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.
Seahawks
Russell Wilson was on fire through the Seahawks’ first five games. He had thrown 19 touchdowns compared to three interceptions, and he was on pace for 4,800 passing yards. The Seahawks had also won all five of those contests, placing them as one of the league’s best teams.
However, since the Seahawks’ Week 6 bye, Wilson hasn’t been the same player over the last four games. The Seahawks have lost three of those four games, and Wilson has suddenly become a turnover machine. He’s lost three fumbles and thrown seven interceptions, including three interceptions in his last game versus the Cardinals. I would love to see Wilson right the ship this week, but I might have to drop him slightly in my dynasty quarterback rankings if he doesn’t.
Even if Wilson makes some mistakes, his primary receiving weapons should still produce. D.K. Metcalf had a down game last week, but he remains my favorite young receiver to watch. He combines massive size with strong receiver skills, and I can’t resist watching him play. I’m excited to watch him match up against Patrick Peterson in primetime.
Tyler Lockett is questionable for this game with a knee injury, although I believe he will play. Either way, Lockett had a massive game against the Cardinals last time, with 15 receptions on 20 targets for 200 yards and three touchdowns. I believe that Lockett has always been an underrated talent, both in the NFL and in dynasty rankings.
Unlike Lockett, the Seahawks likely won’t have running back Chris Carson for Thursday night. He’s questionable, but head coach Pete Carroll doesn’t expect him to play. Carlos Hyde will take his place as the starter, with Alex Collins and DeeJay Dallas as backups, as Travis Homer is doubtful with a hand injury.
Overall, I have little interest in any of these running backs, as Carson will reclaim the starting role when healthy. Also, Rashaad Penny will compete for a role either this year or in 2021, and I expect the Seahawks to either re-sign Carson in free agency or make a significant addition to replace him. Considering that the Seahawks gave Collins carries off the street ahead of Dallas last week, I no longer believe Dallas is a real threat for any role in this backfield. Obviously, Hyde and Collins are solely veteran stopgaps.
Cardinals
The Cardinals’ offense is one of the most exciting groups to watch in the entire NFL. Kyler Murray is on his way to the top of Superflex dynasty rankings, as he’s currently my #2 overall player behind Patrick Mahomes. I love watching Murray play, as he combines excellent rushing ability and solid passing skills. There’s not much to say about Murray other than that you should enjoy the ride.
In Week 10, Kenyan Drake returned to the Cardinals’ lineup, retaking the lead role from Chase Edmonds. However, Edmonds still mixed in, playing an almost identical snap share. Now that Drake might be slightly healthier, I want to watch the Cardinals’ backfield to see if either player stands out. But, every week I watch those two guys, I can’t help thinking just how amazing Travis Etienne or Najee Harris would look in this high-powered offense.
Like Murray, I don’t need to tell you much about DeAndre Hopkins. He caught that insane Hail Mary last week, and he’s been a complete stud in 2020. Hopkins does turn 29 in June 2021, but I have to value him as a dynasty WR1 right now. This Murray-Hopkins connection will light the league on fire for years to come.
Unfortunately, there’s not too much to discuss here beyond Hopkins. Larry Fitzgerald continues to soak up decent target volume, as he’s second on the team in both targets and receptions behind Hopkins. I’ve loved Fitzgerald’s career, but he’s not the same player or any kind of difference-maker in 2020. For the first time, I legitimately believe the Cardinals would be better off without Fitzgerald. If he wants to return for 2021, they cannot continue to play him as a starter because it’s hurting their team.
Christian Kirk has had an exciting third year, continuing to share targets with Fitzgerald. Kirk only has one fewer target despite playing one fewer game, and he’s caught a whopping six touchdowns thus far. I believe that the Cardinals need to feature Kirk as their dedicated #2 receiver, especially in the slot. Kirk profiled as a slot receiver coming into the NFL, but Fitzgerald has taken that spot for three seasons.
Finally, we need to talk about Andy Isabella. The Cardinals spent a second-round pick on him in 2019, but he’s barely seen the field since then. I would prefer to see Isabella over boring targets to Fitzgerald, although Isabella might be a bust. Hopkins and Kirk remain under contract for next year, and I expect the Cardinals to bring in a real secondary outside receiver, pushing Kirk into the slot. I love seeing Isabella break a long route every once in a while, but otherwise, it’s a bit sad that he’s never gotten a real shot here.
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
