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!
Giants vs. Eagles
Giants
The Giants are a tough team to watch from a dynasty perspective, even though I’m a Giants fan. They have almost no relevant assets, except Saquon Barkley, who is on injured reserve. However, I want to look at Evan Engram, who’s had nine, 10, and 10 targets in the last three weeks. Engram will play 2021 on his fifth-year option, so he’s got a bit of time to prove whether the Giants should or shouldn’t commit to him long-term. I love Engram’s talent, but his drops consistently frustrate me.
Eagles
For the Eagles, they’re getting back both Alshon Jeffery and Miles Sanders from injury. I know that Sanders will return to his workhorse role, but I’m more interested in how Jeffery’s return will impact the receiver rotation. I cannot possibly believe that the Eagles will take snaps away from Travis Fulgham or Jalen Reagor for Jeffery, so I expect them to rotate Fulgham and Reagor into the slot in 3 WR sets. Greg Ward should therefore lose snaps to Jeffery, reverting to a backup role. I also expect the Eagles to employ more 11 personnel, as they only have one usable tight end in Dallas Goedert.
Browns vs. Texans
Browns
I’m interested in Nick Chubb’s return, but I’m even more curious about how Austin Hooper plays this week. Hooper will return from his appendectomy, and he should see an even larger role in the offense without Odell Beckham Jr. I believe that Hooper can become a solid, reliable TE1 over the back half of the season, so I hope he gets off to a good start here.
Texans
David Johnson will miss this week’s game with a concussion, forcing Duke Johnson into a workhorse role. I’ve always thought Duke could handle a workload, as he’s the University of Miami’s all-time leading rusher. Duke has one year left on his contract, although the Texans can cut him with no dead cap. Consider this game as his audition, both for the Texans and for dynasty owners.
Lions vs. Washington
Lions
I’m interested in watching Quintez Cephus this week, who will step in for an injured Kenny Golladay. Cephus had 10 targets in Week 1, which Golladay also missed, but he hasn’t seen significant involvement since. I had high hopes for Cephus as a fifth-round rookie, and I’m curious to see how he performs this week. Definitely keep an eye on him.
Washington
As usual, I have an incredibly soft spot in my heart for Alex Smith. This is the first game that Smith will start as the intended starter, having only seen action after Kyle Allen got injured thus far. In both of his previous games, Smith hyper-targeted running back J.D. McKissic, and I’m curious how Smith will play with the benefit of a game plan around him. Specifically, I want to see and evaluate Smith’s chemistry with star receiver Terry McLaurin.
Packers vs. Jaguars
Packers
Aaron Jones finally saw full practices, and the Packers will have Jamaal Williams back for this game also. I’m curious how the Packers will split the backfield workload with both running backs healthy, especially against the Jaguars’ weak run defense. We all want Jones to be a workhorse back, but Williams has played well. Both Jones and Williams are free agents after this season, although I expect the Packers to retain Jones. However, Williams could find a role elsewhere if he continues to play well.
Jaguars
Honestly, the Jaguars’ offense is a dumpster fire. I’m intrigued by the new starting quarterback Jake Luton, but I don’t think he has a path to a long-term starting job. He’d need to light the world on fire and lead the Jaguars to multiple wins, putting them out of contention for a top quarterback in the draft. I expect Luton to get mauled this week, but I’ll watch him to see if he proves me wrong.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers
Panthers
The Panthers won’t have Christian McCaffrey for this game, but we already know that Mike Davis will fill in for him. However, the Panthers have seemed to move away from D.J. Moore and toward Curtis Samuel as their second receiver behind Robby Anderson. Samuel is an impending free agent after this season, so I’m paying close attention to his audition over the rest of the year. If Samuel continues to excel, he could sign a decent contract for a new team, giving his dynasty value a massive boost.
Buccaneers
The Buccaneers will have their full complement of offensive weapons healthy for this game, with Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, and Rob Gronkowski all off the final injury report. With that said, I want to see how Tom Brady bounces back from his disastrous Week 9 performance versus the Saints. I feel like we’ve written Brady’s obituary so many times that I can’t write him off even though he played horribly in that game. However, I once again want to look at Brady to make sure he’s not truly in decline.
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
