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!
Chiefs vs. Jets
Chiefs
The Chiefs won’t have Sammy Watkins this week, potentially opening up more targets for Mecole Hardman as the second receiver behind Tyreek Hill. However, I’m more interested in the backfield split between Le’Veon Bell and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. We didn’t get an accurate picture last week, as the Chiefs demolished the Broncos 43-16. While I don’t expect the Jets to put up a better fight, I’ll watch the backfield closely, especially in the first quarter.
Jets
The Jets won’t have either Jamison Crowder or Breshad Perriman this week, leaving the door open for exciting rookie Denzel Mims. We’ve only seen Mims play in one game this year, and I want to see more from a player who was a consensus second-round rookie pick back in May. While the Jets are a complete dumpster fire, I’m looking forward to watching Mims.
Bills vs. Patriots
Bills
I’d love to see quarterback Josh Allen turn around his recent slump in this contest. He gets John Brown back for this game, which could help him perform better. I’ve noticed that Allen doesn’t play as well without Brown in the lineup, and Brown might finally be fully healthy this week. We all moved Allen up to a solid QB1 in dynasty after his hot start, but if he doesn’t begin to show more, I might have to reconsider his ranking.
Patriots
I never thought that I would consider the Patriots as an offensive mess, but there’s no other way to describe them right now. Cam Newton isn’t playing well, and the Patriots have no worthwhile running backs or receiving weapons. I suppose if I have to pick one storyline, I’ll watch Newton closely. I’m not sure if Newton will retain this job or a starting role in 2021, and that decision will significantly impact dynasty superflex leagues.
Bengals vs. Titans
Bengals
It’s a deep pull, but I’m most interested in John Ross from the Bengals right now. I no longer think that the Bengals will trade A.J. Green, as they see Green as a starter in their offense. However, Ross has demanded a trade, but the Bengals don’t seem to want to give in. Let’s see how the Bengals handle Ross this week, with a possible trade on the horizon. For the record, I think Ross has a deep-threat role somewhere else in the NFL, and the Bengals should grant his trade request.
Titans
The Titans are among the most set personnel groups, with Derrick Henry, Jonnu Smith, and Ryan Tannehill as high-end assets, and everyone else irrelevant. Tannehill is a real stud, and I’m loving watching him after he’s escaped from Adam Gase’s clutches. So, I don’t have a powerful dynasty take here, other than enjoying Tannehill and his play. Hopefully, he has another fun performance.
Browns vs. Raiders
Browns
I want to see if Baker Mayfield is genuinely a better quarterback without Odell Beckham Jr. I know that Beckham Jr. is a talented receiver, and I believe Mayfield is at least a competent quarterback. However, both players seem to be better on their own than together. If Mayfield performs well without Beckham Jr., I’ll expect the Browns to trade Beckham Jr. away in the offseason. But, if Mayfield struggles, maybe he’s the reason for Beckham Jr.’s issues after all.
Raiders
I’m officially concerned about Josh Jacobs. Last week, I said that I needed to see a big game from Jacobs sometime soon, and he didn’t deliver, with 10 carries for 17 yards. Jacobs only averages a putrid 3.4 YPC in 2020, although he’s made up for that low efficiency with five rushing touchdowns and increased passing-game usage. But, I’m worried about Jacobs’ long-term value, and his dynasty value will continue to fall every week he fails to perform as a solid RB1.
Lions vs. Colts
Lions
The Lions’ backfield continues to frustrate me, with D’Andre Swift still in a timeshare role. Swift received the most work, but the Lions continue to give too many carries to Adrian Peterson. I believe that Swift is the most talented back here, and I’ll watch every week, hoping the Lions finally do the right thing.
Colts
I’ll call attention to a deep sleeper, wide receiver Marcus Johnson. Johnson stepped into a starting role in Week 6, catching five of eight targets for 108 yards. Luckily, Johnson went mostly unclaimed after his big game, as the Colts had a Week 7 bye. You might want to add Johnson this morning, just in case he builds on his strong performance. The Colts desperately need receiving help, as they have no reliable receivers whatsoever.
Packers vs. Vikings
Packers
With Aaron Jones ruled out, I’m curious if we see more from AJ Dillon this week. In Week 7, the Packers lost Jones late in the week, so they needed to quickly substitute Jamaal Williams directly into Jones’ role. I’m interested to see if the Packers plan differently for this game, finding ways to get Dillon more involved. They spent a second-round pick on Dillon, so they must like him a little bit.
Vikings
I can’t resist watching Justin Jefferson, the Vikings’ star rookie receiver. Every week, he impresses me with his poise and professional nature, especially coming from a rookie. If Jefferson is this good with Kirk Cousins as his quarterback, imagine what he could do with a top quarterback like Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. Jefferson will be a dynasty WR1 soon enough if he isn’t already.
Dolphins vs. Rams
Dolphins
This is Tua Tagovailoa’s debut as an NFL starter, so my eyes and all others will be firmly locked on his every move. I wish Tagovailoa faced an easier opponent, as the Rams’ pass rush is excellent with Aaron Donald. Even so, I hope Tagovailoa can develop chemistry with his receiving weapons: DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, and Mike Gesicki. I also expect the Dolphins to lean on the run with Myles Gaskin to take a bit of pressure off Tagovailoa. Either way, we’ve all waited to see Tagovailoa in action, and I can’t be anything but excited.
Rams
Unfortunately, the Rams always leave a bad taste in my mouth. For some reason, they refuse to use Cam Akers, and instead give carries to Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown. I understand giving Henderson touches: he was a third-round pick, and he’s looked good on his carries. However, Brown is the ultimate JAG. The Rams have to get Akers more involved. I’m watching this game just hoping they do.
Ravens vs. Steelers
Ravens
I’m hoping that we finally get a monster game from Lamar Jackson to re-solidify his value as a top dynasty quarterback. Before 2020, Jackson was in the same tier as Mahomes atop the dynasty ranks, but now he’s fallen into the next tier of quarterbacks with players like Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson. The Ravens just had a Week 7 bye, and I hope they employ some new concepts to fix Jackson’s inaccuracies in the passing game. Jackson also had a knee injury earlier in the season, so maybe he’s fully healed. Hopefully, Jackson comes out and dominates, ending any questions surrounding his dynasty value.
Steelers
I think everyone wants to know the truth about Chase Claypool. Claypool dominated in Week 5 with four touchdowns, but he only had four targets in Week 6. Then, in Week 7, Diontae Johnson returned to the offense, and Claypool vanished, seeing only one target, which he caught for -2 yards. Claypool maintained his starting role in 3WR sets over James Washington, but he didn’t see much action in the offense. Let’s see if Claypool bounces back or if his success was a product of Johnson’s absence.
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
