Intro
I love writing these weekend 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. In this article, I’ll look at the seven 1 PM games.
This piece will give you something specific to look for in each contest, which I hope helps you enjoy the games even more. I’ve listed the home team first for each game. I won’t waste any more time, so let’s jump straight in!
Jets vs. Bills
Jets
Rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims should make his NFL debut in this game. The Jets likely won’t have Jamison Crowder, but Sam Darnold will return to the starting quarterback spot. Therefore, we’ll get to see Mims and Darnold pair up for the first time. I’m not expecting much from Mims with Adam Gase as his head coach, but any flashes would be great for his dynasty value. Mims could have a new head coach and quarterback in 2021.
Bills
I’m watching rookie Gabriel Davis exceptionally closely in this contest. The Bills ruled out John Brown, so Davis will start at outside receiver opposite Stefon Diggs with Cole Beasley in the slot. Even as a depth piece, Davis has 14 receptions on 18 targets for 194 yards and two touchdowns this year.
Davis has identical numbers to Brown despite having nine fewer targets. If Davis balls out, I believe the Bills could turn to him as a starter, especially since Brown is constantly banged up and recently turned 30 years old. The Bills can also save $8 million in cap space by releasing Brown after 2020, which I expect them to do.
Falcons vs. Lions
Falcons
At this point, I’m at a decision point with tight end Hayden Hurst. Hurst has 19 receptions on 32 targets for 227 yards and three touchdowns, making him the TE9 on the season. He’s been a decent player, but he hasn’t seen the volume that Austin Hooper saw last season when he paced as the TE1 for most of 2019. Maybe Hurst will continue to grow into the offense throughout the season, so I’m watching him closely.
Lions
Of course, I’m looking at D’Andre Swift this week. Swift led the Lions in Week 6 with 116 yards and two touchdowns, although Adrian Peterson still had 15 carries. I want to see the Lions finally make the right choice to turn Swift into a workhorse, and I hope this is finally that week.
Bengals vs. Browns
Bengals
I think this is A.J. Green’s audition for his trade value. Green finally had a good game in Week 6, where he caught eight of 11 targets for 96 yards. However, the Bengals have a 1-4-1 record, and Green is a free agent at the end of the season. Therefore, I expect the Bengals to shop Green before the trade deadline. Let’s see if he has another good game to increase his trade appeal.
Browns
For the Browns, I need to know if Baker Mayfield is their long-term solution at quarterback. He’s struggling with a rib injury, but he hasn’t looked effective since his rookie year in 2018. If Mayfield continues to play poorly, the Browns could bench him for Case Keenum, who’s succeeded as a starting quarterback in the past. Either way, Mayfield’s superflex dynasty value is hanging by a thread, and every game matters more than the last.
Titans vs. Steelers
Titans
Tight end Jonnu Smith will play this week after an ankle injury in Week 6. So far, he’s the TE4 in fantasy PPG/game, behind only George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Darren Waller. Smith is already my dynasty TE9, but I have him behind players like Noah Fant, Hunter Henry, and T.J. Hockenson. However, if Smith moves past this injury and continues to outproduce them, he could challenge for the top-five dynasty TEs.
Steelers
For the first time all season, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and James Washington are all fully healthy and integrated into the offense. Smith-Schuster plays the slot, so he’s a locked-in starter, but the other players have all excelled. I’m curious if the Steelers would consider benching ineffective tight end Eric Ebron and utilizing some 4WR sets. Claypool is a massive target, so he could certainly succeed as a pseudo-tight end.
Saints vs. Panthers
Saints
The Saints won’t have Michael Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders for this game due to a hamstring injury and COVID-19. Therefore, Tre’ Quan Smith will receive an opportunity to play as the Saints’ WR1, as they have no significant receivers behind Thomas, Sanders, and Smith. Smith is a popular dynasty sleeper considering he’s stepped up as a starter without Thomas in the lineup. However, this game will be Smith’s first without either Thomas or Sanders. Let’s watch for how he answers the call.
Panthers
Like every week, I’m taking a close look at Mike Davis, who’s filling in for Christian McCaffrey as the Panthers’ RB1. Davis averages 17.0 fantasy PPR points/game even though McCaffrey played the first two games. I expect Davis to return to the bench when McCaffrey is healthy, but Davis has likely earned another look from NFL teams. If he puts up another big game, Davis could cement a decent contract in the 2021 free agency process.
Washington vs. Cowboys
Washington
I want Washington to finally eliminate their ridiculous running back committee between Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and sometimes Peyton Barber. McKissic led the backfield in snaps in Week 6, 53% to 37% for Gibson, and 11% for Barber. Gibson is obviously Washington’s most explosive back, and he presents the most dynasty upside. I’m sure dynasty owners will continue to watch this backfield, rooting for Gibson.
Cowboys
What is going on with Ezekiel Elliott? He’s lost four fumbles this season, losing two in one game in Week 6. I know that Zeke is one of the most talented running backs in the league, and I don’t think he has a fumbling problem. I would love to see him get right back on track against Washington, especially to take a bit of the load off Andy Dalton. Expect Elliott to have a huge game, but you might want to have a bit of concern if he doesn’t.
Texans vs. Packers
Texans
The Texans have completely overhauled their offense after firing previous head coach Bill O’Brien. They scored 30 points versus the Jaguars in Week 5 and then 36 against the Titans in Week 6. Brandin Cooks came back from the dead after O’Brien’s firing, totaling a stellar 17 receptions on 21 targets for 229 yards and two touchdowns over two weeks. If Cooks plays another great game this week, I might have to boost his dynasty value and trust him as a weekly borderline WR2.
Packers
Aaron Jones won’t play this week, leaving the backfield split between Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon. We know what Williams offers from a dynasty perspective, as he’s a reliable backup with low upside. However, I’m looking forward to seeing Dillon’s first chance at serious NFL action. Both Jones and Williams are free agents after 2020, and the Packers spent a second-round pick on Dillon. If Dillon wants to be the Packers’ starting running back in 2021, he’ll need to make the most of this chance to play.
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.
