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Greetings Falcoholics! November is now here, and our Atlanta Falcons are on a bye week and thus can’t lose for a change. Last week, however, the team played the Seattle Seahawks in a close one which resulted in a 20-27 loss. Let’s review last week.
- Matt Schaub stepped in at quarterback as Matt Ryan missed the game with a high ankle sprain. Fantasy-wise, Schaub had a solid outing, finishing the day with 460 passing yards and a passing touchdown which was good for 27 fantasy points.
- If you have Julio Jones, you were starting him regardless but you were likely a little nervous entering the matchup. Julio ended the day with 10 receptions for 152 yards which are season highs. Fantasy owners were rewarded with 25.2 fantasy points, the third most for Julio this season.
- Entering the game, Austin Hooper led all tight ends in fantasy scoring. In last week’s article, I mentioned this about Hooper: “I think the standout will continue to be Austin Hooper, who is currently a top fantasy tight end, and the Seahawks have allowed the fifth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Of course you were already planning to start Hooper if you have him, but for DFS purposes, he’s a solid play against the Seahawks, regardless of who starts at quarterback.” Hooper finished the day with 18.5 fantasy points which came from six receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Hooper has now scored in three straight games.
Normally this is the part where I preview the Falcons’ upcoming matchup, but they’re on a bye week.
League-wide outlook
NFL teams on a bye this week include the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati Bengals
There are a lot of fantasy players off this week, so you’re likely in need of a replacement at one or more positions for this weekend. As always, I mention some players who are owned in 50% or fewer of fantasy leagues who can fill in for your team this week.
If you’re in need of a quarterback because Matt Ryan and Drew Brees are off this week, look no further than Sam Darnold. Yes, I am aware that Darnold got wrecked by the New England Patriots a couple weeks ago, but honestly who doesn’t? Darnold bounced back last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars scoring 18.8 fantasy points.
This week Darnold and the New York Jets are traveling down south to take on the winless Miami Dolphins. Miami has allowed the fourth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Also going forward, Darnold has a very favorable schedule. The Jets’ next six opponents have all allowed the 15th most or more points to opposing quarterbacks.
If you’re completely in need of a running back, the Detroit Lions rolled out Tra Carson as the starter after it was projected all week that Ty Johnson would start. Carson didn’t perform all that well, but he still received 12 carries which is likely more than the rest of the running backs currently available in your league. The wide receiver position has a lot of options if you’re in need of a filler for a week. Kenny Stills (42%), Diontae Johnson (26%) and Preston Williams (14%) are all worth adding.
Well that does it, folks. I wish everyone who took the time to read this the best of luck in their Week 9 fantasy matchups. If you have any fantasy questions for me, you can ask in the comments below or find me on Twitter at @EvanBirchfield. Remember, when it comes to fantasy football – always go with your gut!