It’s been an up
and down start for Stafford and the Rams offense. While he’s completing
over 70% of his passes, he’s been careless with the football,
throwing five interceptions already. Arizona pulled out a miracle
on Sunday, but the Cardinal defense has been a sieve, yielding
the 3rd-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. They are aggressive,
but undisciplined at times and Stafford should be able to hit
a few deep balls and limit his turnovers against a secondary who
has yet to pick off a pass. Vegas expects some points this week
with an over under of 50.5, and so do I.
As scrappy and gritty as the Lions have played over the first
two weeks of the season, the defense has simply not been great.
They were carved up by Jalen Hurts in Week 1, and Carson Wentz
led a furious 2nd half comeback only to fall a few plays short.
Cousins stunk up the joint on Monday night as he has a tendency
to do, but this game is back home in a comfy early afternoon slot.
Detroit doesn’t have anyone to cover Justin Jefferson which should
help put Cousins in a great bounce back spot.
I don’t love this pick, but quarterback play across the
league is a bit of a mess. Half a dozen teams are trotting out
starters that they shouldn’t be, but have to. Atlanta has
lost two close games, and Mariota has looked as good as he’s
had since early in his career. He’s got a solid floor because
of his legs, and should be able to complete some passes down the
field against a depleted Seattle secondary.
There ain’t much cookin’ going on in Denver yet this
season, with Wilson and the Denver offense struggling to score
17 points in a game. Clock management and red zone offense have
been dreadful, and there doesn’t seem to be an identity
yet on this team. Most concerning is Wilson’s lack of involvement
as a runner, something that seems to be a continuing trend from
last season. Without the upside of his legs, and playing against
a stout 49er defense that’s sure to also bleed the clock
by running the ball, I don’t see a big point total in this
one.
T-Law has looked transformed under the tutelage of Doug Pederson
as he’s coming off a big win against the Colts that saw
him complete over 83% of his passes. Of course, if he’s
in this spot, there are a few red flags. He’s not doing
much on the ground, has been overly reliant on Christian Kirk,
and the Chargers defense represents an extreme upgrade over Indy
and Washington. Look for LA to get after Lawrence and force him
to be uncomfortable.
Languishing below such luminaries as Baker Mayfield, Jameis Wintson,
and Jacoby Brissett, Rodgers sits as fantasy’s No.24 scoring
quarterback. The thumping of the Bears was more about Aaron Jones
and the run game, as ARod still hasn’t found much chemistry
with his receivers. It doesn’t get much easier on the road
against a dominant Tampa defense. Between the young pass catchers
and a shuffling offensive line, avoid Rodgers if you have better
options.
