If getting roasted by the likes of Jordan Love and Baker Mayfield
wasn’t enough, the Chicago defense let Russell Wilson and the broken
Broncos mount a 21-point comeback in the 2nd half last week. Chicago
has been unable to get to the quarterback (last in the NFL in sacks)
which is great news for Howell, as he’s been taken down a league
high 24 times. With time to throw, Howell should build off his strong
game against the Eagles and pick apart the banged-up Chicago secondary.
Stafford and McVay have been magical this season, overcoming
the loss of Cooper Kupp, and a makeshift offensive line to not
only be 2-2, but to support two late round league winning fantasy
players. Stafford (hip) got beat up a little last week, but has
only absorbed nine sacks so far, and the Eagles defense has looked
very ordinary. Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins and Sam Howell had top-10
days against this secondary, and so can Stafford.
The rookie continues to ball out last week against the Steelers,
as he now sits 4th in the NFL with 1,212 passing yards. He’s
thrown for six touchdowns and has yet to throw a pick. He’s
been able to buck the rookie QB trend by being much more than
a game manager, and he’s had a solid fantasy floor with
very little in the way of rushing stats. Stroud and this passing
game is on fire, and nothing about Atlanta’s defense makes
me shy away.
Goff was workman like last Thursday against the Packers as the
Lions went run heavy. Carolina has been lights out against quarterbacks,
giving up a league low 13.5 fantasy points-per-game to the position.
The early return of Jameson Williams certainly gives the passing
game a new wrinkle, but the Panthers have played some scrappy
defense. Carolina’s offense just can’t cut it, so I see a similar
conservative run-first game plan for Detroit.
Wilson has quietly put together a strong fantasy start to the
season. He’s already thrown for more touchdowns (9) than
he did in the first 13 games of 2022, and he’s got a pair
of QB1 finishes. Unfortunately, the Jets defense is more stout
than anything Wilson has seen thus far and makes Russ a real risky
start in Week 5.
Playing with a sprained AC join in his throwing shoulder, Carr
dinked his way to a 23 completion, 127-yard (5.5 yards per completion
if you are keeping track) day vs the Bucs in Week 4. While he
came out of the game no worse for wear, he’s been unusable
all season even when healthy. The Pats are battered and broken
(especially on defense) but I wouldn’t touch Carr this week,
even with a few teams on byes.
