With week 10 on the horizon, there are only 6 more weeks of regular season football until the playoff start. Week 9 brought many surprises though, from the Eagles obliterating the Broncos, 51-23 to the Rams scoring 51 points against the Giants.
3 fights also broke out this weekend; Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans landed a cheap shot against Saints Cornerback Marshon Lattimore which caused the benches to clear and A.J. Green put Jaguars’ Jalen Ramsey into a choke hold then proceeded to punch him on the ground. Also, San Francisco’s running back Carlos Hyde got into a Scuffle with Cardinals Frostee Rucker, because of a cheap shot landed on the 49ers quarterback C.J. Bethard.
Looking forward, Week 10 will feature possibly the game of the year, with the New England Patriots traveling to take on the Denver Broncos (this will be the Sunday night football game).
Starts:
Jared Goff, Quarterback, Rams
Jared Goff had an amazing game against the New York Giants, he threw for 311 yards and 4 touchdowns in the 51-17 blowout win. This week the Rams face the Texans who are not the same without JJ Watt. The weapon laden Rams should roll over the Texans. I expect Goff to have another monster game, and he is a must start.
Carlos Hyde, Running Back, 49ers
Hyde rushed 12 times for 41 yards, but also caught 9 passes for 84 yards for a grand total of 125 yards. This week the 49ers will take on the Giants, who have had a dysfunctional year, and their defense has been even awful. I expect Hyde to find the end zone on Sunday, and also have another solid week for the home town 9ers.
JUJU Smith-Schuster, Wide Receiver, Steelers
JuJu has been taking the league by storm, from his breath-taking speed, to his hilarious touchdown celebrations. The Steelers are coming off a week 9 bye and will travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts. Smith will have another big day and will expose the porous Indianapolis defense. Smith is a must start against the Colts, and I see him scoring at least one touchdown on Sunday.
Delaine Walker, Tight End, Titans
Last week Walker caught 5 passes for 71 yards, a solid game for the veteran tight end. I expect Walker to have another positive game against the struggling Bengals’ defense. I would keep rolling with Walker, and expect him to put up some big numbers on Sunday.
Bears’ Defense
The Bears Defense has been solid this season, they’ve created 11 turnovers through the last 9 weeks. This week they will take on the Green Bay Packers in Chicago. Green Bay’s offense has struggled since Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone and this challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the season.
Sits:
Drew Brees, Quarterback, Saints: Plays the Bills
Brees and the Saints have been having an excellent season, they lead their division, and hold a record of 6-2. However, this week they will take on the Bills, who other than a bad week 9 have been concrete. I expect the Bills to return to their defensive prowess against the Saints this week.. I would suggest taking a look at your back up quarterback to replace Brees this week.
Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Panthers: Plays the Dolphins
Last week McCaffrey had an exceptional game against the Falcons, where he ran 15 times for 66 yards, a touchdown, but also caught 5 passes for 28 yards. This week the Panthers will take on the Miami Dolphins talented group of defensive linemen and linebackers who have been playing very well this season. I expect McCaffrey to have a tough matchup, and I would suggest benching him this week.
DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Texans: Plays the Rams
With the loss of Deshaun Watson, Hopkins’ productivity should take a large dip. This was evident last week, as Hopkins was targeted 16 times but only caught six of those targets. That catch to target ratio is extremely low, and I expect more of the same against the Rams, who have been playing very well. I would suggest sitting Hopkins this week.
Jimmy Graham, Tight End, Seahawks: Plays the Cardinals
Graham’s productivity this season has been exceptionally inconsistent. The Seahawks this week will face the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. I do not see Graham having a good game based on his prior inconsistency, and the Seahawks offensive line was nonexistent against the Redskins last week. If you do not have another tight end on your roster, I would prepare for Graham to have a slow week.
Broncos Defense: Plays the Patriots
The Broncos Defense has struggled as of late, last week against the Eagles, they allowed 51 points. Their total lack of offense has taken a toll on this once top rated unit. This week the Broncos will play on Sunday Night Football against the rested New England Patriots and their high powered offense. The Broncos defensive woes should continue, and you should think about dropping them and picking up a different defense before this week starts.
