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!
Chargers vs. Raiders
Chargers
I want to pay close attention to Mike Williams in this matchup. Williams has always struggled with consistency, although he’s an excellent big target and deep threat. However, the switch to Justin Herbert has jump-started the Chargers’ offense, including Williams. If Williams can become the clear #2 receiver behind Keenan Allen, I believe he can become a WR3 in fantasy football. Williams is also one of my favorite players to watch, so I always keep an eye on him.
Raiders
Bryan Edwards should finally return from his injury woes and participate in this game. Edwards hasn’t played since Week 3, and I’m excited to see him return to the field. I believe that Edwards and Henry Ruggs form a dynamic duo at X and Z receiver, with Hunter Renfrow as an ideal slot weapon. Let’s see if Edwards can flash his immense talent we all saw during the draft season.
Cowboys vs. Steelers
Cowboys
In dynasty leagues, the highest-stakes scenario is when a handcuff running back gets a chance to start. This week, it looks like Tony Pollard will see his shot as the Cowboys’ workhorse, as Ezekiel Elliott will likely miss the game with a hamstring injury. The Cowboys have a Week 10 bye, so Pollard probably has a one-game window to make an impression. I can’t see the Cowboys turning away from Elliott as their starter, but if Pollard plays well, he could force a committee.
Steelers
As usual, I want to keep a close eye on the Steelers’ wide receivers, specifically Diontae Johnson. In every game where Johnson has been fully healthy, he’s dominated. However, Johnson has struggled with multiple injuries throughout the season, limiting his fantasy output. I genuinely believe that Johnson is the new #1 WR on the Steelers, ahead of Juju Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool. The Cowboys are a soft matchup, and I want to see Johnson go off this week.
Cardinals vs. Dolphins
Cardinals
This game is Chase Edmonds’ opportunity to take a workhorse role with Kenyan Drake out injured. I don’t believe that Edmonds should be a workhorse back, but he’ll get the chance by necessity. The Cardinals don’t seem to have any backup plan for Edmonds, so they’ll lean heavily on him. If Edmonds performs well, he could take the starting job from Drake or force a 50-50 timeshare when Drake returns.
Dolphins
I need to see more from Tua Tagovailoa this week. He won his first start versus the Rams, but the Dolphins’ defense and special teams scored two touchdowns. Therefore, Tagovailoa didn’t have to throw the ball much. However, this week, he will need to keep pace with Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ high-powered offense. Let’s see how Tagovailoa handles a negative game script.
Buccaneers vs. Saints
Buccaneers
Antonio Brown will make his Buccaneers’ debut this week, and I’m curious about what type of snaps and targets he will see. Head coach Bruce Arians said that Brown could be limited, although I expect Tom Brady to push for Brown to have a significant role. Chris Godwin should also return for this game, giving the Buccaneers a ridiculous receiver trio of Godwin, Brown, and Mike Evans. I’ll keep a close eye on Brown, though, to make sure he’s the same hyper-talented receiver he was in 2018.
Saints
It seems like Michael Thomas will return this week, so he’s the player I want to watch. I hope Thomas has fully recovered from his ankle and hamstring injuries, but we won’t honestly know until he takes the field. Thomas didn’t succeed against the Buccaneers in Week 1, and he didn’t even suffer his injury until the end of the game. But, Thomas is one of the most talented receivers in the league, so he can explode at any time. He’s the big story for the Saints.
Jets vs. Patriots
Jets
The Jets are 100% unwatchable. Seriously, their team is a dumpster fire, and head coach Adam Gase is entirely incompetent. However, I want to pay attention to La’Mical Perine. Perine is the Jets’ starting running back right now, forming a committee with Frank Gore. But, the Jets only spent a fourth-round pick on Perine this year. Therefore, I need to watch Perine to see if he has a chance to retain this job in 2021.
Patriots
Unfortunately, the Patriots have become a very different team than they were during their glory years. Their offense is a complete disaster, as Cam Newton’s struggles combined with a lack of offensive weapons have left a bare cupboard. At this point, I want to watch Damien Harris the most, although I don’t think he’ll ever take true command of this backfield. But, if he can consolidate the early-down work, he could have limited fantasy value. I’m just not interested in this game, and I would pay practically zero attention to either team if it weren’t a primetime game. If you like defense, this will be the game for you.
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
