What We Learned in Week 9
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Justin Fields is a QB1
Justin Fields blew up in Week 9, rushing for a QB single game record 178 rushing yards and had 4 total touchdowns to top it off. Fields was nothing insane in the air, but he made his value on the ground. Fields rushing ability gives him elite QB1 upside in single QB leagues, especially for owners who have been struggling to stream QBs. If Fields is somehow still available, pick him up.
Mecole Hardman has quietly been a top 10 fantasy WR
Don't look now, but Hardman has been a top 10 fantasy WR since Week 5, and has been a top 5 WR since Week 7. Hardman benefits from an explosive offense that features weapons such as Travis Kelce and Juju Smith-Schuster. Hardman often is the 3rd guy in this offense, making defenses shift over to Kelce or Juju. Hardman has found the endzone 5 times over a 3 game span, and even with Toney entering the offense, Hardman already has a relationship with Mahomes. Mecole Hardman is at least worth a roster spot in most leagues.
Falcons RBs are tough to manage
Week 9 had Cordarelle Patterson return for the falcons, and he ended up returning to top-10 RB status (RB6). Yet he clearly split snaps with Huntley (RB35) and Allgeier (RB13) who managed 7 and 10 carries respectfully. Allgeier seems to have his role carved out for him, and outplayed Patterson, but saw CP vulture both rushing TDs. Unfortunately, both of these RBs seem unreliable on a week-to-week basis. Once the bye weeks are over, it may be safer to return to more consistent backs, with a safer workload.
TJ Hockenson has a great role in the Vikings offense
After being traded in-division, Hock saw 9 targets from Kirk turn into 9 receptions for 70 yards. Hockenson clearly has a built in role for this offense, taking over for the injured Irv Smith Jr. Hock is a talented TE who can get open on any coverage and make a play on the ball. In a good offense, we should see Hock have some positive TD regression later in the year, but could see an inconsistent target share with a lot of talent on the team.
Michael Carter has produced, but not enough
The Jets traded for Robinson, seemingly showing a lack of faith in Michael Carter, but despite this, Carter has seen the better production. At some point Robinson will take over, but it may be later in the year. Carter was out-touched, yet Carter ended up having more rushing yards and scoring a TD. Although this was nice to see for Carter, Robinson saw more work in the air, and will eventually get settled in as the lead back. Robinson owners might be nervous to play him now, but he should be back to startable soon.
Jeff Wilson can take the lead back role in Miami
The Dolphins have jumped around from Chase Edmonds to Raheem Mostert this year, but made a move for Jeff Wilson at the trade deadline. Wilson has a connection to Head Coach Mike McDaniels, who scouted him in San Francisco, and could see a similar role in the Miami offense. Wilson saw 9 carries turn into 51 yards and a TD while Mostert saw his 9 carries turn only into 26 yards and a TD. Mostert saw only 2 targets for 0 receptions while Wilson took his 3 targets for 3 receptions and 21 yards. It seems like Willson eventually take over as the lead back with this production, and maintain a passing situation role. He is in a good role on a great offense, giving Wilson a lot of upside for later this year.