Intro
I love writing these storyline pieces. I will go through the games and discuss one dynasty-relevant storyline per team that I’m excited to see. Usually, I’ll split the games into two sets, covering the early games in one story and the later games in another. Also, I’ll do a special spotlight on the Thursday night game from time to time, as that’s a midweek contest. I like to go into more detail for that game, just for a change of pace.
This piece will give you something specific to look for in each contest, which I hope helps you enjoy the games even more. We all play fantasy football to enhance our enjoyment of football, and I’m trying to add to that sense of happiness here. Fun is the most essential part of this hobby for all of us, including me.
I’ve listed the home team first for each game to keep things organized. I won’t waste any more time, so let’s jump straight in!
Chargers vs. Jets
Chargers
Has Kalen Ballage claimed the Chargers’ starting running back job? Of course, I don’t think he’ll play over Austin Ekeler, but Ballage seems to have genuinely passed Joshua Kelley, Troymaine Pope, and the injured Justin Jackson for touches right now. Ballage ran all over his former team, the Dolphins last week, and now he gets another former employer in the Jets. I really just want to see if Ballage has real juice or if it’s all a mirage.
Jets
The Jets recently claimed that they would give La’Mical Perine a workhorse role in their backfield ahead of veteran Frank Gore. I have zero confidence in head coach Adam Gase to do anything he promises, but I’m curious about Perine’s market share. The Jets selected Perine in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, so he needs to prove a lot on the field if he wants to hold onto this backfield in 2021. I doubt Perine can do that, although he could always come out and be a monster.
Broncos vs. Dolphins
Broncos
Drew Lock is tanking Jerry Jeudy and Noah Fant’s fantasy value with his poor play, exemplified by quotes like this one. The Dolphins are an underrated defense, and I expect Lock to struggle this week like he has most weeks. Lock is quickly playing his way out of this starting job in 2021, although a couple of good games could save him. With the Broncos at 3-6, Lock likely only needs to win a few more games to keep this job in 2021.
Dolphins
I never expected the Dolphins to be 6-3 and a half-game out of the division lead, but here we are. Once again, I want to look at an emerging young running back in Salvon Ahmed. The Dolphins traded for DeAndre Washington, but Ahmed led their backfield in place of Matt Breida and Myles Gaskin for the last two weeks.
Now, the Dolphins released Jordan Howard, and it’s unclear when Gaskin will return. However, Breida will play this week, creating a backfield of Ahmed, Breida, and Washington. Breida had a role even when Gaskin is the starter, although he’s never handled a workhorse job without wearing down. I expect Ahmed and Breida to compete for touches, but I need to see the split. If Ahmed leads the backfield again, I’ll take his dynasty value seriously.
Colts vs. Packers
Colts
Alright, Jonathan Taylor, this is your last chance to impress me. Unlike some of the situations I discussed in the early games article, I don’t blame the coaching staff for Taylor’s struggles. Taylor is playing poorly, and Nyheim Hines looks like the better running back. The Packers are weak against the run but strong against the pass, so I hope Taylor can finally break out.
Packers
I hope that Allen Lazard can return this week, but he’s a game-time decision. Assuming Lazard plays, I believe he would provide a massive boost to the Packers’ offense. Aaron Rodgers needs a real secondary target behind Davante Adams, as Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Robert Tonyan are not good enough. Either way, I really like Lazard, and I’m rooting for him to return and play well.
Vikings vs. Cowboys
Vikings
With the Vikings, it’s always Justin Jefferson that catches my attention. Jefferson is the clear rookie WR2, behind CeeDee Lamb, and I’ve even heard some say that Jefferson should be the rookie WR1. I disagree with those people, mostly because I hate Kirk Cousins and his safe play, but I can’t say that they’re crazy for that take. Either way, I saw Jefferson excel on Monday night versus the Bears’ tough defense, so I expect him to light the Cowboys’ porous unit on fire.
Cowboys
I think we’ve all forgotten that Andy Dalton is a competent NFL quarterback. After relieving Dak Prescott in Week 5, he completed 52/84 passing for 452 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He performed poorly against the Cardinals and Washington, but it’s not like he was a disaster. After multiple weeks to rest, Dalton should be fully healthy from his concussion and COVID-19, so I hope he can have a strong game against the Vikings’ weak defense. Even if Dalton isn’t a fantasy option, we need him to play well for Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb’s value.
Raiders vs. Chiefs
Raiders
Is this the week that Bryan Edwards finally breaks out? I sure hope so, as Edwards was a starter in the first three weeks of the season. He didn’t truly produce, and he then suffered an ankle injury, ruling him out until Week 9.
In Week 9, Edwards returned, but he only played one offensive snap. Then, in Week 10, Edwards played as the Raiders’ WR4 with a 28% snap share, rotating behind Henry Ruggs, Nelson Agholor, and Hunter Renfrow. Now, Edwards is entirely off the injury report, and I hope he claims a starting role. There’s no way that the Raiders should give Agholor significant targets over Edwards, and I hope they agree with my assessment.
Chiefs
Honestly, there’s not much I need to see from the Chiefs. Honestly, I just want to watch Patrick Mahomes play as usual and enjoy his skills. The Chiefs have begun to focus on throwing the ball more and running less, and I love seeing Mahomes showcased. That’s my biggest takeaway for the Chiefs this week.
Buccaneers vs. Rams
Buccaneers
As usual, the Buccaneers’ backfield gets the dynasty spotlight. Last week, Ronald Jones dominated touches with 23 carries for 192 yards and a touchdown compared to Leonard Fournette’s eight carries for 19 yards. However, every time we think we can trust Jones, Buccaneers’ head coach Bruce Arians to give Jones the starting job, Fournette suddenly becomes the starter or lead back. I want to see if Arians finally turns to Jones for good, although who knows what will happen?
Rams
I’m slightly concerned with Cooper Kupp. He only saw 53% of offensive snaps in Week 10, although he did have a wrist injury. But, I’m a bit worried that the Rams might turn to a 12 base offense, leaving Kupp a bit in the cold as a slot receiver. Josh Reynolds has suddenly emerged as a real receiving threat as well, taking more targets from Kupp. Hopefully, last week was just a blip, not the start of an alarming trend for Kupp.
Thanks for reading this article. You can find me on Twitter at @DFF_Karp. I love to interact with anyone in the community, so reach out at any time! I take fantasy questions and help with all formats, so keep sending those questions my way.
Previous Storyline Articles: Week 6 Early Games, Week 6 Late Games, Week 7 Thursday Night, Week 7 Early Games, Week 7 Late Games, Week 8 Thursday Night, Week 8 Early Games, Week 8 Late Games, Week 9 Thursday Night, Week 9 Early Games, Week 9 Late Games, Week 10 Thursday Night, Week 10 Early Games, Week 10 Late Games, Week 11 Thursday Night
