🏈 Trey Lance, Lance Refrigeration
Another NFL finger issue, Antonio Gibson's backup's backup, Dalvin Cook update, the Giants WRs, and Jon Gruden's email.
Good morning and welcome to the weekend. Not sure about you, but I’m still on a high after Robert Woods TNF performance - about time Bobby Trees showed up. Plenty of updates around the league, and it’s Saturday, so let’s get into it.
That had to hurt
After suffering a nasty-looking finger injury (which they kept showing), Russell Wilson will reportedly miss a month (or 6-8 weeks) with a ruptured middle finger tendon.
Enter Geno Smith, who looked good on Thursday night, especially considering it was his first meaningful action since 2017; This is still a downgrade for Lockett and DK, but Geno is a must-add in 2QB leagues.
Pre-emptive Strike
It was reported that Antonio Gibson has a stress fracture in his shin that he’s playing through. Just another reminder of tough NFL players are.
Gibson’s expected to play Sunday, but fantasy managers should be prepared for the worst: Gibson’s snap percentage has declined 10% since Week 1, and he’s at an elevated risk of injury.
The play?
Grab Jarrett Patterson: The undrafted RB looked unbelievable this preseason, Patterson’s been called the “most underrated RB in the country” (the video explains why), Ron Rivera called him “Darren Sproles" and he’s Gibson’s direct backup. McKissic would still play a role, but Patterson would take the early-down work.
Kenny & Kadarius Week, Again
For the 2nd consecutive week, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are OUT with hamstring injuries. In their absence, Kadarius Toney and Kenny Golladay were both effective in the Giants’ upset over the Saints, with Toney going 6 for 78 yards and Golladay 6 for 116 yards. The lack of competition makes them both appealing, but be careful:
Golladay will likely see shadow coverage from Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs, who’s arguably been the best CB in the NFL. Remember Mike Evans Week 1 dud? That was Diggs.
Toney is a higher-floor WR3 option, as the Giants line him up everywhere. He saw 9 targets last week and could see even more against the Cowboys.
Speaking of Giants WRs, how about an iconic throwback that will haunt Victor Cruz for life (his words):
Dalvin Cook, why do you hate me
The Vikings star RB (ankle) is a true game-time decision after barely practicing all week. If suits up, you have to start him against a beatable Lions rushing defense. The issue is, he almost certainly will not have a full workload.
I expect we see something similar to last week (split touches with Mattison 11-10 ), where Cook had 44 total yards and 0 TDs. Cook has TD upside against a weak opponent, but could also be rested mid-game.
This is not a fun start decision to make.
Trey Lance QB1
Jimmy G is officially OUT for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals!!!! This means it’s time to fire up Trey Lance before his first official start. Despite not looking good last week (completing only 50% of his passes for 157 yards and a TD), Lance still put up 20+ fantasy points. In one half.
Unfortunately, he will likely be without TE George Kittle (calf). Expect a heavy dose of the run game; won’t be surprised if Lance leads the team in rushing.
If you’re not sure, watch this 2-min video: Scott compares Lance to someone named Mahomes?
Dumpster Fire in Miami
Tua is still out with his hip injury. Will Fuller is on the IR (shocking) and Davante Parker is questionable. Great.
This makes Jaylen Waddle very appealing in PPR leagues, especially against an injury-ravaged Buccaneers secondary.
Mike Gesicki has quietly caught 15 balls in his past two games.
Please do not start any Dolphins running backs. Please.
Quick Slants
Tee Higgins is expected to make his return on Sunday. This is the biggest hit to Tyler Boyd, who put up WR2 numbers in Higgins' absence. Ja’Marr Chase benefits from this.
Welcome back, AJ Brown. AJ is expected to return this week against the Jaguar's’ weak defense, and Julio has been ruled out for Week 5. Fire him up as a WR1.
Courtland Sutton injured his ankle in practice and is questionable for Week 5 against the Steelers. Tim Patrick & Noah Fant will see plenty of volume from Teddy Bridgewater, who cleared concussion protocol.
Told Ya
And for the people that were worried about Sony Michel splitting the backfield with Henderson, Henderson out-touched Michel 18-3 after missing 1 drive. As long as Henderson is healthy, it ain’t happening.
“WTF was Jon Gruden thinking” of the Day
I knew there was a reason I didn’t like this guy.
Enjoy your Saturday!!
- Eddie
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I picked him off the waiver trying to be "the man" after I read this article, and man I'm boutta set the points record against a player who has the second-most points this week. I AM THE MAN!
It's Toney season