Fun, Failure, Frustration, & Fame: Week 9

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

QB Baker Mayfield

I thought Baker Mayfield would rebound, especially playing a bad New Orleans Saints team.  Maybe it’s harsh to say he flopped because he did enough to get his team a win, but for fantasy purposes, his performance was a major disappointment: 15 of 24 for only 152 yards and 0 TD.

RB Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley has had a tough year, so I predicted his struggles to continue.  But, he had a big game on Sunday, with 14 rushes for 150 yards and 1 TD plus 4 receptions for 24 yards and 1 TD!  His stats may have been even more impressive if he wasn’t removed due to injury.  Fortunately, initial reports are that the injury is not serious and he was held out because the game was in hand.

Part Two:  This Week’s Player “Failures”

Cincinnati Bengals Defense

I knew the Bengals defense was not good, but to give up 39 points to the pathetic New York Jets is inexcusable!  They are going to have to play a lot better than that if they want to sneak back into the AFC North race.  While I don’t expect them to all of a sudden become a good defense, I think this poor of a performance was a fluke.  I expect them to rebound next week against a Chicago Bears team that struggled in Baltimore.

Verdict:  FLUKE

QB Baker Mayfield

See stats above.  I hate putting players on here who win the game, but this is a fantasy article.  That performance by Mayfield will not cut it for fantasy owners.  Mayfield and the Bucs get a much needed Week 9 bye to hopefully get healthy.  I think Mayfield will come back strong after the bye.

Verdict:  FLUKE

QB Caleb Williams

Great for Ravens fans to see Caleb Williams on the list.  Many people probably started Williams thinking he had a great matchup against a struggling Baltimore Ravens defense.  Williams finished 25 of 38 for 285 yards, 0 TD, and 1 INT (and 1 more near INT).  He also added 3 rushes for 24 yards.  I am still not buying him, so I think his struggles will continue (even against the Bengals defense that gave up 39 points the Jets).

Verdict:  TREND

RB Quinshon Judkins

Quinshon Judkins had a rough day, finishing with only 9 rushes for 19 yards and 3 receptions for -2 yards.  Additionally, he left the game and was unable to return with a shoulder injury.  Initial reports are that he is “day to day.” As long as he is healthy, I think he bounces back.  He’ll get the benefit of a Week 9 bye to help get healthy.

Verdict:  FLUKE

WR Emeka Egbuka

Emeka Egbuka had another tough game, finishing with only 3 receptions for 35 yards on 9 targets.  It clearly appeared that he was not 100%.  As we’ve previously noted speaking about Tampa Bay, he’ll have a Week 9 bye to recover.  I think he’ll bounce back after the bye.

Verdict:  FLUKE

FRUSTRATION

Cam Skattebo injury

What a heartbreak for Cam Skattebo, who was having a sensational rookie year.  Hopefully he bounces back next year after an ugly-looking injury.

Rico Dowdle/Chuba Hubbard timeshare

When Chuba Hubbard was out, Rico Dowdle was spectacular as the lead back.  Now, Hubbard comes back and the two are in a timeshare, despite Dowdle clearly playing better.  Dowdle averaged 6.75 yards per carry, finishing with 8 rushes for 54 yards.   Meanwhile, Hubbard averaged 2.83 yards per carry, finishing with 12 rushes for 34 yards.  He did score a TD, salvaging the day for Hubbard owners.  Although Dowdle has proven to be the better back, it seems that the Panthers are dead set on this being a timeshare, making it hard to start either one of these RBs.

FAME

Part One:  What I Got Right Last Week

RB Ashton Jeanty

Another week; another disappointing performance by RB Ashton Jeanty.  He proved me right once again that he can not be trusted in this offense.  He managed only 6 rushes for 21 yards and 1 reception for 13 yards.

WR Jaylen Waddle

I predicted Jaylen Waddle would rebound, and he did.  He had a very solid game Sunday, finishing with 5 receptions for 99 yards and 1 TD.  The Dolphins offense is bad, but he is by far their best (and only) playmaker.

QB Joe Flacco

I predicted Joe Flacco would keep up the strong performance and put up numbers.  Flacco did just that, finishing 21 of 34 for 223 yards and 2 TDs.  He even added a rushing TD on 14 yards on the ground.

Part Two:  Who I Like on the Waiver Wire

As with last week, there’s slim pickings on the waiver wire.  For this article, I’m going to assume that RB Tyrone Tracy is not available.  If he is, definitely put in a bid for him as he will take over with the Cam Skattebo injury.  Here are two other players to consider:

TE A.J. Barner

A.J. Barner has 10+ fantasy points in PPR format in 3 of his last 4 games.  He was on bye Week 8 so it is likely he was dropped and available on the waiver wire.  I also like his matchup this week against a struggling Washington Commanders team.

WR Jalen Coker

Jalen Coker got on the field for the first time this year.  He didn’t put up good numbers Sunday, but nobody did for the Panthers’ offense with Andy Dalton starting.  Coker had 3 receptions for 36 yards.  I expect him to get more and more opportunities in an offense that is looking for playmakers.

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