Fun, Failure, Frustration, & Fame: Week 8

FUN

This is my reminder that fantasy football should be fun.  It is also fair warning that I only play (and write about) fantasy football for fun.  I have never done a paid league, and I would not suggest you use my thoughts in a betting situation.  I am NOT an expert, and I play for fun.

FAILURE

Part One:  My Failures

RB J.K. Dobbins

I predicted that J.K. Dobbins would bounce back with a big performance against the Giants.  While his performance wasn’t bad –  14 carries for 84 yards and 1 reception for -1 yard – it’s not the big performance I predicted.

WR Sterling Shepard

I predicted that WR Sterling Shepard would have a big game with Chris Godwin out, and Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka not at full strength.  Shepard did not take advantage of the opportunity, even when Evans was ruled out with a broken collarbone and concussion, with a measly 25 yards on seven catches!  Detroit’s secondary is not stellar, so I don’t think Shepard can be counted on.

RB Tyjae Spears

OK, I wasn’t expecting RB Tyjae Spears to put up big numbers in the Titans’ putrid offense, but I thought he would increase his workload and have a chance to put up respectable stats.  That did not happen.  Spears had only 5 rushes for 22 yards and 3 receptions for 18 yards.  Meanwhile, fellow running back Tony Pollard was more involved in the passing game, with 6 receptions for 43 yards to go along with 6 rushes for 18 yards.  Spears is an emergency play only from this point on.

Part Two:  This Week’s Player “Failures”

QB Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield couldn’t keep up his MVP-type stats in Monday night’s game.  He was bound to have an off game at some point, and that’s what happened Monday, as he finished 28 of 50 for 228 yards and 1 touchdown.  Baker is a gunslinger and will bounce back

Verdict:  FLUKE

RB Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty again had very little impact.  He rushed 6 times for 21 yards and had only 1 reception for 13 yards.  Jeanty has a ton of talent and will have the occasional big week, but he can’t be trusted to consistently put up fantasy points in this offense.

Verdict:  TREND

RB Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley had another frustrating day, rushing for only 44 yards on 18 carries, and adding only 1 reception for -2 yards.  This Eagles offense isn’t right this year, so much like Jeanty, Barkley is capable of a big day every now and then, but he can’t be counted on to consistently deliver.

Verdict:  TREND

WR Jaylen Waddle

Jaylen Waddle managed only 1 reception for 15 yards on 4 targets.  While the Dolphins’ offense stinks, Waddle has been putting up respectable numbers.  Don’t expect huge performances by him in this putrid offense, but I think he rebounds and puts up respectable numbers as the Dolphins’ only legitimate WR weapon.

Verdict:  FLUKE

FRUSTRATION

Mike Evans injury

What a heartbreak for Evans, who just returned from injury.  He suffered a broken collarbone and a concussion in Monday night’s game.

Jayden Daniels injury

Jayden Daniels went down with a hamstring injury.  Early reports are encouraging, but he’s already been ruled out for Week 8 in Kansas City.  It’s been a tough season for Daniels following a spectacular rookie season.

FAME

Part One:  What I Got Right Last Week

RB Hassan Haskins

RB Hassan Haskins again saw only backup duty behind Kimani Vidal.  He had only 1 carry for 2 yards and 2 receptions for 3 yards and he suffered a hamstring injury.  He should be dropped immediately if you haven’t already.

WR Stefon Diggs

WR Stefon Diggs responded with a solid game producing 7 catches for 69 yards.

RB Quinshon Judkins

RB Quinshon Judkins put up big fantasy points this week, with 25 carries for 84 yards and 3 touchdowns!

Part Two:  Who I Like on the Waiver Wire

With six teams on bye this week, it’s going to be hard to find contributors on the waiver wire. 

QB Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco is still available in many leagues.  He has weapons in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.  Flacco is going to keep slinging it and will likely put up yards.  If you need a QB to cover a bye week or an injury, he’s a solid choice.

Los Angeles Rams Defense

This one is a bit outside the box.  If you have the roster space, it’s worth picking up the Los Angeles Rams defense, who are on bye this week.  Someone may have dropped them to fill a bye week or injury hole, and they have scored the 3^rd highest fantasy points on the season.  If you have space, pick them up now to use from Week 9 on.

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