• A week full of big names: Jonathan Taylor, Cooper Kupp and Jameson Williams made their season debuts and delivered mixed results.
• Two backup running backs on the rise: Two running backs have taken a lot of playing time away from their teams’ starters in the last two weeks.
• A big boost for tight ends: Several tight ends who were drafted highly put together big games this week, and two of them did so despite seeing their playing time drop significantly in each of the last two weeks.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
PFFs Fantasy football The summary focuses on player usage and stats, breaking down all the important information you need for fantasy success in 2023. Here we will only discuss players who are relevant in fantasy football leagues.
These are my top 10 reactions to Sunday’s games. For a more detailed breakdown, check out mine full Sunday review.
Ezekiel Elliott is tied with Rhamondre Stevenson
The two running backs were almost evenly matched in offensive snaps and rushing attempts.
- The Patriots’ running backs generally rotated on drives, but Stevenson often plays snaps on some of Elliott’s drives, particularly on third downs.
- New England wasn’t as comfortable with Stevenson on passing downs, so unlike the first few weeks of the season, Elliott usually had to play all the snaps on his drives.
- Stevenson started the game, but Elliott’s drives were about as successful as Stevenson’s, causing the two to split time.
- Stevenson performed better as a receiver this season, having four first downs while Elliott didn’t have a single one. However, Elliott has a much higher target rate (22%) than Stevenson (14%) this season.
- If Stevenson can return to his receiving prowess from last year, his playing time will likely increase again. He probably won’t be a consistent fantasy starter until then.
Jonathan Taylor has a quiet return
Taylor ran the ball just six times for 18 yards and caught a 16-yard pass in his return to the Colts.
- Taylor returned from the PUP list this week and signed a three-year contract extension.
- Indianapolis released Jake Funk to make room for Taylor.
- Taylor was fully involved in training all week, giving the impression that he would play an important role this week.
- Instead, Zack Moss started and played most of the game. Taylor only managed one snap in the first quarter, while Moss managed 10. As the game progressed, he was put under a little more strain.
- Considering how well Moss played in this game, the committee may be staying in Indianapolis longer than most fantasy managers would like.
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