Goff was historically bad last week in the drubbing at the hands
of the Niners. Passing for a measly 78 yards on 13 completions
helped this once unstoppable offense sink to depths not seen since
the Jeff Fisher days. The entire Rams offense is out of sync and
has been all year despite some gaudy numbers at times. Defenses
have caught on to the scheme, and the offensive line has been
a nightmare. But there is light on the horizon! The Falcons defense
is the perfect tonic for even the most ailing offenses. The Falcons
have surrendered the 2nd most passing touchdowns in the NFL, and
3rd most fantasy points to quarterbacks. L.A. should be able to
get healthy on the fast turf of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If there
is ever a week Goff returns to streamer status, this has to be
it.
Fresh after a bye week, Allen and the Bills get another one as
they welcome the winless Dolphins to Upstate New York. After a disaster
against the Patriots, Allen was more settled in a 14-7 battle against
the Titans in Week 5. In that game he completed a career high 72%
of his passes and had a season-high 10 rushing attempts (abet for
only 24 yards). The game plan was much more conservative against
the Titans than I expect this week to be. With the likely return
of home run hitting running back Devin Singletary the offense should
open up a bit, and the Phins can be exploited by John Brown’s deep
post routes. Look for Allen to be more efficient on the ground and
hit a few big plays in the passing game. A few scores and 250+ total
yards make Allen a high floor quarterback choice this week.
When in doubt, play the matchups. Forced to battle the Super Bowl
champs with practice squad level talent last week was a recipe
for disaster, and that’s exactly how things went for Jones.
It’s troubling that he’s now turned the ball over
eight times since coming in for Manning in the third week of the
season, but he should get most of his horses back this week against
the woeful Cards defense. Arizona hasn’t even faked playing
pass defense, failing to register a single interception, while
giving up a league high 16 passing touchdowns. If Engram and Barkley
return healthy, this game has some shootout potential as the Giants
aren’t exactly playing much defense either. Jones has a
chance to be a streaming option with a QB1 matchup.
The last time I waded into these dark waters I came up looking
like a fool. Mahomes shredded the Jaguars defense and all was
right with the world. Well things have changed drastically in
the last few weeks for Mahomes and his merry men. After completing
passes at a near 70% clip the first few weeks, Mahomes has barely
been above 50%, as the Chiefs have dropped two in a row, failing
to score 30 points in either contest. A badly sprained ankle,
and opposing offenses playing keep-away have really held this
passing game in check lately, especially in the 2nd half of games.
Denver finally seems to have their defense squared away and they
do have the running game to control time of possession. You’re
never sitting Mahomes, but until he gets healthy, the numbers
might be down a bit.
This offense has been an unmitigated disaster after a fairly decent
start. The Bengals are just the latest offense to prove how vitally
important a cohesive offensive line is to the efficiency of the
offense. Since they can’t run the ball and are down to starting
mediocre talent at receiver, it’s an absolute miracle Dalton
has been able to compile any numbers at all. Look for Dalton to
be running for his life against an angry defense that has been
backed into a corner. Unless they find a way to manufacture an
effective run game, this offense is going to be a fantasy black
hole.
Teddy B has done a fantastic job of keeping this team afloat since
the injury to Drew Brees. Helped by a ferocious defense, the Saints
offense has done just enough to win some close games, as Bridgewater
pilots the gameplan. But the game this week against the Bears, on
the road, might just be too much to overcome. Bridgewater lacks
the timing and anticipation of Brees (most quarterbacks do!) and
doesn’t pose a threat to make plays out of the pocket, something
you have to be able to do against the Bears attacking front. Chicago
is fresh off their bye and it’s their first game since getting whipped
by the Raiders in London. In two of the last three, New Orleans
has failed to score more than two touchdowns. This one has the makings
of another slugfest.
