Week 9 was extremely exciting with the Rams/Saints shootout and a matchup between two of the best QBs of all-time from the Patriots/Packers game. Chances are, you saw those and caught all the highlights, but may have missed some of the finer details of the game film. Fortunately, my week always starts by watching each and every play thanks to NFL Game Pass’ Condensed Game Film. While I watch, I’m jotting down all kinds of notes to share with you so let me tell you about my top takeaways from the week.
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#5) You may want to sell Sony Michel before it is too late
It isn’t as though Michel is overrated. In fact, I consider him to be among the best 15 backs in the game. The issue, however, is that the Patriots’ backfield is loaded with talent. Green Bay is one of the stronger run defenses in the NFL, but the both James White and Cordarrelle Patterson had their way with them, and this despite just mediocre play from their offensive line. Now, it is clear from their running styles that neither is well-suited for an extended workload, but there is virtually no chance either go away entirely, plus Rex Burkhead is now expected back soon. Michel will without question be the go-to back, but if you are expecting 22 carries per game like we were seeing pre-injury, then I think you are in for quite an awakening. More likely, we are looking at 13 to 16, dropping him from a top 12 rest of season running back to a mid to low-end RB2.
#4) The Chiefs appear to have a top-notch secondary
I heard a stat from Mike Tagliere that the Kansas City Chiefs have allowed the fewest yards per pass attempt this season. Obviously they have surrendered a ton of passing yards, but it has much more to do with game script and volume than performance. I wanted to watch the tape closely to assess whether this was a flukey stat or the real deal. I can say now that the game film conclusively showed that they’ve got a secondary is extremely disciplined, instinctual and surprisingly athletic. Baker Mayfield dropped in a few times, but it wasn’t often that the Browns receivers saw yards of separation from the defenders, and when the ball arrived, there was almost always a defender in position to make a tackle. Patrick Mahomes and company isn’t the only reason this team has a shot to win the Super Bowl this year.
#3) Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the second best receiver on the Packers
Now that Geronimo Allison is out, and perhaps for the season, you’ll need to know just what we have in the rookie, Valdes-Scantling. I can assure you it is all encouraging. At the start of the season, he looked lost in the offense and the speed of the game. While that may seem odd for an athletic specimen like MVS, it has more to do with little aspects like attacking the football when it is in the air. In the first half of the season, we saw the same issues with Keelan Cole‘s game before his late-season breakout. Sometimes it takes years for a receiver to get acclimated to the talent level around him and especially a playbook. This is especially true for Packers’ receivers, which is why Aaron Rodgers detested his rookies in the preseason. MVS has come a long way already, however, and has the talent to continue excelling in this offense. Expect plenty more targets moving forward and big plays galore from the kid.
#2) Dalvin Cook looks back to being a top 10 back in the league
When the news broke that the Vikings had a package designed for Cook, it seemed clear as could be that he would see about a dozen snaps to slowly get worked back into the flow on the season. Once he got on the field, however, it was evident that he was ready to resume being the head-honcho in the backfield. His acceleration and agility were both unbelievable. Vision and instincts never go away, but it was a serious reminder that Cook is exceptional in both areas. Sometimes and NFL team, especially one almost certain to make the playoffs, will hold their injured player out longer than necessary just to be sure they are 100% from that point forward and it seems to have been the case here. Cook is not a question mark any longer. Expect an RB1 moving forward as he reclaims his workhorse role beginning next week.
#1) Quincy Enunwa is significantly better than you remembered
The final stat line may not have been all that impressive and frankly, before watching the game tape, I assumed it was because he must not have been 100%. Oh boy was I wrong. This receiver is an absolute stud. He was adding value to the play every time he got the ball by overpowering defenders, using his length to make virtually uncatchable receptions, and generating yards after the catch that seemed unlikely at best. If the Jets know what is best for them, Enunwa will move back into the slot starting next week and return to the 25% target share (top 15 in football) that he was seeing prior to the injury. Either way, he is the clear-cut top receiver on a team that often finds themselves in pass-heavy game scripts, so don’t hesitate to add him and plug him right into your flex spot for the remainder of the season.
Additional Notes
- Nick Chubb has tremendous vision and should be bought in dynasty leagues before the Browns improve their offensive line
- Antonio Callaway is not there yet, but he is drastically improved over the last month
- James Bradberry is an emerging star cornerback
- Malcolm Brown is worth 100% of your FAAB if Todd Gurley ever gets injured
- Seattle has one of the best offensive lines in football
- Courtland Sutton is an alpha-dog receiver
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