September 22nd 2017
Friday Evening Edition
Friday
Fantasy Five
5 Things to Watch this Week
It’s another week of the NFL and after the
fantastic Thursday Night game between the Rams and Niners we just witnessed, I
can hardly wait for the Sunday action. It’s only week 3, so there’s still a
full slate of 14 games on Sunday to be played.
This Sunday will get started a little
earlier than usual with the London game between the Jaguars and Ravens. With
things set to kick off at 3:30 am EST, make sure you set those alarms early and
don’t forget to watch these 5 things this week;
#1 Quarterback Trevor Siemian versus the
Bills defense
This will be the first real test for
Siemian this season, on the road this week after what looked two cush home
games. Siemian has been brilliant through two weeks completing 65 percent of
his passing and throwing 6 touchdowns. He’s earned his way onto fantasy
rosters, but is he worthy of a starting slot? The Bills defense is the 8th
stingiest against opposing quarterbacks, so Siemian will be tested. Owners keep
your eye on this one, if Siemian passes this test we may have to consider
starting him on a weekly basis.
#2 Quarterback Cam Newton against the
Saints
The Panthers offense does not yet look
quite in sync, but they have managed to dispose of the Niners and Bills in
consecutive weeks. Through 2 games the Panthers have only mustered two
touchdowns. It makes you wonder how healthy is Cam. This week the Saints and
their 32nd ranked defense will roll into town; Saints allow 32.5 points per
game (worst in league) and over 500 yards of offense per game (worst in
league). This should be a good measuring stick for how healthy Cam really is
and how good this offense is. Right now everyone is steamrolling the Saints, if
we don’t see the same from Cam and company, there may good cause to wonder, if
not worry.
#3 Running back Leonard Fournette in
London
Since you’re going to be up early anyway,
pay attention to the Jaguars rookie running back Leonard Fournette. After his
strong out of the gate week one performance against the Texans, Fournette was
quieter in week 2 against the Titans. Fournette is averaging just 3.5 yards per
carry, but through two weeks he’s also averaging 22.5 touches per games. As
long as he continues to see that kind of volume, owners can relax. He faces a
tough test this week across the pond facing the Ravens stout run defense.
Ravens have allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and
have not surrendered a rushing touchdown yet. The Jags passing offense was
subpar last week to say the least, so they should be leaning heavily on ground
game with Fournette; this should be fun to watch.
#4 Big Ben and the Steelers offense
In a nutshell, it’s time to rev the
engine. The Steelers boast some of the most dynamic and explosive skill players
on offense. It’s time for Big Ben and company to break out. Through two weeks
we’ve seen some signs that this offense is getting ready to heat up; week one
it was Antonio Brown, in week two Martavis Bryant turned it up and Le’Veon Bell
logged 27 carries. Could this be the week all the pieces fall into place and
the offense goes nuts? Fantasy owners certainly hope so. Even though this
matchup is on the road, there’s a good chance it happens. The Bears defense
ranks 24th in the league, allowing 26 points and 340 yards of offense per game.
Let’s keep a watch on this one, it could get entertaining.
#5 The Raiders secondary against the
Redskins passing offense
In other words, let’s see how quarterback
Kirk Cousins performs this week. Cousins and the offense have now had several
weeks to shake the rust, it’s time to show us who they are; relevant or bust.
Let’s put it this way, the Rams quarterback Jared Goff had more fantasy points
entering his week 3 matchup. Through two weeks Cousins is the No.24 fantasy QB
and his numbers in both weeks have been quiet. The Raiders secondary is leaky
and we’ve seen this. Through two weeks their numbers haven’t been all bad, but
they are allowing the 7th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and a
63.1 completion percentage. It’s go big or go home for the Redskins passing
game.
That’s My Take.
~David Ortega
No comments:
Post a Comment