The Broncos pulled off the biggest shock of the season against the Chiefs, Will Levis had a historic NFL debut, and Joe Burrow’s Bengals terrorized the 49ers’ defense on Sunday. The Commanders posed a significant threat to even our most reliable team in 2023, the Eagles (again).
I do know one thing, though: this is the best tight end waiver week in recent memory. I have a stable of names for you if you need a TE (for example, if George Kittle, Evan Engram, or Sam LaPorta are out in Week 9). Additionally, Kirk Cousins’ successor options and another round of “Add this wide receiver — I’m begging you, for the love of all things football.”
Following his first return to practice last week, Murray made the “GUYS TO ‘STACHE.” It looks like he could be back in the starting lineup for Arizona in a few games. Dobbs will start for head coach Jonathan Gannon against the Browns on Sunday, but if you’re in need of a quarterback, this may be your last chance to grab Murray on the cheap. It’s also important to remember that Murray, who has a career fantasy point average of 20.4, will face the Bears and Eagles in the fantasy playoffs—two great matchups.
In light of a week filled with problematic quarterback injuries (and the fact that at least a few fantasy starters are out due to injury in Week 9), I’m not opposed to Mayfield as a long- and short-term selection. He goes to Houston this week after scoring more than 21 fantasy points in each of his last two away games (and more than 16 in all three). The Texans are mediocre when it comes to fantasy quarterbacks; rookie Bryce Young has only been allowed 235 yards and a passer rating of 103.6. Mayfield is hitting a potent receiving corps with 35 passes per game. I’m curious.
Howell was suggested as an add-and-stream option in last week’s column against the Eagles, with the caveat that we would assess his future in our lineups following the game. Okay, okay, okay: With 397 yards and four touchdown passes against Philadelphia, the young player finished with a season-high 30.98 fantasy points. One of the league’s best and deepest pass-catching corps is Washington’s. Furthermore, in five of his last seven games, Howell has produced more than 18 fantasy points. One of the best Kirk Cousins substitutes available, he’s a stream against the Patriots on Sunday (and a great start versus the Seahawks the following week).
My crazy QB stream in this area last week was Tyson Bagent. Although, to be honest, Bagent didn’t look bad in the Bears’ 30-13 loss to the Chargers, that didn’t go very well. That means I wouldn’t dare ride the hype wave of a second rookie making his professional debut? False. The distinction is that Levis just had one of the greatest NFL debuts ever. To be clear, nobody anticipated that he would score 26.6 fantasy points in only his first start. But my goodness, did he (as well as DeAndre Hopkins) look beautiful while doing it? This is obviously dependent on Ryan Tannehill’s availability and is primarily intended for two-QB leagues or DFS, unless Levis is that special someone.
GUY TO ‘STACHE: This is more of a problem to keep an eye on than a guy to’stache. In Sunday’s loss to the Titans, Taylor Heinicke came in for Desmond Ridder to open the second half. In his relief duty, Heinicke averaged 8.3 yards per attempt and threw a touchdown pass. following the game, Arthur Smith told reporters that Ridder’s performance was not the reason he was benched (Ridder was cleared following a concussion evaluation). But with Atlanta’s weaponry, I’d think Heinicke would be an intriguing addition if, for some reason, he starts this week against the Vikings.
Against the Ravens defense, the undrafted rookie only scored 8.9 fantasy points on Sunday, but he did rush for 78 yards on a heavy 20 carries. If nothing else, he appears to be unquestionably the top returner in Arizona (at least until James Conner♿ returns from injured reserve), and it’s rare to find players with such a high volume lying around on waivers every week. In Week 9, Demercado faces the Browns, which makes me hesitant to start him, but he needs to be added to the squad. Go for it.
