🏈 Michael Carter
Bengals & Steelers injuries, CMC update, and Josh Gordon? Is it really you?
Good morning and welcome to another edition of the Morning Huddle. Eddie, resident Cowboy fan here. Before we start, where has Matt Nagy been?
Yesterday was a busy day around the league, so let’s get into it.
Suns Out - Stars Out
One of those tweets that you wish you could just laugh about, but tears always fall down your cheek
Diontae “Mr. Glass” Johnson has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game; Tee Higgins is listed as doubtful, giving their respective QB’s one less weapon to utilize. James Washington slots into Johnson’s “role” but this is misleading, as Washington will not see Johnson’s typical target volume.
JuJu should be the biggest beneficiary - seeing the shallow, underneath dump-offs from a washed Big Ben. The most exciting play is Chase Claypool, who’s D.K. Metcalf-size means he only needs volume to produce. Washington is only startable in the deepest of leagues.
With Tee Higgins likely out, Tyler Boyd and Ja’Marr Chase will see a larger target share as well. The Bengals offence is top-heavy with a narrow target distribution.
TJ Watt is listed as questionable and stated “the door is open” to play but he is a true game-time decision. If he doesn’t play, the Steelers’ D will get a significant downgrade, raising the upside for Joe Mixon and Joe Burrow. If Watt suits up, Burrow will be running for his life. As usual.
CMC Update
Ian Rapoport reported that Christian McCaffrey will miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. CMC avoids the IR (for now), so fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief.
As we said yesterday, Hubbard will get the first crack, but if Royce Freeman is available, he could see opportunities if Hubbard struggles. The Panthers also worked out Duke Johnson today, so this situation could become a dreaded RB committee.
Carolina’s offense looked pretty awful without CMC in the game. Thank god they were playing the Texans.
The Running Back Infirmity
Dalvin Cook is still questionable for Sunday. The Vikings don’t seem too concerned and I suspect Cook will see a near-full workload against the Seahawks on Sunday.
Josh Jacobs remains doubtful for Sunday. In what could be his second straight game missed, Jacobs leaves Kenyan Drake and a washed Peyton Barber to split the workload.
Drake would be an uninspiring flex play in PPR leagues with 10 receptions in his first 2 games but only 20 rushing yards. Peyton Barber shouldn’t be started unless you’re trying to tank. Or you're an idiot.
Darrell Henderson is a game-time decision, dealing with bruised ribs. HC Sean McVay mentioned it would depend on Darrell’s pain tolerance, so make sure to check in before kick-off. While Tampa Bay is a brutal matchup for RBs, this game has shoot-out potential and Henderson (a pass-catching back) would see plenty of scoring opportunities. Sony Michel becomes an RB3 if Henderson is out, while Jake Funk is worth stashing.
Tevin Coleman has been ruled out for Week 3 due to an illness. It’s obvious that Coleman is washed, so this is the perfect opportunity for Michael Carter to assert himself as the lead back. Might be worth buying low on Carter in case he has a breakout game. Remember, Adam Gase is no longer associated with the NY Jets.
Return of Flash Gordon
Josh Gordon has officially been reinstated, leaving him eligible to play as early as Week 4. There will be someone in your leagues who picks him up, forgetting it’s not 2013 anymore. Don’t be that guy.
Another Miracle?
Carson Wentz is a maniac. He sprained both his ankles last week against the Rams but is expected to play against the Titans.
Truthfully, I’m not sure Colts fans are relieved. In Week 2, Wentz was throwing shovel passes to the other team. But Jacob Eason also looked horrible, so this is probably a positive. The Titans defense has had a rough start, so Wentz should have some success this week (with Jonathan Taylor seeing a large workload).
Quick Slants
Deandre Hopkins is a game time decision with a rib injury after not practicing all week. He’s one of those players that doesn’t need to practice to play. He’ll be out there.
Amari Cooper will play MNF against the Eagles (Let’s go!!)
Odell Beckham WILL play against the Bears Sunday. OBJ is a risky play - it’s not guaranteed he will see a full workload in his first action since 2020.
Antonio Brown is not expected to play against the Rams Sunday. While this is unfortunate, the Bucs put up 48 points last week with AB only securing one catch. They won’t skip a beat.
Look for Godwin, Gronk and Evans to see all the targets they can handle with Scotty Miller being a boom or bust play in deep leagues.
This is make or break for Trey Sermon, who looks likely to play:
Tweet of the Day
I’m hoping Daniel Carlson learned his lesson… and joins the BAN KICKERS association!!
That’s it folks have a great Saturday!
- Eddie
The Morning Huddle: an (almost) daily newsletter full of fantasy football news, memes, and stats - giving you the edge to win titles and the laughs to enjoy every minute of it.
Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Join 4500+ other subscribers:
