative with James Cook in the run and pass game. The Bills can win a Super Bowl but their offense needs to be a lot more crisp. The Defense does look improved though and they will be getting Von Miller back soon.
Dallas @ Arizona
Josh Dobbs continued his good play, and Marquise Brown had another good game. Michael Wilson had a couple big plays, I like this kid he should have some big games this year. Rondale Moore ran for a TD but still isn’t doing anything in the pass game. James Connor is such a good RB, I knew this but I was off of him because I thought Colt McCoy was going to be the starter. Dobbs has helped this offense tremendously, plus this offensive line is doing a good job. This Arizona team is legit on both sides of the ball. Zach Ertz is way past his prime, he’s likely going to be traded at the deadline and I thought they may trade Connor but that may not be the case if they continue to win games. Kyler Murray is eligible to return in Week 5 but it sounds like it’s going to take even longer than that. Dobbs is playing well in the meantime.
Dallas Defense showed holes today and Dak couldn’t finish in the redone, horrible interception throwing to Cooks in the back of the end zone there was multiple defenders there. Cooks has done little, at this point I rather would have Michael Gallup who showed a lot of juice in this game. I thought Jake Ferguson looked good also. Feel good about him going forward. Rico Dowdle had a couple nice runs and plays in the pass game, showed juice, Deuce Vaughn was not used. Pollard had one big run, it would be nice if they used him more In the pass game and threw some deep routes to him. Cowboys were hit in the mouth in this game and couldn’t recover. Too many missed opportunities in the redzone.
Panthers @ Seahawks
Not a great game from Geno, but still made a lot of great throws in this one one to DK and another to Lockett on the two point conversion. The TD to Bobo in the back of the end zone was nice as well. Kenny Walker made a few electric plays including a beautiful run where he juked out the corner in the backfield for a big gain. Zach Charbonnet worked more than ever this week and looked good. He had a nice run early before finishing strong late plowing over a defender at the goaline. Walker had two TD’s, but Charbs could have had at least one but was stuffed. This Seattle running attack is very nice, should Walker get hurt Charbs steps into a great situation, similar to what Walker walked into with Penny down last year. Carolina defense is not terrible despite losing Jaycee Horn they still can play. Lockett had a slow day, and JSN was invisible for most of the day outside catching a couple short routes. On one target on a seam route to JSN, Geno was picked off. He will likely need an injury to Metcalf or Lockett to be relevant this season. The Tight ends are still off the radar as they mixed in Parkinson and Fant. Will Dissly did not play.
Andy Dalton started for the injured Bryce Young and slang that thing around 58 times but surprisingly did not throw an interception. Adam Thielen turned back the clock with his performanc and was Dalton’s favorite target. He scored a TD late to further boost his fantasy production. Thielen still has some juice left and is definitely startable right now. D.J. Chark looked healthier this week and Dalton gave him chances. Chark broke off for a TD where he was wide open but made a great juke and spin move on the defender to run in the end zone. He also had a great sideline catch and almost had another diving catch down the sideline. He had 11 targets. Not sure Bryce Young is going to be as aggressive as Dalton, but I Still think Chark is worth a flex spot right now in certain matchups. Miles Sanders had a terrible game on the ground but still looked good, caught five balls and scored a TD. You could do a lot worse at the RB position, continue to throw him out there. Hayden Hurst, Terrance Marshall (2 drops) and Chubb Hubbard are all off the fantasy radar along with Lavish Shenault and Jonathan Mingo.
Fantasy Savvy 