It's Week 13 of the NFL season. Week 12 didn't get put to bed until Wednesday afternoon, but it's onward and upward. Fantasy football managers finally know where they stand and can move on to figuring out lineups for the weekend, which already will extend to Tuesday. Matthew Berry's Love/Hate Week 13 is here to help.
As we do every year, this week is Jimmy V Week (extending through Dec. 12). From storytelling to live events to philanthropy to (in my humble opinion) fantasy sports, this company does a lot of great things.
Jimmy V Week and the 24/7/365 support ESPN gives to the V Foundation for Cancer Research is the best thing this company does.
And it's not close.
As part of Jimmy V Week, on Friday, we celebrate Stuart Scott Day. His courage in the face of cancer was the embodiment of the V Foundation's motto: Don't give up. Don't ever give up.
We are about a month shy of the sixth anniversary of Stuart's passing, and his impact is still felt here every day.
When Stuart died in January 2015, I wrote some thoughts about him. But whether it's because there's not a ton of fantasy football in January or there was just so much written about Stuart when he died (deservedly so), not many people read it.
So some of what follows I have printed before, but because it's nearly the sixth anniversary of his death, because it's Jimmy V Week, because it's Stuart Scott Day and, honestly, because we should never stop remembering him, I want to tell my Stuart Scott story.
Because here's the thing.
Everyone has a Stuart Scott story.
That was one of the first things I learned after he died.
There were stories upon stories upon stories. On TV, online, on social media. Some were small, some were big and not a one of them was the same, except for one common thread: Stuart Scott meant something to people in a significant way.
I moved to beautiful Bristol, Connecticut, in 2007. ESPN had bought my website, and my job, both internally at ESPN and externally to our fans, was to analyze, discuss and ultimately promote fantasy sports on all our platforms. Now, writing was easy -- I had been doing that forever and we were still a few months from launching our podcast. But TV? That was fairly new to me. And, honestly, to anyone who did fantasy analysis. There wasn't a lot of fantasy sports talk on TV in those days (and I still don't think there's enough, but that's a soapbox for another day).
Anyway, that was a legit part of my job in those early days. Trying (along with some help from a few fantasy-playing ESPN executives) to convince all the producers at ESPN that we should do more fantasy on TV.
As part of that effort it would certainly help the cause if, you know, I wasn't a complete train wreck on TV. So OK, some big-time exec must have twisted someone's arm, because at some point after I got there, I get booked to do SportsCenter.
I'm told what time during the hour of my segment. I'll be on for 60 seconds maybe. It's short, but still. I'm gonna be on SportsCenter. Holy crap.
And I get there, they're throwing a mic on me and I see a monitor showing the show and I realize ... I'm gonna be on SportsCenter. WITH STUART SCOTT. HOLY CRAP INDEED.
Realize three things at this point:
1. I'd never met Stuart Scott.
2. At that point in 2007, fantasy football was still thought of as somewhat nerdy and niche and you never saw it on TV. Certainly not SportsCenter, the crown jewel of ESPN.
3. Perhaps most important, no one in America has any idea who the hell I am or why they should listen to anything I have to say. And yet, when it's time for my segment, Stuart sells it hard. "Now what does all this mean for fantasy? Here's my main man, Matthew Berry, to break it all down. Whatcha got, Matthew?"
For the viewers who didn't know any better, they thought Stuart and I were close friends and that even though you hadn't heard of me and probably didn't even play fantasy football, what I was about to say was really important.
I was a nobody, but people trusted Stuart, so when Stuart told you to pay attention, you paid attention. He passed his trust with the audience on to me.
Which, when you're starting out and trying to convince a whole network to do more fantasy and, you know, do it with me, was a really big deal.
After the show, I went over to introduce myself and thank him for the intro, especially since we had never met. He shrugged it off as no big deal, something anyone would do. (Which, I would later find out, was not true, as many of the anchors in those days were not as supportive or enthusiastic as Stuart.)
It was a big moment for me, one of those times that I felt like I had "made it." I was on SportsCenter. With Stuart Scott! But I couldn't bring myself to say any of that, so I just thanked him again. Stuart patted me on the back and welcomed me to ESPN and offered to help if I ever needed it.
OK, so six months later, I hadn't done a lot more SportsCenters, and of the ones I did do, none of them was with Stuart. But one night, a few friends from work and I went to a local bar in West Hartford, Connecticut. It's a cold Saturday night, and the place is standing-room only. There are also, randomly, a number of other ESPN folks there.
It's later in the evening and my friends and I are all standing around a table. I had put my coat on the back of one of the chairs at the table. And suddenly this random guy, who clearly had too much to drink, is getting sloppy and spills his beer on my coat. He notices that he does and shrugs it off. Doesn't care. He looks up at me and says nothing.
Me: Hey.
Dude: What?
Me: You just spilled beer on my jacket.
Dude: So? You don't want beer on it, you shouldn't hang it there.
Me: What are you talking about? This is our table.
Dude: Blank you.
Me (incredulously): Really?
Dude: Really. (He now takes a menacing step toward me.) What are you going to do about it?
Now I'm angry. I don't like confrontation, but I'm not scared of it. And this guy was a couple of words I can't print.
So now I take a step toward him, as if to say I'm not scared of you and I'm ready for whatever goes down.
And just as I do that, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn around and it's none other than Stuart Scott. He just shakes his head slightly, with a stern, fatherly expression that is equal parts firm and sympathetic. A look that says, "I get it, but this isn't worth it. Walk away."
As I pause, he gently pulls me toward him, saving me the embarrassment of having to back down. The dude goes on his way and Stuart pulls me into his group. Quietly he says to me, "I get it, man. He's wrong. But the headline tomorrow won't be about him, you know?"
I nod my head. He's 100 percent right, of course. I'm just starting my ESPN career and the last thing I need is "ESPN's Matthew Berry in bar fight" as the headline in some blog. He pats me on the shoulder and says, gently, "We've all been there. But you live in a different world now. Gotta walk away."
It was a small thing to him, but it meant a lot to me. He didn't really know me; frankly, I was amazed he even remembered who I was. We'd met only the once, six months earlier. And he certainly didn't have to insert himself into my situation. But he did. He was looking out for me, something he did for many others, many times.
OK, cut to four years later and I'm taking my then-12-year-old stepson to his first Monday Night Football game. Maybe the best part of working for ESPN is being able to do cool things for your kids, so I'm showing off before the game, taking him into the production trucks, seeing the inner workings of the stadium, going on the field, the whole deal.
And while walking to the field we run into Stuart, who would soon be anchoring our pregame coverage. I introduce him to my kid, who is wide-eyed at meeting him, and Stuart is, as always, exceedingly gracious. Takes photos, engages with us, the whole nine yards. And as we are winding down, he puts his hand on my shoulder and breaks into a wide grin. "Your dad ever tell you about the time I pulled him out of a bar fight?"
Kid looks at me wide-eyed. "Really?" Stuart laughs. "Have him tell you the story sometime." He pulls me in for the handshake/hug combo and he's off. As I watch him walk off I shake my head in amazement. I can't believe he even remembers that story. He had never brought it up since.
I last saw him at the ESPYS in 2014, where he accepted the Jimmy V Award. (And I highly recommend taking some time to watch the speech. Will be a very worthwhile eight minutes.) Afterward, we ran into each other, where I congratulated him on the award, told him how amazing the speech was and that it was great to see him.
My brother, who was with me that night, expressed similar sentiments. It was Stuart's big night, everyone wants to talk to him or get his attention, and as we now know, he was not well that night, so sick he wasn't sure he would even be able to make the ceremony. But as always, you wouldn't know any of that. He was unfailingly gracious with his time and attention to me and my brother, thanking us for coming. Us? We thanked him.
It would be the last time I saw him.
I'm not going to claim I knew him well or that we were close friends. We weren't. If we saw each other in the hallway or something we'd say hi, but we didn't work together very much, so our interactions were mostly limited to run-ins in the ESPN café, hallways or at various ESPN events throughout the year.
But to me, that's sort of the point. Even though we weren't close, I still feel a strong connection to him, even almost six years later, and I think of my Stuart Scott stories often. But like I said ... everyone has a Stuart Scott story.
As always, in honor of Jimmy V Week, if I have blocked you on social media (or muted you -- I mute a lot. I mean A LOT), you can get me to undo that by making a donation to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Just go to V.org and donate whatever you can. Then send the receipt and whatever social media handle I've blocked to UnblockMe@espn.com. Doing this doesn't mean you get free rein to be a jerk -- you can always be blocked again, but it's a small way I try to make something good out of what is often just a bad moment on social media. We've all had bad moments, and not everyone has a Stuart Scott to pull you out of it. So let's get to it. As a great man once said to me ... "Whatcha got, Matthew?"
Quarterbacks I love in Week 13
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, vs. Eagles
Remember all the preseason concern about the Packers not getting Rodgers any weapons? It turns out Rodgers is the only weapon Green Bay really needs. I mean, why get a few extra firecrackers when you already have a fighter jet in your arsenal, right? Live and learn. Anyway, despite Aaron Jones, Davante Adams and Allen Lazard all missing time this year, Rodgers is still QB4 on the season, trailing only Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson. And he has only improved as the pieces around him return to action. Rodgers has at least 21 fantasy points in six straight games and three-plus touchdown passes in five of those six, including a total dismantling of what was, in theory, a good Bears defense. I expect another big game this week against the Eagles. Despite a valiant (defensive) showing against the Seahawks on Monday night, Philadelphia is allowing the second-most yards per pass attempt since its Week 9 bye. I have A-Rod as a top-two play this week.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints, at Falcons
I know, I know, Hill isn't wowing anyone as a passer and has yet to throw a touchdown pass in the NFL. But just on his rushing stats alone, Hill would be QB13 in total fantasy points over the past two weeks. That's what at least 10 carries, 40 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns per start does for you. In fact, his five goal-line carries the past two weeks are more than Alvin Kamara's and Latavius Murray's combined. That rushing gives him a very bankable floor against the Falcons, who, even after last week's dominant performance against the Raiders, still allow the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings, vs. Jaguars
Believe it or not, over the past four weeks, only Aaron Rodgers has more touchdown passes than Cousins. And I choose to believe it, because I looked up the stat and double-checked it and everything. It's real. Cousins is also averaging 283 passing yards over that span, while the Jaguars allow the second-most touchdown passes per game and yards per pass attempt in 2020. I admit I didn't double-check those bad Jacksonville stats because, come on, it's the Jaguars. You know they're real.
Others receiving votes
If Ryan Fitzpatrick gets the start in place of Tua Tagovailoa, you should think about starting him. In his past six starts, Fitzpatrick is averaging 22.3 fantasy points per game and he'd be a good bet to hit or exceed that average against a Bengals defense that is giving up two touchdown passes per game, tied for fifth most in the league. (But even against that Bengals D, be wary of Tagovailoa if he gets the nod. We haven't seen any consistent production from him yet from a fantasy standpoint.) ... Yeah, Derek Carr was brutal last week, and me putting him on the "love list" was #notgreat. But I'm back again because while Carr struggled last week, no one struggles like the New York Jets. Over their past four games, the Jets are allowing a league-high 27.7 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. ... Since Week 6, very quietly, Philip Rivers is QB12 in fantasy while averaging 291.8 passing yards per game, third most of any quarterback over that stretch. He also has at least 24 completions in four consecutive games, matching Mahomes for the longest active streak. Anytime you are a quarterback who can be mentioned in a sentence with Mahomes, you at least get "others receiving votes" inclusion. I don't make the rules.
Quarterbacks I hate in Week 13
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals, vs. Rams
Murray is banged up, so the Cardinals have chosen to protect their franchise player by limiting his running. That's the right move. It's just a terrible move for Murray's short-term fantasy value. Thanks to averaging just five carries and 23 rushing yards over his past two games -- way down from 9.7 carries and 67.1 rushing yards in his previous nine games -- Murray is just QB13 over the past two weeks. (The fact that Murray has only one red zone carry in the past two weeks is also not great.) Now add in a Rams defense that is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season, as well as the lowest passing touchdown rate and the fewest yards per pass attempt, and Murray makes the Hate list. Yes, you're probably still starting him in season-long, but with Murray not running, I'm definitely not running out to start him in DFS this week.
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons, vs. Saints
I don't know what the Saints did on their bye week, but it worked. Since their Week 6 bye, New Orleans' defense is top five in opponent yards per pass attempt, opponent passing touchdown rate and pressure rate when not blitzing. That's a long way to say this: Ryan could be in for a long day. And, well, that would be nothing new for Ryan against the Saints. In the past three Falcons-Saints meetings, Ryan has averaged 12.1 fantasy points per game and has more interceptions than touchdown passes. Even if Julio Jones plays, Ryan is outside my top 10 for the week.
Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams, at Arizona
Goff has fewer than 11 fantasy points in three of his past four games and multiple interceptions in all three of those games. He has been brutal. And he's even worse under pressure. For the season, Goff ranks 26th in fantasy points per pass attempt when pressured. That, as the kids say, might be an issue, as the Cardinals rank third in pressure rate and fourth in blitz rate over the past four weeks. OK, that all felt really negative about Goff. I'd like to end on something positive. Umm ... at least no one thinks the Rams should have drafted Carson Wentz before him anymore?
Running backs I love in Week 13
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns, at Titans
Chubb leads all running backs this season with an insane 6.3 yards per carry. That means that if the Browns ran Chubb on every play, they'd never be stopped, and they'd never even reach a third down. OK, I haven't researched that specifically, but I'm pretty sure that's exactly how it works. I mean, have you seen Chubb play? Since returning from injury three games ago, he is averaging 19.3 carries, 128 rushing yards and 18.3 fantasy points per game. He also has at least one run of 20-plus yards in every game he has played this season. Cleveland is one of the run-heaviest teams in the NFL, and the Browns will be so again this week, as Chubb will get a big workload against a Titans defense that allows the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I have Chubb as a top-six play.
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers vs. Bills
Raheem Must-Start's 15.7 fantasy points per game this season would make him RB10 on a per-game basis. He also has multiple receptions in every game he has played. Yes, the 49ers' backfield is crowded on paper. But when Mostert is healthy, he's the clear lead back. That's why he's named Must-Start. They don't just give that name to anyone, you know? It's especially true for Mostert managers this week, as the 49ers face a Bills defense that allows the eighth-most rushing yards per game and has already coughed up 16 rushing touchdowns this season, tied for third most in the NFL. I have Mostert as a top-10 play this week, making him a -- yes, wait for it -- Must Start.
David Montgomery, Chicago Bears, vs. Lions
Do I think Montgomery kind of stinks at football? I do! But do I think he stinks at football more than the Detroit Lions' defense? I do not! Montgomery is on the Love list this week because of matchup and volume, not talent. Over the past four weeks, Detroit is allowing a league-high 35.1 fantasy points per game to running backs. And on the season, backs who get 15-plus touches against the Lions average 22.7 fantasy points. Well, Montgomery is averaging 17.7 touches per game this season, so ... therefore, hence, ergo, et cetera ... Montgomery should put up good numbers this week.
Duke Johnson, Houston Texans vs. Colts
It's December, so it's time to talk about Duke, which plays this Friday on the ACC Network against Bellarmine (go Knights!) and again on Tuesday on ESPN against No. 5 Illinois. Hey, I'm a company man. And now let's talk briefly about Duke Johnson: He has seen 76% of the Houston running back touches over the past three games. That sets up well against the Colts, who, over the past four weeks, are allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I also expect Johnson to see more targets in the passing game with Will Fuller V out, and Indianapolis is bottom 10 in the league in catch rate allowed on running back targets and tied for the fourth-most receiving scores given up to running backs. Duke Johnson is Love for me this week, as is Duke against Bellarmine (sorry, Knights!).
Others receiving votes
The Texans allow the second-most fantasy points per game on the season (and over the past four weeks), so Nyheim Hines, who averages 17.0 fantasy points per game this season in his seven games with at least eight touches, is flex-worthy this week. ... Dallas has allowed the most rushing yards in the league this season, and J.K. Dobbins will only add to that total. Remember that before hitting the reserve/COVID-19 list, Dobbins had a season-high 17 touches in Week 11, and if Wednesday afternoon football proved anything, it's that Baltimore needs more playmakers, not fewer. ... In the two games since Taysom Hill because the Saints' quarterback, it's Latavius Murray, not Alvin Kamara, who is a top-10 fantasy back. Murray has at least 14 touches and 85 scrimmage yards in both of those games. ... Old Man Winter is here, and so is Old Man Football, Frank Gore. In the first game with LaMical Perine on IR last week, Gore had 21 touches and 86 scrimmage yards. He also has multiple receptions in three straight games. Gore's Week 13 opponent, the Raiders, have allowed 17 rushing touchdowns this season, tied for most in the league. It's definitely a risky desperation play to use New York Jet Frank Gore in a Week 13 matchup, but let's be honest, you could do worse and probably already have.
Running backs I hate in Week 13
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys, at Ravens
It's probably time to rename this section the Running Back Hate List, Brought to You by Ezekiel Elliott. But his agent won't return my calls about a sponsorship opportunity. Rude. No matter, I'm still putting Elliott here. Fewer than nine fantasy points in four of his past five games, and no more than two catches in any of those games. Since Dak "My price goes up every week" Prescott was injured, Zeke doesn't have a single rushing touchdown and is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. Now Elliott gets a Ravens defense that has allowed only four rushing touchdowns to running backs all season.
Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals, vs. Rams
Arizona limiting Kyler Murray's running hasn't exactly been a boon to Drake's production. Over the past two games, Drake has just 107 yards on 33 carries -- a paltry 3.2 yards per carry. Basically, he needs touchdowns to keep his fantasy value afloat, as he averages just 7.8 fantasy points in games in which he doesn't score. Considering the Rams allow an NFL-low 1.8 offensive touchdowns per game, I don't love his chances of getting into the end zone against Aaron Donald and friends. By the way, the Rams rank top seven this season in both yards per carry and rushing yards per game allowed to running backs.
Todd Gurley II, Atlanta Falcons, vs. Saints
Remember all the stuff up top in the Matt Ryan section about how the Saints' defense has been shutting down the pass since the Week 6 bye? Well, it has been even better against the run. Here's how the Saints have fared against running backs since their bye:
Fewest fantasy points allowed per game (11.5)
Fewest rushing yards allowed per game (53.7)
Fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (0)
However, they're only second best in the NFL over that time in running back yards per carry against (3.25). So yeah, the Saints' D needs to get its act together. Off an injury, Gurley will most likely need a touchdown to pay off this week as a viable top-20 play. How lucky do you feel?
Pass-catchers I love in Week 13
Allen Robinson II, Chicago Bears, vs. Lions
Even as the rest of the Bears embarrass themselves all around him, Robinson is still Robinson. Whoever is under center for the Bears (I'm not sure it matters) is clearly smart enough to look for A-Rob again and again. Three straight games with at least nine targets, it doesn't matter who his QB is or even what the score is, as a 27.4-point game in that Packers beatdown from last Sunday night can attest. This week, Robinson gets a Lions defense that is giving up the fourth-most yards per game and the fifth-highest catch rate to wide receivers. The tape from Sunday's Bears-Lions game won't be sent to the Hall of Fame, but Robinson will again be one of the lone bright spots. Easy top-10 play this week and throughout the playoffs (check that schedule!).
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings, vs. Jaguars
Is Jefferson the best rookie receiver in a loaded rookie class? Second best? Third best? I don't know. Here's what I know: He's awesome and is only getting better. Yes, you could say that like the Jeffersons before him, he's movin' on up. What? It's Week 13. Anyway ... Jefferson has at least 17.5 fantasy points in three straight games and has seen 29 targets over that stretch. And every target Jefferson gets is a chance for a big-time play: He leads all NFL receivers with 12.6 yards per target. You know I like Cousins this week, and even with Adam Thielen back, Jefferson will do more damage against a Jaguars team that over the past four weeks has given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Jefferson is a locked-in top-20 guy this week.
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers, vs. Bills
A healthy Samuel is a fantasy star. More managers need to realize this. Remember: From Week 8 on last year, Samuel was WR8 in total fantasy points. This year, over his past three games played, he's averaging 18.2 fantasy points. I love his skill set, I love that they manufacture touches for him, I love that his name is Deebo. Not for nothing, 60% of Deebo's points in that three-game stretch have come from the slot and he now faces a Bills defense that has given up the sixth-most slot yards. Samuel needs to be in all lineups this week. By the way, as of Wednesday afternoon he was available in about 40% of ESPN leagues. He obviously needs to be rostered in 100% of leagues.
Brandin Cooks, Houston Texans, vs. Colts
As Will Fuller V exits stage right on the 2020 season, he leaves behind a 21.8% target share. Cooks won't get all of that, but he will see an uptick. That's good news for Cooks managers, because in games this season in which he has at least eight targets, Houston's new WR1 averages 17.8 fantasy points. With 80-plus yards in three of his past four, I expect Deshaun Watson not only to look for Cooks a lot but to take plenty of deep shots as well. The Colts give up the seventh-most air yards per wide receiver target on the season.
Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles, at Packers
Maybe the most valuable Dallas fantasy asset this season doesn't play for the Cowboys. That kind of defines their season, no? Goedert has been a top-four fantasy tight end in each of the past two weeks and has 22 targets in his past three games. Even if Zach Ertz returns this week, Carson Wentz is going to need to throw on Sunday and will continue to look Goedert's way against a Packers squad that coughs up the seventh-most yards per reception to tight ends this season.
Others receiving votes
It took a bit, but Jarvis Landry finally seems to be benefiting from Odell Beckham Jr.'s absence -- and the fact that Cleveland isn't playing in a windy monsoon. He should feast this week against the Titans, who rank bottom three in the NFL in both yards and touchdowns allowed to the slot this season. ... Even while A.J. Brown further cements his status as fantasy royalty, Corey Davis has emerged as a viable receiver alongside him. Davis now has double-digit fantasy points in eight of his nine games this season, and over the past four weeks, he has seen his average air yards per target increase over 40%. That sets up well against the Browns, who give up touchdowns on 11.4% of deep passes, the fifth-highest rate in the league. ... Maybe Nelson Agholor was the key to Wentz's success in Philadelphia? OK, maybe not. But Agholor has produced with the Raiders and I like his chances to produce top-35 numbers this week against the Jets, who give up the fourth-most yards per game to wide receivers. ... Jamison Crowder has disappointed down the stretch this season, but Denzel Mims is definitely going to be a thing. He might be one already. At least seven targets and 60-plus yards in each of his past three games, he's an upside WR4. ... The Eagles give up the third-highest catch rate to tight ends, and Robert Tonyan has caught 90% of his targets on the season. Great, Bob! ... My Football Team has allowed opposing tight ends to catch 100% of their red zone targets this season. Is that bad? It feels bad. Meanwhile, Eric Ebron has at least one red zone target in six of his past seven games.
Pass-catchers I hate in Week 13
Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys, at Ravens
The Ravens rank top 10 in fewest yards, touchdowns and fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. That sounds like a bad matchup for Cooper, who, as you might have heard, is a wide receiver. Yes, Cooper is always one big play away, but unless you know that big play will happen this week, you're going to want to stay away. Especially since Baltimore also ranks top 10 in receptions and catch rate allowed on deep passes this season. I have Cooper outside my top 20 this week.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers, vs. Washington
The reports of Smith-Schuster's fantasy death have been greatly exaggerated. Yet even as he has produced more since the depths of his early-season Ryan Switzer impression, including the first receiving touchdown on a Wednesday afternoon, I don't love his Week 13 matchup against Washington. The Football Team gives up the third-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season, partly because of how good they are against the slot -- second-fewest yards per game allowed to the slot, second-fewest yards per slot reception and only four touchdowns allowed to the slot all year (tied for fifth fewest). The WFT makes opposing slot receivers say WTF. Again, it's Week 13.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals, at Dolphins
It turns out that Brandon Allen isn't as good as Joe Burrow at playing quarterback. Hashtag analysis. You're welcome. Last week, in Allen's first game as the starter, the Bengals averaged just 3.4 yards per play. Only the Kendall Hinton-led Broncos were worse. Yiiiiiikes. Now, Higgins did get a score last week, but I'm not as optimistic this week. Cincy is facing a Miami defense that shuts down perimeter passes (no team has allowed fewer TDs to perimeter WRs) and brings heavy pressure. Thank you for your service through the first 11 weeks of the season, Tee Higgins, and I love your upside long term, but this week you're outside my top 30.
Noah Fant, Denver Broncos, at Chiefs
Fant led the Broncos in receptions and receiving yards last week. That's good, right?! Well, not really, because it was just one reception and 13 yards. But even in games in which Denver has had the luxury of a real NFL quarterback, Fant has struggled. He now has single-digit fantasy points in seven of his past eight games and hasn't seen an end zone target since Week 2. Read that sentence again. Week 2. Dude. His six red zone targets this year are tied for 20th among all TEs. Considering he had only three catches for 38 yards in Denver's Week 7 game against the Chiefs, there's little reason to believe Fant gets to double-digit points on Sunday.
Matthew Berry, The TMR, wants to remind you to never give up. Don't ever give up.