🏈 Very bad news in Tampa Bay
Joe Mixon and Antonio Brown Deep Dives - Nov 15
YALLLL KNOW what day it is today. The day we lock-in those regrettable line-up decisions, make the final DFS rosters, and sit back and enjoy the day.
We’ve got some Deep Dives, some bad news, and some Steelers pass-catcher info for you this beautiful morning. And remember: It’s windy in Cleveland - so be careful with those pass-catchers/QBs.
Also, you really want to watch the Bonus video today. It stars Jon Gruden.
Guess who’s back, back again
Two familiar faces return this week - one after zero game absences but a short stint on the Covid-list.
Ben Roethlisberger was activated from the Steelers reserve/COVID-19 list. An expected move that none-the-less is amazing news for all Steelers skill players. Against a (very) soft Bengals secondary missing four CBs, you can comfortably fire-up Big Ben.
Browns activated RB Nick Chubb from injured reserve. This is incredible news for all Chubb shareholders, as the talented RB faces a league-worst Texans run defense. Oh - and the game is in a wind advisory (so expect a LOT of running).
The Steelers WR situation/efficiency/who to start
Big Ben has so many weapons - it makes it difficult deciding which one to start on any given Sunday. From an efficiency standpoint (who is the least volume dependent):
Ben shouldn’t have issues against a defense giving up the 10th-most FPG to opposing outside WRs and could be even worse this week. Fantasy Points expert Wes Huber significantly prefers Claypool. He foresees CB William Jackson spending most of his time on Diontae Johnson, leaving Claypool in the far more vulnerable matchup.
Your Sunday Morning Infirmary Report
Ruled OUT/on IR:
Christian McCaffrey - AC Joint
Justin Jackson - Knee
Kenny Golladay - Hip
Devonta Freeman - Ankle
Deebo Samuel - Hamstring
Tevin Coleman- Knee
David Johnson - Concussion
David Montgomery - Concussion
Joe Mixon - Foot
Carlos Hyde - Hamstring
Chris Carson - Foot (with both Seahawks RBs out, expect Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas to split snaps again)
Irv Smith Jr. - Groin
You BETTER keep an eye on:
Allen Robinson - Knee (questionable but should suit up)
Kenyan Drake - Ankle (he’s trending towards playing but don’t be surprised if he sits)
Jerry Jeudy - Shoulder (he will play, but there’s a small chance of re-aggravating the injury mid-game)
Noah Fant - Ankle (will play, but could be hobbled)
T.J. Hockenson - Toe (limited on Friday and will be playing through some pain on Sunday)
Bad News for the Buccaneers of Tampa Bay
LG Ali Marpet (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 10. Marpet is the fifth-highest graded guard this season per PFF. Tampa's offense was a disaster without Marpet against the Saints on Sunday night, with Tom Brady taking three sacks and getting pressured on 53.7% of his dropbacks. Joe Haeg will spot start for Marpet.
They also were delayed 6+ hours at the airport before their flight to Charlotte.
Did Brady deflate the wheels?*
(sh*t joke)
Deep Dive: Joe Mixon
Joe Mixon, the 24-year old Bengals RB, is a let-down so far this season, averaging 3.6 YPC. He currently sits as the RB20 in 0.5PPR leagues. Mixon hasn’t played since Week 6, when he fought through a first-half ankle injury.
Unfortunately, Mixon won’t right the ship anytime soon, as he is out for Week 10. Mixon wasn't able to practice at any point (after the team's bye) and is considered questionable for Week 11 against the Giants. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him miss next week as well. But there is some good news:
and Joe himself wants to return:
BUT most importantly, before missing Week 7, Joe Mixon was seeing ELITE usage:
VERDICT:
If you’re in a great position to lock-up a playoff spot, BUY JOE MIXON. He should see incredible usage in the final weeks of the season in an improving Bengals offense.
If you need wins now, SELL JOE MIXON. He still holds high name value and could net you decent returns involving fill-ins like Mike Davis + a talented WR (ala Lockett).
Deep Dive: Antonio Brown
Mr. Big Chest himself. The former All-World WR made his first appearance in a Buccaneers uniform Week 9 against the Saints. It was a disappointing return to say the least. Brown caught 3-of-5 targets for 31 yards while the Saints steamrolled the Buccaneers.
Brown played 78 percent of snaps in his Bucs debut. Even in his first game on a loaded depth chart, Tom Brady made a point to get AB involved. Brown's role should continue to grow as he spends more time with the team.
Here’s a video of AB’s entire Week 9 performance:
As for his off-the-field issues:
VERDICT
If you have him, HOLD. Any opportunities open up (aka Evans or Godwin miss time), AB could see fantastic usage. He still has the ability and can ball-out if given the chance.
BONUS:
Please watch this. You’ll thank me.
