We are all talking about the rushing performance of J.K. Dobbins
last weekend, but in Week 1 the Panthers allowed three touchdown
passes from Derek Carr, or maybe it was David Carr, or perhaps
it was my barber, who has a pretty good arm. His arm is not as
good as Herbert’s, who didn’t get much work in against the Raiders,
but might throw more than 26 times against the Panthers’ obviously
vulnerable secondary.
To be competitive with the juggernaut Lions’ offense, Mayfield
is going to have to repeat his Week 1 production (24-of-30 for
289 and 4 TDs). Luckily, he has the receivers to do it, with a
healthy Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and rookie Jalen McMillan
who scored in his debut. Last year, the Lions’ allowed the third-most
fantasy points to opposing QBs and in the season opener Matthew
Stafford cracked the 300-yard mark without his No.1A target (Puka
Nacua) for the final three quarters.
OK, this is likely the one and only time I will say this…
starting Jones in Week 2 is a viable option. The Commanders were
the worst in QB points allowed in 2023 and if Week 1 is any indication
will hold that position in 2024 as well. They allowed four touchdown
passes last week. Jones has to know this game is the best chance
he has to keep his job and if he fails here, he likely won’t
be the Giants QB next year… or maybe next weekend. A motivated
quarterback is likely to play his best.
The Cowboys defense harassed Deshaun Watson and sacked him six
times. They also picked off two balls. Carr had a nice day against
the Panthers at home, but these aren’t the Panthers and the game
is in Dallas.
If Hurts isn’t going to score rushing touchdowns, his fantasy
value takes a significant hit. In 2023, he had 43 rushing attempts
in the red zone and scored 15 times. Last Friday night in Brazil,
Saquon Barkley saw eight red zone rushes and scored twice, Hurts
had one try inside the 5-yard line and didn’t score. Be prepared
to reevaluate Hurts if this trend continues. The Falcons were
a top-10 team against opposing QBs in 2023 and started out 2024
with a strong performance against the Steelers with a pair of
sacks and allowing just 156 passing yards to Justin Fields.
Willis isn’t ready to start an NFL game for Green Bay after
being traded to the Packers in late August… he’s no
Joshua Dobbs. Willis has started three games in his “career”
and didn’t throw for 100 yards in any of them. This will
not have a Hollywood ending.
