Hi, everyone. Thank you for welcoming me to this fantasy group therapy session.
Following the group instructions, I will speak to my problems directly, as if they were in the room with us, in hopes of finding some cathartic release and maybe some tangible answers in this process. OK, here goes:
I’m talking to you, 2023. You, you … disgusting season. How many different ways have you tried to make us all feel incapable, worthless, lost?
We’re not even going to get into the position players. We’re too appalled by the evil you have cast upon a congregation of quarterbacks —Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, rookie Anthony Richardson, even Daniel Jones … all lost for the season.
But for you, 2023, that wasn’t enough. You also made Patrick Mahomes human, Tua Tagovailoa merely ordinary despite leading an incredible offense. Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith — all turned into Masters of Meh.
And even that wasn’t enough. Not for you, 2023. You wanted more misery. So you broke Justin Herbert’s finger, and now he is out at least this week and possibly the rest of the season. And you’ve put rookie sensation C.J. Stroud in doubt for this coming week with a possible concussion.
Just how low have you sunk, 2023? Let me tell you exactly: We’re considering adding Zach Wilson to our QB-needy squads. But not just Zach Wilson. We’re also considering adding Joe Flacco. But not just Wilson and Flacco. We are also considering adding Baker Mayfield or Desmond Ridder or Gardner Minshew, even Drew Lock or Nick Mullins are possibilities.
So 2023, how are we, your fantasy victims, supposed to cope in the weeks ahead? We know you don’t care, 2023. But we fantasy managers do. And I have an idea, if the group wants to hear it.
First, as frustrating as it has been with some underperformers, don’t bench them just because 2023 has been mean to them. Guys like Mahomes, Lawrence, etc., have a better chance of a breakout game during the fantasy playoffs than any emergency option.
But if you had Herbert, or have been floundering after losing Cousins, or from the start, then Wilson and Flacco are our first targets.
Flacco is on a good team with talent around him, and he has veteran savvy. Don’t expect him to repeat his 20-point effort in Week 14, but he could — at this stage, “could” is good enough.
Betting on the NFL?
We were wondering if we would see a more carefree Zach Wilson, and we did. He posted a fine fantasy game in awful weather conditions. And with upcoming games against the high-scoring Dolphins (a lot of throwing to keep up) then the pass-D-deficient Commanders, he could carry you to a fantasy title game — but heads-up, he draws the Browns there, so need to have a backup plan for Week 17.
Those are my inner fantasy demons. Thank you, fellow therapy seekers, for giving me the opportunity to share with the group.
On for playoffs
Ezekiel Elliott RB, Patriots
We don’t like older RBs, and we don’t care for Zeke’s lack of efficiency. But we do appreciate volume. And 29 touches last week shows he is going to get plenty while Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is out.
Chase Brown RB, Bengals
Got about a third of the RB work, behind Joe Mixon. Brown is a slam-dunk handcuff, and considering his production, it is possible his role grows.
Zamir White RB, Raiders
Josh Jacobs (ankle) likely to miss time. Raiders get an RB-friendly matchup Thursday against a Justin Herbert-less Chargers team. White should get the bulk of carries, but also expect to see Ameer Abdullah in passing formations.
Antonio Gibson RB, Commanders
Brian Robinson Jr. is dealing with a hamstring issue. If he can’t go, Gibson should get a lot of work — including in the passing game. Had additional bye week to prepare.
Off the mark
Kenneth Walker III RB, Seahawks
Seattle had virtually an even split at RB this past week — terrible news for those with Walker or Zach Charbonnet. Neither usable in that situation.
Ty Chandler RB, Vikings
Recall, we love volume. But not all volume is the same. Unlike Zeke, we don’t have much hope, or any past data, to suggest Chandler is going to perform at a level worthy of fantasy usage, assuming Alexander Mattison (ankle) misses time.
Jakobi Meyers WR, Raiders
Scored more than 15 points in PPR in five of the first six games, but has done so just once in the past six. Surprisingly early run looks like the outlier, and his recent struggles more the norm.
Davis Allen TE, Rams
Had nice game Sunday, replacing Tyler Higbee. However, Higbee averaged just 6.9 in PPR this season, which is roughly what you should expect on average from Davis if Higbee remains out.
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