Are some of your high draft picks not performing to expectations? How will last week’s injuries impact your lineup? There are some important questions to answer heading into Week 3.
We answer some of the most common this week.
If you want your fantasy football question featured, follow me @ImThatSupi.
What is the outlook on Jerome Ford going forward?
Ford has the potential to finish as a high-end RB2 or a volume-based low RB1 for the rest of the season. Kevin Stefanski wants to run the ball, and currently, Cleveland is the seventh-heaviest run team in the league (49.1%). Ford ran the ball well with 6.1 yards per carry against a Steelers defense that was playing incredibly well on Monday. One aspect he offers is his ability to catch passes, something Chubb wasn’t proficient at. I will be hesitant about this week’s matchup against the Titans, who have allowed the fourth fewest rushing yards this season. But the outlook for the rest of the season is favorable.
Are you panicking about Justin Fields?
My panic level at the moment is a four out of five. We know Fields can move the ball with his legs, and if he gets better in the passing game, he’s easily a top-10 quarterback. The Bears relied heavily on designed quarterback runs last year, but now they’ve shifted to the other extreme. Last season, Chicago averaged 7.6 designed quarterback runs in the final 12 weeks, this season, they have just five total.
We can’t blame the offensive line this year for Fields’ passing troubles because Fields is averaging 2.7 seconds in the pocket, which is fifth-best in the league. If Chicago can balance this offense and tailor it more to Fields’ strengths, there’s a chance for improvement.
Can Puka Nacua keep up this pace?
I was a big believer in Nacua before the season started, so seeing him play well is great to see. He’s been Matthew Stafford‘s favorite target, and his 25 catches are an NFL record for most in a player’s first two career games. He’s essentially stepped in and filled Cooper Kupp‘s role.
More great performances could be coming as his schedule looks good; two of his next three matchups (Colts, Eagles) are currently in the bottom five of points allowed to wide receivers. Hold your Puka shell necklaces tight because it will be a fun ride.
Is it time to give up on Alexander Mattison?
Last season, the Vikings were the third-heaviest passing team in the league (64.3%). This year they are at the top (77.9%). For reference, no team has finished with more than a 67-pass play percentage since 2006 (Lions). This should decrease as the season progresses, but Mattison’s stats still don’t look good.
He is currently 28th amongst running backs in production premium and 33rd in yards created. The game script may leave Mattison out again this week against the Chargers, who have allowed the most passing yards and have been involved in two high-scoring games. Regardless, he’s a sit for me, as I don’t think we’ll ever see Dalvin Cook-like volume.
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