By Justin Sablich (@JustinSablich)
Catch-up on some of the key fantasy football happenings from Sunday’s games, including the Giants’ unbelievable implosion at the wide receiver position, the Carlos Hyde benching and much more.
Giants Receiving Corps Decimated; Beckham Done for Season
Before Odell Beckham Jr. went down in the fourth quarter of what turned out to be a season-ending broken ankle, the Giants had already lost Sterling Shepard and Brandon Marshall to ankle injuries. Oh yeah, return man/wr Dwayne Harris broke his foot as well. Without all these players, the Giants offense was a wreck, unable to move down the field using three tight ends and Shane Vereen. Fantasy-wise, Vereen may see an uptick in targets, as should tight end Evan Engram, though for some damn reason he only saw four targets Sunday and was left with a goose egg on the stat sheet. The Giants have activated receiver Travis Rudolph from the practice squad. He had 56 receptions for 840 yards and 7 touchdowns last season for the Florida State Seminoles.
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J.J. Watt Done for Season
J.J. Watt suffered a horrible injury that will cut his season short during Sunday night’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He fractured the tibial plateau in his left leg on the first drive of the game. It’s obviously a big blow to the Texans defense, which is now 21st overall in team defense. Houston came into the season considered, possibly, the best defense in the N.F.L.
I can’t sugarcoat it, I am devastated.
All I want to do is be out there on that field for my teammates and this city.
I’m sorry.— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 9, 2017
DeShaun Watson Adds Five Touchdowns to the Hype
The rookie quarterback connected with receiver DeAndre Hopkins three times in the end zone and Will Fuller twice. While the Texans’ defense seems to be in shambles, the offense is humming.
Carlos Hyde Benched, and He’s Not Happy About It
Hyde was replaced by rookie Matt Brieda for most of Sunday’s game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said he went with the “hot hand.” Breida ended up out-snapping Hyde, 34 to 32. Breida had 10 carries for 49 yards while Hyde carried eight times for 11 yards. Hyde was dealing with a hip injury during the week, however:
“That wasn’t injury-related,” Hyde said. “That was just the coach’s call. … I don’t like it, but my boy, Matt, he’s a good back. So he did a good job going in there and making plays and stuff.”
Jay Cutler Just Isn’t Cutting It
I was already done with Cutler after last week, but some were holding out hope in Week 5, as he had another fantastic fantasy matchup, this time against the Titans. Jay Cutler called his own performance “piss poor.” It was so bad I’m not even going to give any stats. The Dolphins are sticking with him, but you shouldn’t on your fantasy team.
Cam Is Back; Big Ben Is Not
Ben Roethlisberger had one of the worst performances of his career, completing 33-of-55 passes for 312 yards, no touchdowns, and five interceptions (two went for pick-sixes). What is extra worrisome is that this was a home game, a place he usually excels. It’s common knowledge now that Roethlisberger struggles mightily on the road.
“Maybe I don’t have it anymore,” Roethlisberger told reporters after the game.
Meanwhile, Cam Newton followed up his fantastic Week 4 with another huge game, and did so in a tough matchup with the Lions. He completed 26-of-33 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns. This article from a few weeks ago can now officially be considered no longer relevant.
Is Ed Dickson for Real?
Dickson had five catches for 175 receiving yards, including a catch and run across the middle for 64 yards. He now has 237 receiving yards over the last two weeks and is a must-add off the waiver wire in Week 6. Cam
Aaron Jones Making a Committee Likely in Green Bay?
Jones dominated the Packers’ backfield touches on Sunday, earning 125 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. Now the question is: What happens when Ty Montgomery comes back? Jones should have done enough to take some carries away from Montgomery, and becomes a very interesting play should Monty continue to struggle with injuries. One thing we know for sure is that Jamaal Williams can be dropped in most leagues.