October 2nd, 2017
Monday Afternoon Edition
Monday
Night Takes
After a wild weekend with some big
surprises, tonight’s matchup has all the makings of another Prime-Time
spectacle with the Redskins traveling to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. It
promises to be a raucous atmosphere tonight, as it typically is at Arrowhead
Stadium; and Monday night will surely amplify the excitement.
My
Takes
Quarterback Kirk Cousins;
the Redskins signal caller finally got things going in week 3 against the
Raiders. It was a strong showing and solid performance by Cousins that helped
lead the Redskins. Tonight he’ll be away from the comfy confines of home and
take his show on the road into hostile territory. The Chiefs defense has held
up pretty tough this season versus opposing quarterbacks, but they can be had;
in week 2 the Chiefs did allow the second most fantasy points (24.8) to
opposing quarterbacks. Cousins played great last week and will try to bring the
same momentum into tonight, but road games are always tough. I’d expect Cousins
to hang in there, but a big game is likely not on the slate; more like 16-18
fantasy points would be in line.
Running backs Chris Thompson & Samaje
Perine;
the main production tonight will likely come from the more versatile back of
the two, Chris Thompson. Samaje (if Rob Kelley is out) is going to see a lot of
the 1st and 2nd down work, but Thompson will be sprinkled in all facets and see
heavy use in the passing game. Samaje is likely to find little running room
against the Chiefs No.7 ranked run defense, owners may want to sit him tonight.
Thompson on the other hand has been on fire and while many may believe it’s
time for the flames to fan, I like him in the flex tonight. Thompson should see
about a half dozen carries or so and get work 7-9 targets in the pass game.
Wide receivers Josh Doctson, Terrelle
Pryor, & Jamison Crowder; I’ll run through these real quick; still
waiting on Terrelle Pryor to arrive in 2017 and not expecting to see much
tonight against Marcus Peters. Crowder is questionable for tonight, but even if
he plays while he is a safe play currently his ceiling seems limited; averaging
just 6.0 targets the first three weeks. Cousins does spread the ball around
pretty good, but the sleeper tonight to watch is wide receiver Josh Doctson.
Last week he only had 2 targets, but did connect on a long shot for 52 yards.
As time passes, we may see him get more involved.
Tight ends Jordan Reed & Vernon Davis;
Always the risk it seems, the play at tight end here is Reed (if he’s healthy).
Reed has been a non-factor the first three weeks playing in 2 games. His
numbers are not what we expect from a TE1, hyped as he was in the preseason.
He’ll be looking to get things going tonight against the Chiefs who struggle
with the TE spot. If Reed is out, insert Davis who fared well in week 3 with 5
grabs for 58 yards and a score.
Quarterback Alex Smith;
the Chiefs quarterback had a modest week 3 and with the Redskins coming to
town, that’s about what I’d normally expect for tonight. You’re probably not
starting Smith tonight in smaller redraft leagues, maybe two QB leagues only.
The Chiefs will lean on the run and short passing game, but will ask Smith to
take a few big shots downfield. Smith has been good this season going downfield
more often, so don’t be surprised if totals a bunch of yards, to compliment a
few scores.
Running back Kareem Hunt &
Charcandrick West; the key for the Chiefs is in the ground
game or at least with their ball carrier, Kareem Hunt. Whether they have
success running the ball or not, they will work to get the ball in the hands of
Hunt. So far through three weeks Hunt has been electric, he’s in line for
another 18-22 touches tonight. He’s my No.1 fantasy RB this week. West is
nothing more than a handcuff. As long as Hunt is healthy, West won’t see enough
work to be fantasy relevant.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley,
& Albert Wilson; Head Coach Andy Reid likes to mix things
up so much, it’s really hard to gauge where his receivers are. About the only
relevant receiver in the Chiefs passing game is Hill. Niether Wilson or Conley
can be trusted, only Hill with 22 targets through the first 3 weeks is
startable. Tonight’s going to be a tough matchup, but count on Reid to move
Hill around and get him the ball in space; despite the matchup, he’s my No. 14
fantasy WR.
Tight end Travis Kelce; Last
week Kelce was nearly shut out. Fantasy owners don’t panic, last week was just
an anomaly. Reid and his staff will make sure Kelce is involved tonight; i’d
expect a bounce back game against the Redskins defense that struggles against
tight ends. Kelce is my No.2 fantasy TE this week.
Tonight matchup with the undefeated Chiefs
(3-0) and the (2-1) Redskins has the appearance of a great matchup and could be
a barn-burner as likely as anything else. Either way, we are in for a good one
with plenty of scoring and lots of fantasy implications. Are you ready for some
Monday Night Football!
That’s My Take.
~David Ortega
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