David’s Daily Digest
Tuesday Evening Edition
Fantasy Football: Something Worth Noting
With week 4 in the books, a quick look back at what transpired might offer some hints as to what is to come and what could be. I don’t have a crystal ball nor am I able to read any tea leaves, but after watching the games on NFL Sunday week 4, I can offer some observations to consider moving forward.
Raheem Mostert fumbles twice
It’s interesting to note the two fumbles, considering the rookie De’Von Achane’s star is not only on the rise, but it is a fireball barreling towards earth. Achane has been an explosive and dominant runner. Achane has been a part of the rotation the past two weeks and has totaled 304 yards rushing; his season total of 309 yards leads the AFC. He has been the dynamite in the Dolphins backfield, with the loudest bang. I am not a betting man, but I would be willing to wager that week 5, it will be Achane getting some early work and dominating the usage on the ground.
McLaughlin effective on Sunday
For the Broncos, not a lot has been going right for them this season, but they did squeak out a win in week 4. And although their starting running back Javonte Williams exited the game with a hip injury, the Broncos found a silver lining in rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. The rookie runner finished the week as the fantasy RB10, registering 104 yards of offense, averaging over 10-yards per touch. He was more than an effective fill-in, and after playing as well as he did McLaughlin has likely worked himself into a fixed role in the offense, and even greater should Williams miss any time. He’ll be hot pick up off the Waiver wire this week.
Jones on pitch count
Last week Packers running back Aaron Jones was obviously on a pitch count playing in just 20 snaps (35.1% of the available snaps). His appearance last week was a disaster for fantasy owners that were not aware of the snap count limitation. Jones totaled just 14 yards with one reception for the evening. Fantasy owners will need to see him back as a full participant in practice before they can trust him on Sunday. Since the Packers played on Thursday, Jones will have a few extra days to continue to heal up and return closer to 100%.
Cam Akers runs well in cameo appearance
There wasn’t much to note in the Vikings matchup with Carolina on Sunday. A non-prolific day for Cousins and the passing game, but of course even when Kirk struggles, Justin Jefferson still has a JJ Fantasy day. In the backfield however, it is worth noting one of the newest Vikings, running back Cam Akers, did see the field. Akers was on the field for 14 snaps and was featured in half with 7 touches, averaging over 7 yards per touch. It’s too early to make much of this, especially since starting running back Alexander Mattison had another solid outing. For now Akers is worth stashing as a cuff to Alexander.
Jonnu is more productive
The Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (20 targets in 2023) has been a fantasy surprise this season. While he pitched a donut in week one, he has been a Top-10 fantasy tight end since, overshadowing his teammate Kyle Pitts (21 targets in 2023). Over the past three weeks, Smith has caught 15 passes (ranks tied for 3rd most among tight ends) and registered 179 receiving yards (ranks 3rd most). During this span Smith has been the fantasy TE8, while Pitts is fantasy 29. For the season Smith has more receptions and yards receiving (than Pitts) and should be the tight end owned in fantasy.
Olave just one catch on Sunday
The Saints offense just looked bad on Sunday and it was apparent that quarterback Derek Carr was not quite right. As a result wide receiver Chris Olave was a non-factor in week 4, being targeted six times and recording a single catch for 4 yards. Fantasy owners can’t afford to sit Olave (just too much talent and ceiling there), so they need to check the practice reports on Carr this week. He needs to be healthy before they can expect Olave to return to his rightful place among fantasy starters.
That's my take!
~David G. Ortega
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