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!
Broncos vs. Chargers
Broncos
I’m desperate for a breakout for Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy leads the Broncos with 37 targets, but he’s only produced 19 receptions for 286 yards and a touchdown on those looks. I know that some of Jeudy’s issues are likely related to his quarterback woes, although Tim Patrick has played far better than Jeudy in the same offense. But, do not quit on Jeudy. He’s one of the most talented receiver prospects to come out in years, and I believe he will turn it around.
Chargers
I’d usually point to Justin Herbert, but I want to highlight a deeper sleeper in receiver Jalen Guyton. Guyton has eight receptions on 13 targets for 258 yards and three touchdowns so far, showing deep-ball chemistry with Herbert. I’m not saying that Guyton has replaced Mike Williams as the second receiver behind Keenan Allen, but he’s worth watching.
Bears vs. Saints
Bears
I’m tired of watching David Montgomery every week, so I’ll look elsewhere. Allen Robinson will sit out this game with a concussion, allowing Darnell Mooney and Anthony Miller to step into more significant roles. Mooney has more targets, receptions, and yards than Miller, and the Bears seem to like him more than Miller. However, I still believe that Miller is the more talented overall player. Let’s see how they fill Robinson’s massive target void.
Saints
The Saints have none of their receiving weapons available. Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Marquez Callaway will all miss this week with injuries. Therefore, maybe Tre’Quan Smith can step up this week. I’ve always liked Smith’s talent, but he’s never truly made a fantasy impact outside of a couple of splash games. Since the Saints have no other receivers, I’ll have to focus on Smith in this game.
Seahawks vs. 49ers
Seahawks
The Seahawks made an exciting change in Week 7, finally utilizing Will Dissly on most of their offensive snaps. Dissly played 58% of snaps compared to 62% for Greg Olsen. If Dissly can retake this starting role over the next few weeks, he could present fantasy value like he did at times in his first two seasons. Watch the Seahawks closely to see whether Olsen or Dissly plays more and who Russell Wilson prefers to target.
49ers
The 49ers won’t have Deebo Samuel for this game, allowing Brandon Aiyuk to see more targets. Aiyuk has been a starter throughout the season, with or without Samuel, but he had his best game last week with six receptions for 115 yards. However, it was only one game. If Aiyuk cements that value this week with a breakout performance, he’ll move significantly higher in my dynasty rankings.
Eagles vs. Cowboys
Eagles
Of course, I have to focus on the return of one of my favorite rookie receivers, Jalen Reagor. Reagor will play in this game after missing multiple weeks with a UCL injury, and I expect him to immediately assume a starting role as the Eagles’ Z receiver. The Eagles have no receiving options outside of Reagor, Travis Fulgham, and Greg Ward, so Reagor could see significant work. Even if he doesn’t, I think Reagor has a WR1 future in the NFL, and I want to see him develop.
Cowboys
The Cowboys are a complete mess right now, but I’ll have to watch unproven rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci. I wrote a short article on DiNucci, although I didn’t gain any confidence from that research. However, you never truly know how a quarterback will perform until they get on the field. I expect a disaster, but I could be wrong.
Giants vs. Buccaneers
Giants
Sterling Shepard came off injured reserve in Week 7, and he immediately led the Giants’ wide receivers in targets, far ahead of Darius Slayton and Golden Tate. I want to see if Shepard remains the clear number one receiver or if Slayton can re-emerge as the top option. I expect Tate to be on another team after this game, so he’s not really on my radar.
Buccaneers
The Buccaneers won’t have Chris Godwin this week, and Antonio Brown is one game away from being eligible to play. Therefore, this is Mike Evans’ big chance to prove that he remains a top receiver in the league by having a massive game. If Evans flops here, his dynasty value is going to tank. I want to watch Evans on his routes to see if his talent is still there, if he’s hurt, or if Brady just isn’t looking his way.
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
