I have to bring some attention to a few trends in the National Football League. Things that people either don’t want to believe or don’t even realize.
Therefore, here’s a short list of items that are simply true in fantasy football — some commandments, if you will. You can kick and scream all you want, but the following statements cannot be denied. It’s just the way it is.
— You cannot consider a New England running back a top-10 guy (yes, I saw what Jonas Gray did last week).
— You should not be starting any Browns player not named Josh Gordon.
— There is not a starting fantasy wide receiver on the Minnesota Vikings, no matter how much potential Cordarelle Patterson has.
— There is not one tight end in this league who will put up more than 10 points consistently; all tight ends have some bad weeks.
— Defenses and kickers are (very) volatile. To own more than one each is usually unnecessary.
— Trent Richardson is not a running back. He is a bowling ball.
— Some guys will, unfortunately, never return to form. I’m looking at you, Doug Martin and Keenan Allen. Come to terms with it and release them.
I could go on and on with different axioms, but maybe we’ll save those for another week. Just make sure to remember these rules the next time you’re setting your lineup. Trust me.
Let’s get to it:
Well, what did I tell ya? Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown has put together two stellar performances in a row. The streak will continue against a bad Bears’ secondary, which is giving up the most points to opposing arms. Not to mention Josh will be looking to make the team that cut him look silly.
The Titans haven’t given up a multi-TD game to an opposing QB since week 5. Mark Sanchez and the Eagles should end that streak this time around. He’s at home. He’s got two great receivers. He’s got a shot.
If the Texans start Arian Foster, then you should, too. If the Texans start Alfred Blue, then you should, too.
Tre Mason of the Rams looked solid last week. He rushed for over 100 yards; it was the first time Denver had given up the century mark all season. Facing a soft defense, Mason could repeat his 100-yard effort.
Roddy White is getting back to his old ways for the Atlanta Falcons. With Matt Ryan throwing the ball so efficiently, White should be in all starting lineups.
This is shaping up to be one of the best rookie wide receiver groups of all time. A big reason for that is because of guys like Odell Beckham Jr., who is running wild for the Giants. In a big-time game against Dallas, where his team will be forced to throw, Beckham is a good play.
The same can be said for Giants’ tight end Larry Donnell, who has had at least six targets in eight different games this year.
Dolphins’ QB Ryan Tannehill has been trending downward the last two weeks. His opponent, Denver, will be ready to make him pay. The Broncos suffered a humiliating loss last week and definitely will turn it around in front of their home crowd.
The Ravens have made pretty good backs looks pretty bad this year. Unfortunately for Mark Ingram, his Saints have a date with the Ravens this week. His hot streak will cool down after this matchup.
I mentioned it in the beginning, but I’ll say it again: do not put your faith in Jonas Gray or Shane Vereen of the New England Patriots.
I know Gray had a monster game last week. I know Vereen can have very good games. But it’s way too inconsistent. I like them as a FLEX play only.
Fun fact: Houston’s J.J. Watt has four touchdowns this year. Andre Johnson has one. Watt is a defensive end; Johnson is a receiver. Those numbers do not add up to fantasy goodness.
Fun fact: Houston’s J.J. Watt has four touchdowns this year. Percy Harvin has one. Watt is a defensive end; Harvin is a receiver. I’m sorry. It’s just a really cool stat.
ANTHONY WATSON
