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. I already wrote about the early slate, so now I’m going to cover the later slate.
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!
Raiders vs. Buccaneers
Raiders
I’m watching Josh Jacobs in this game. He’s been a real workhorse back for the Raiders, but he’s only averaged 3.6 YPC despite playing behind a strong offensive line. I’m starting to adjust Jacobs down in my dynasty rankings because I’m not sure he’s an exceptional talent. If he has a terrible game here, I might have to continue to move him down. Jacobs is the key dynasty asset on the Raiders, so he’s always the most critical player to watch.
Buccaneers
The Buccaneers signed Antonio Brown this week, but he won’t play until Week 9. Therefore, I’m mostly focusing on the running backs for the Buccaneers. Leonard Fournette will return to the lineup this week, but I don’t know how they will split touches between Fournette and Ronald Jones. Jones has played so well without Fournette on the field, but head coach Bruce Arians can go back to Fournette at any time.
Broncos vs. Chiefs
Broncos
This week, the Broncos will have Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay healthy for the first time since Week 1. Gordon and Lindsay looked to form a committee in that game until Lindsay suffered a turf toe injury. Therefore, this week could be the first game we see the Broncos’ real intention for their backfield. If Gordon loses significant work to Lindsay, his dynasty value will significantly fall, and Lindsay’s will rise. I want to watch both the snap count and carry count here.
Chiefs
We know the Chiefs are a high-powered offense. Last week, they barely used Mecole Hardman with Sammy Watkins out, turning to Demarcus Robinson as their WR2 behind Tyreek Hill. I want to see if the Chiefs do that again this week or if they finally get Hardman involved. If Hardman plays limited snaps once again, it’s time to throw him into the dynasty wasteland.
Patriots vs. 49ers
Patriots
As usual, the Patriots’ backfield is the story here, specifically the split between Damien Harris and Rex Burkhead on early downs. We know that James White will take the passing work, but Harris is an intriguing prospect. I wish the Patriots would use Harris over Burkhead, but who knows what they will do?
49ers
The 49ers have the ultimate backfield committee. No matter who they have on the field, head coach Kyle Shanahan wants to employ a committee approach. This week, Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman are on injured reserve, but Jerick McKinnon, JaMycal Hasty, and Jeff Wilson Jr. should all play in the game. McKinnon will get the third-down work, but the real question surrounds the carry split. I would love to see more from Hasty, but I’m concerned the 49ers will use the boring Wilson Jr. instead.
Chargers vs. Jaguars
Chargers
I love Justin Herbert and his performance so far this season. He got the starting job under unfortunate circumstances due to a medical accident with Tyrod Taylor, but he’s excelled ever since then. Herbert has averaged 312.5 yards/game, and he’s already moved into solid dynasty QB1 territory in my rankings. Herbert should demolish this porous Jaguars’ defense, so I’m excited to see him have another strong game.
Jaguars
There seem to be some rumors around the Jaguars’ benching starting quarterback Gardner Minshew for Mike Glennon during this game. I have no idea why they would do that, but perhaps they are trying to tank for Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. Either way, if the Jaguars bench Minshew, he will lose all his superflex dynasty value. That decision would make it crystal clear that Minshew will not be the Jaguars’ 2021 starter, even if he later regains the starting job.
Cardinals vs. Seahawks
Cardinals
Christian Kirk is the Cardinals’ most intriguing dynasty asset in this game. Kirk finally saw the Cardinals’ WR2 role ahead of Larry Fitzgerald last week. He only had three targets, but he caught two of them for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Kyler Murray only completed nine passes last week, so I believe Kirk should have a higher-volume game this week. The Seahawks are an easy matchup for receivers, and I want to see a massive breakout from Kirk.
Seahawks
The Seahawks have one of the most defined teams in terms of dynasty assets, with Russell Wilson, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Chris Carson as their only relevant players. However, I will keep a close eye on Carson and his performance over the next couple of weeks. Rashaad Penny should return from his ACL injury soon, and he will present stronger backfield competition than Carlos Hyde, DeeJay Dallas, or Travis Homer. If Carson fumbles or starts to play poorly, he could lose some touches to Penny when he returns.
Rams vs. Bears
Rams
I’ll own a pretty big mistake I made with Tyler Higbee. I thought Higbee could play similarly to his finish down the stretch of last season, but he’s done nothing of the sort. Higbee only has 18 receptions on 21 targets through six games, although he has 222 yards and three touchdowns on those receptions.
Higbee hasn’t been bad, but he’s seen nowhere near the volume he needs to be reliable in fantasy. If Higbee continues to struggle, his dynasty value will go up in smoke, as he has no track record of production. I’m not saying that Gerald Everett is a dynasty asset, either, but maybe the Rams’ tight end position just isn’t worth chasing in dynasty leagues.
Bears
I’m intrigued by rookie speedster Darnell Mooney. Mooney is third on the Bears in targets with 30, behind only Allen Robinson and Jimmy Graham. He’s taken the WR2 role from Anthony Miller, and he might have a long-term role in this offense. The Bears still haven’t extended Robinson’s contract beyond 2020, so Mooney could have even more room for targets next season. Mooney isn’t a 2020 play, but he’s someone to watch in dynasty leagues as a solid stash.
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.
