The Falcons’ pass defense has been improved, statistically, over
the past four games, but that was more a reflection of the weakness
of the opposing quarterbacks, it doesn’t mean they were a better
pass defense. They faced Matthew Stafford, Teddy Bridgewater,
Drew Lock and Taysom Hill. For the season they still rank dead
last in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks (30.4
FPts/G) and even the improvement since Week 7 has them ranked
24th. Carr is coming off a solid 23-of-31 for 275 yards and three
touchdowns against Kansas City. He’s playing sound, fundamental
football and that will continue.
Sure, Tagovailoa was benched in the second half of the game in
Denver, but that might have been more for his protection than
his poor play. The Broncos sacked him six times and have 28 for
the season. The Jets defense isn’t nearly as good as Denver
at sacking the quarterback with just 14 in 10 games. So Tua should
have plenty of time to throw this weekend. The Jets rank 29th
on the season (26.6 FPts/G) and worse the past four games (30.5).
It’s bounce back time for Tagovailoa and his receiving corps.
The Cardinals’ pass defense has been going in the wrong
direction the past month, dropping from 24th overall (23.5 FPts/G)
to 29th over the past four games (27.9). But the Cardinals are
still successful because their offense is potent. Which means
the Patriots will have to score and in the three games this season
where Newton threw at least 35 passes, he’s averaged 30.3
fantasy points. He’s only failed to throw or run for a touchdown
once this season (San Francisco), so his floor is high enough
that it’s not a big gamble to install him in your lineup.
Carson Wentz has been flat out brutal of late. But he’s not alone.
His OL has been horrible and the Doug Pederson play-calling a
disaster. So, despite the horrible defense the Seahawks secondary
has been playing all season, I can’t expect the Eagles to turn
it around Monday night. The more likely scenario is the Eagles
try to run the ball behind Miles Sanders to shorten the game and
keep the ball away from Russell Wilson & Company. Wentz will struggle
early, but partially redeem himself with fourth-quarter garbage-time
production after DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have put the game
out of reach. It won’t be enough. There are better options than
a hesitant and slumping Wentz.
Mullens has thrown for at least 200 yards in each game since
being installed as a starter, but has been mostly hampered by
injuries to his receiving corps. That may change and he might
get both Deebo Samuels and Brandon Aiyuk back, but the Rams defense
is just too good to challenge. They are allowing just 18.9 FPts/G
and just held both Wilson and Tom Brady under 19 points.
Yes, Jackson is still the defending NFL MVP, but he’s also
been struggling this season down from 30.9 FPts/G in 2019 to 23.3
points in 2020. He’s also averaged just 22 points in his
last two games against the Steelers, including five interceptions.
Add in the Covid-19 issues the Ravens are dealing with and the
strength of the Pittsburgh defense and Jackson isn’t a great
option.
