This was a tough week in fantasy football with the Dolphins, Chiefs and Eagles on bye. And while there were a few clunkers ...cough… cough… Germany…cough… there were a lot of great games. An NFL-record five of them ended with a walk-off win from a field goal. Most of the contests were close and often traded scores for the entirety of the game.
We saw the Cowboys decimate the Giants (again) and the Lions remain atop the NFC North while the Vikings apparently are NOT going to go away. The NFC South can fairly claim to be the worst division in the NFL since no team has a winning record. The Mighty AFC East remains the same because every team lost, even the team formerly known as the Patriots.
The AFC North is a dog fight where every team has a winning record. Even the AFC South has just one team with a losing record. The NFL world is changing, and it is not over by any means.
Indianapolis 10, New England 6 - (Germany game)
Wait… it’s over already? This was yet another Euro-game that disappointed. The only plus to this game is that German fans may not realize that 10-6 is NOT a high-scoring game like it would be in soccer. Gardner Minshew passed for 194 yards while Michael Pittman led the Colts with eight catches for 84 yards. Josh Downs (2-40) and Isaiah McKenzie (4-31) were the only other receivers with more than one catch. Jonathan Taylor ran for 69 yards and one very critical touchdown on his 23 rushes while Zach Moss, finally, only ran once. The Colts reach 5-5 and head onto their bye.
The Patriots could not get out of their own way. Rhamondre Stevenson (20-88) and Ezekiel Elliott (13-54) both ran well and maybe should have been used on every play. The Pats did not travel well. Mc Jones passed for 170 yards and an interception in the Colts’ endzone that could have been a game-winner instead. That saw him benched for the final series so Bailey Zappe could also throw an interception that finished the Pats chances. Demario Douglas (6-84) was the only receiver with more than 35 yards. Other than their rushing attack, the Pats’ offense sputtered even worse than most teams playing overseas. The loss drops them to an unthinkable 2-8 and they also head onto their bye.
Cleveland 33, Baltimore 31
The Ravens won the first meeting by 25 points (3-28), so a 33-31 loss at home was a surprise. And sort of a trap game since the Ravens were caught looking past this repeat matchup and towards next week when they face the Bengals (also in a trap game).
They led 31-17 with 11 minutes left to play but gave up a 10-yard touchdown catch by the Browns, a 34-yard interception return for a score and then a 40-yard field goal to win as time expired.
Deshaun Watson threw for 213 yards and a score to Elijah Moore (5-44) while Amari Cooper (6-98) and David Njoku (6-58) led the receivers. Jerome Ford rushed for 107 yards on 17 carries while Kareem Hunt gained 32 yards and a touchdown on ten rushes. Watson even added 37 yards on eight runs. The Browns rise to 5-3 and host the Steelers for Week 11.
Lamar Jackson passed for 223 yards and one score to Odell Beckham (1-40, TD), while Zay Flowers (5-73) and Mark Andrews (2-44) were the top receivers. Jackson also ran for 41 yards on eight rushes. Gus Edwards gained 24 yards on 11 carries with a score, and Keaton Mitchell (3-34, TD) also ran in a touchdown despite the limited carries, Mitchell also only caught one pass for 32 yards. So – 66 yards on just four touches. Seems like maybe that guy should get more than four touches. The Ravens fall to 7-2 and play the Bengals on Thursday night.
Houston 30, Cincinnati 27
Speaking of trap games… The Texans walked off with the win thanks to a 38-yard field goal as time expired. This game came in waves, with the Texans leading 20-7 in the third quarter and then withstanding a furious comeback by the Bengals who scored 20 points over the final 18 minutes.
C.J. Stroud passed for 356 yards and a touchdown, plus ran in a score. Noah Brown (7-172) enjoyed a monster performance, while Dalton Schultz (4-71) and Tank Dell (6-56, TD) were the only other notable receivers. The biggest surprise in the game was when Devin Singletary replaced the injured Dameon Pierce and ran for 150 yards on 30 carries and scored once. The Texans jumped out to a big lead and then was still good enough to hold on for the win. They rise to 5-4 and host the Cardinals this week.
Joe Burrow struggled early, but ended up with 347 yards and two scores between Ja’Marr Chase (5-124, TD) and Trenton Irwin (2-54, TD). Tyler Boyd ended with 117 yards on eight catches but it wasn’t enough. Joe Mixon scored on his 11 runs for 46 yards. The Bengals started slowly and then adjusted but had fallen too far behind. The loss drops them to 5-4 and they face the Ravens on Thursday.
San Francisco 34, Jacksonville 3
After losing three straight, the 49ers finally look back to form by throttling the Jaguars in their stadium. Brock Purdy shook off a few down games and threw for 296 yards and three scores. George Kittle (3-116, TD) and Brandon Aiyuk (3-55, TD) were the top receivers, though Deebo Samuels was back and caught four passes for 30 yards, and ran for 29 yards and a touchdown on his three carries. Christian McCaffrey (16-95) ran well and caught a team-high six passes for 47 yards but failed to score a touchdown for the first time in seventeen games. The 6-3 49ers host the Buccaneers for Week 11.
The Jaguars had won their last five games but where never remotely in this one. Trevor Lawrence threw for 185 yards and two interceptions and Christian Kirk (6-104) was the only receiver with more than 30 yards. Travis Etienne settled for just 35 yards on nine rushes and only gained nine yards on two catches. This was a throw-away effort by the Jaguars who no longer have the pressure of sustaining a win streak. They fall to 6-3 and host the Titans on Sunday.
New Orleans 19, Minnesota 27
The Saints battled back from a 27-3 deficit but fell short while needing to rely on Jameis Winston after Derek Carr was knocked out of the game. Winston came in midway through the third quarter and led the comeback with two touchdown passes but his two interceptions were costly. Chris Olave (6-94, TD) and A.T. Perry (2-38, TD) led the receivers while Michael Thomas also left injured and Rashid Shaheed (5-24) had a down game. Alvin Kamara only ran nine times but gained 42 yards and caught a team-high seven passes for 33 yards plus scored on two two-point conversions. The Saints fall to 5-5 and head onto their bye.
Joshua Dobbs first official start for the Vikings saw him throw for 268 yards and one score, and he ran for 44 yards and a score as well. T.J. Hockerson (11-134, TD) dominated the receivers while Jordan Addison settled for 69 yards on four catches. Alexander Mattison (8-27) left with a possible concussion and Ty Chandler (15-45, TD) replaced him though had no receptions. It was a successful start for Dobbs and us encouraging that the Vikings extend their winning streak to five while Dobbs was responsible for the last two. The 6-4 Vikings host the Broncos on Sunday night.
Green Bay 19, Pittsburgh 23
The Steelers trailed 17-19 in the third quarter but ended the game with two field goals to squeak past the Packers. Jordan Love turned in one of his better games with 289 yards and two touchdowns between Jayden Reed (5-84, TD) and Romeo Doubs (3-31, TD). Love threw two interceptions, one happened in the Steelers endzone that prevented a winning touchdown pass. Luke Musgrave (2-64) caught two deep passes and Dontayvion Wicks (3-51) also had a 32-yard catch. Aaron Jones ran for 35 yards on 13 carries and added four catches for 19 yards, AJ Dillon gained 70 yards on nine runs and the Packers just fell short despite the improved passing stats. They fall to 3-6 and host the Chargers this weekend.
Kenny Pickett wasn’t any advantage, throwing for only 126 yards and no scores. George Pickens was the top receiver but only gained 45 yards on three catches. The Steelers backfield made the difference between Jaylen Warren (15-101, TD) and Najee Harris (16-82, TD). Harris added three catches for 14 yards. If the Steelers are going to struggle when they pass, at least the rushing offense is good enough to win some games on their own. The Steelers rise to 6-3 and head to Cleveland for Week 11.
Tennessee 6, Tampa Bay 20
This week had several great games with high scores and final minute theatrics. This was not one of them. The Titans never scored a touchdown and they opened the game with a field goal and never kicked their second until the fourth quarter. Will Levis was limited to 199 passing yards and an interception. Kyle Phillips (3-61) and DeAndre Hopkins (3-27) were the top receivers. Derrick Henry was held to just 24 yards on 11 carries while Tyjae Spears from for 18 yards and caught four passes for 42 yards. The Titans spark from switching to Levis at quarterback is now over, and the Titan’s offense continues to struggle in all facets. They fall to 3-6 and travel to Jacksonville for Week 11.
Baker Mayfield exploited the Titan secondary for 278 passing yards and two scores. Mike Evans (6-143, TD) had a monster performance and Chris Goodwin (4-54) was the only other receiver with more than two questions. Rachaad White (20-51) continues to look better and added two catches for 47 yards that included a 43-yards catch and run. The Bucs use very few players in their scheme, but all of the fantasy-relevant players delivered solid fantasy points. The Bucs rise to 4-5 and travel to San Francisco this weekend.
Atlanta 23, Arizona 25
This matchup was back and forth the entire way. There were seven lead changes. The Falcons scored a touchdown with 2:33 left to play to take a one-point lead but the Cardinals kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired to steal back the win.
The Falcons lost Taylor Heinicke to a hamstring injury and Desmond Ridder reassumed the quarterback role with 13 minutes left to play. He led a drive that ended with his rushing touchdown but the Falcons defense couldn’t finish the game. The Falcons only passed for 94 yards and Drake London was the top receiver with just three catches for 36 yards. Bijan Robinson (22-95, TD) finally took a leading role for the backfield while Tyler Allgeier (9-31) was finally throttled back. Robinson was almost enough to win the game but the Falcons’ lack of passing success sinks the offense in most games. They fall to 4-6 and head onto their bye.
New York Giants 17, Dallas 49
No surprise here in the rematch of the Cowboys’ 40-0 win during the season opener. Well… the Giants did score two touchdowns but didn’t start until they were down 28-0. Tommy DeVito only passed for 86 yards but tossed two scores. Daniel Bellinger (2-34) was the top receiver and they passed to ten different players even with just 27 passes thrown. Saquon Barkley ran for 66 yards on 13 carries but only caught one pass for a net five-yard loss. The Giants drop to 2-8 and travel to Washington for Week 11.
The Cowboys had no problems passing. Dak Prescott threw for 404 yards and four scores, and ran in a touchdown. And Cooper Rush passed for 68 more yards when Prescott got bored. Brandin Cook (9-173, TD) and CeeDee Lamb (11-151, TD) dominated the receiving while Michael Gallup (2-70, TD) and Jake Ferguson (4-26) also scored. The disappointment – and there was one – was that Tony Pollard only gained 55 yards on 15 rushes with no scores and the Cowboys could not punch in a touchdown early in the game and turned the ball over on downs at the one-yard line. Ezekiel Elliott would have bulled in a touchdown but not the current backfield. Rico Dowdle (12-79, TD) took a busier role later in the game during the phase of the game when even the fans were looking at their watches. The 6-3 Cowboys head to Carolina where this all likely repeats.
Washington 26, Seattle 29
This game contained an NFL record fifth game decided with a walk-off field goal. Now who doesn’t respect the kicker? This was yet another back-and-forth affair with the Commanders tying the game 26-26 with 52 seconds left to play but Jason Meyers kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired.
Sam Howell passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns for Brian Robinson (6-119), Antonio Gibson (5-42, TD), and Dyami Brown (2-41, TD). All that yardage and scores, and yet Terry McLaurin (4-33) and Jahan Dotson (0 catch) both disappointed. Robinson only rushed for 38 yards on eight carries. Howell adjusted to what the defense was giving and played well enough to win if the Commanders had brought a defense alone with them. The Commanders drop to 4-6 but host the Giants for Week 11.
Geno Smith passed for 369 yards and two scores between Tyler Lockett (8-92, TD) and Kenneth Walker (1-64, TD). DK Metcalf ended with seven receptions for 98 yards while Jaxon Smith-Njigba settled for 53 yards on four catches. Walker rushed for 63 yards on 19 carries while Zach Charbonnet only needed six runs to gain 44 yards. The win lifts them to 6-3 and they head to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Sunday.
New York Jets 12, Las Vegas 16
In the fourth quarter, it happened. With 14:10 left in the game. There was a “touchdown,” the rarest of all things, at least for the Jets (and it was not theirs). Zach Wilson threw for 263 yards and an interception. He still connects with Garrett Wilson (9-93) and occasionally Tyler Conklin (7-70), but pretty much no one else. Ever. It’s a testament to Wilson that he maintains his production. Breece Hall ran for only 28 yards on 13 carries but added three catches for 47 yards. When Hall cannot get on track running the ball, the offense cannot hope to run smoothly. The Jets settled for four field goals and drop to 4-5 where we all expected long ago. They visit the Bills this week where it is probably not going to get any better.
The Raiders only scored 16 points and the lone touchdown happened in the fourth quarter when the score was 9-9. Aiden O’Connell passed for just 153 yards and the one touchdown that was caught by Michael Mayer (3-19, TD) and while Jakobi Meyers only managed two catches for 21 yards, Devante Adams still gained 86 yards on six catches even with Sauce Gardner and crew focusing on shutting him down. Josh Jacobs got the game ball here, rushing for 116 yards on 27 carries and added two short catches. The Germany game took the prize as the lowest-scoring matchup of the week, but the Jets and Raiders looked like challengers for the first three quarters. The Raiders are 5-5 with two wins since they kicked Josh McDaniels to the curb and head to Miami where face an opposite opponent – no defense but a dominating offense.
GAME-O-THE-WEEK: Detroit 41, Los Angeles Chargers 38
What a great game. Fireworks were expected and delivered.
Jared Goff passed for 333 yards and two scores, while Amon-Ra St. Brown (8-156, TD) turned in yet another monster performance. No other receiver gained more than 46 yards and that included Sam LaPorta (4-40). David Montgomery returned from his rib injury and ran for 116 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries thanks to a 75-yard touchdown run. Jahmyr Gibbs did not fade back with Montgomery back, he ran for 77 yards on 14 carries and scored twice. He added three catches for 35 yards. Other than LaPorta, the normal fantasy starters all delivered. The Lions rise to 7-2 and host the Bears this week.
This back and forth battle scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and each time tied the Lions. Justin Herbert passed for 323 yards and four touchdowns with Keenan Allen (11-175, 2 TD) accounting for three times more receiving production than any other Charger. Jalen Guyton (4-41, TD) and Quentin Johnston (4-34, TD) both scored but offered marginal yardage. Austin Ekeler ran for 67 yards and a touchdown in his 19 carries and caught four passes for 48 yards.
This game produced 79 total points and five players turned in 100+ total yards and each of them scored at least once. It was… beautiful.
