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!
Browns vs. Eagles
Browns
I’m excited to see the Browns’ offense perform in a game without insane winds. Specifically, I want to see if Baker Mayfield can get the passing game moving. The Browns might finally get to run their offense as intended without Odell Beckham Jr., and I’m hoping for a decent game from Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper. The Eagles are a pass-funnel defense, so let’s see what the Browns can do.
Eagles
For the Eagles, I want to see more from up and coming tight end Dallas Goedert. I expected Goedert to explode without Zach Ertz in the lineup, but he hasn’t truly broken out yet. Ertz will return soon, so this game could represent one of Goedert’s final chances to make a big impression. Hopefully, he stands out.
Saints vs. Falcons
Saints
I feel like all eyes are on the Saints’ quarterback situation. Last week, Jameis Winston replaced the injured Drew Brees, but now head coach Sean Payton seems to want to go with Taysom Hill as his starter. But, recently, he said that he hasn’t officially named a starter. I expect that both Winston and Hill will see playing time on Sunday, so I want to see how this bizarre situation shakes out.
Falcons
Calvin Ridley will return for this game, as he’s not even listed on the injury report with his foot injury. Ridley was on a high-end WR1 pace for the beginning of the season, going over 100 receiving yards in four of the first five games. Now, if he’s truly healthy, I want to see if he can return to those types of numbers. I recently lowered Ridley in my dynasty rankings because of this absence, but he’ll move straight back up if he proves that the start of 2020 was real, not a mirage.
Washington vs. Bengals
Washington
If the Washington coaching staff can see this article, I want them to listen to me closely. Please get Antonio Gibson more touches. I’m not saying to take touches away from J.D. McKissic necessarily. McKissic is probably Washington’s third-best offensive option after Gibson and Terry McLaurin, especially in the receiving game. But, they should deploy McKissic solely as a receiver and stop giving him carries. Gibson should be their workhorse back, and I hope they realize their mistakes.
Bengals
Speaking of talking directly to the coaching staff, the Bengals’ coaching staff needs a message too. Stop giving A.J. Green targets. Green is not under contract for 2021, and I believe he’s reached the end of his life as a viable target. The Bengals need to see what they have in young receiver Auden Tate and tight end Drew Sample, both of whom I believe can contribute to their future. Tate would be a top-three receiver on most NFL teams, and I want to see his big-play ability on the field. Maybe they’ll somehow hear me.
Panthers vs. Lions
Panthers
I still don’t know if Teddy Bridgewater or P.J. Walker will start for the Panthers on Sunday. I expect Bridgewater will gut it out and play, but it seems like a game-time decision. Either way, I want to see the target distribution between Robby Anderson, D.J. Moore, and Curtis Samuel. Those three receivers are all substantial NFL talents, but a hobbled Bridgewater or a new quarterback in Walker will change the offense. Head coach Matt Rhule is very creative, though, so I’m sure he’ll come up with something interesting for the week.
Lions
Matthew Stafford is also hurt this week with a thumb injury, but I fully expect him to play. However, the Lions won’t have D’Andre Swift, Kenny Golladay, or Danny Amendola this week, leaving their offense depleted of weapons. I hope that Kerryon Johnson can use this week to highlight that he still has some talent, as I believe he’s not a complete bust yet. Swift is a far better running back, but this week could present Johnson an opportunity to showcase his skills for another team.
Jaguars vs. Steelers
Jaguars
Honestly, there’s almost nothing I want to watch on this horrific team. I’m looking forward to the Jaguars’ having a new quarterback in 2021, hopefully, Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. James Robinson is a rookie sensation at running back, and I prefer to keep my eyes on him and no one else. Robinson is turning into a complete workhorse, making him one of my favorite players to watch. Just close your eyes every time the Jaguars throw the ball against this tough Steelers’ defense.
Steelers
This game is James Conner’s last chance to prove he’s a real dynasty asset before I officially sound the panic alarm. Conner had two cupcake matchups against the Cowboys and Bengals, but he managed to total a horrible 22 carries for 58 yards and four receptions for 10 yards in the two games. If Conner fails again in this game, I will accept that Conner will not keep this job in 2021. The Steelers might finally get Anthony McFarland more involved, as Jaylen Samuels is out for this week.
Ravens vs. Titans
Ravens
This game is the Ravens’ chance finally to explode as an offense. The Titans’ defense is not as good as they hoped, and the Ravens should succeed. I want to see Lamar Jackson throw the ball successfully, especially to Mark Andrews. The Ravens recently lost tight end Nick Boyle for the season, so Andrews will need to step into a massive role. I’m going to watch that connection hyper-closely throughout this contest.
Titans
What is going on with tight end Jonnu Smith? In the first four games, Smith caught 18 of 27 targets for 221 yards and five touchdowns, landing as a strong TE1. However, he’s caught one or two receptions in every game since then, with eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in the last five games. I’m not sure why Smith vanished from the offense, but the Titans need to correct this approach. Smith is a vital portion of their passing attack, and they need to get him involved more. The Titans will likely fall behind to the Ravens, so they might lean on Smith more this week.
Texans vs. Patriots
Texans
The Texans have an issue at the running back position with David Johnson on injured reserve with a concussion. Duke Johnson will replace him as the starter, but he failed last week in a workhorse role. I hope that Duke can play better this week, although the Patriots are a challenging matchup. Duke is playing for a role next year, either here or elsewhere, so this week is critical for his dynasty value.
Patriots
Last week, Damien Harris took 22 carries for 121 yards, although he didn’t score or have any receptions. I wish the Patriots would stop wasting time with James White and Rex Burkhead and turn Harris into a workhorse back. They’re not going to do that because they’ve never done that, but I can hope. Harris is, without question, the most talented running back on this roster. It’s hard to question head coach Bill Belichick’s approach, but I can’t understand how he handles his running backs.
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
