By: @JorgeBEdwards
As your reading this I’m currently watching the replay of the Chiefs vs. Rams game from last night and I am in awe of just what a performance both teams put on. However, I couldn’t help but be moved for what this game represented to the people watching in the stands. With California wildfires burning in the distance and many of those people watching either having lost or known someone who has lost their home and/or loved ones, to have a temporary reprieve that allowed them to focus on one thing, one team to rally around and to have their home team come out on top is nothing short miraculous.
However, much work is left to do in California and many more lives are still in danger both of the civilians and those civil servants putting their lives in danger to save the lives of others during this tragedy. I implore our readers to help do their part and support the American Red Cross California Wildfire Relief Fund by clicking here. Donations small or large DO make a huge difference.
With that, I present to you my 4-EYED OBSERVATIONS FROM WEEK 11:
4-EYED OBSERVATION #1: Um…..where did Gus Edwards come from?!
I would love to tell you I saw this coming. But until yesterday I didn’t know this guy even existed. Now, I’m placing a big waiver bid for him hoping he could help save my season in some leagues.
Edwards’ impressive day culminated in leading the league in rushing efficiency (best north-south runner in the league) & being 2nd in the league in yards per carry (YPC) all while spending the least amount of time in the backfield than any other running back in week 11. This combination of running-style, explosiveness and effectiveness are just what his head coach wanted to see as well as fantasy managers looking for a late-season hero to save their season at the running back position. The former Scarlett Knight out of Rutgers University turned a lot of heads on Sunday and has the potential to do so again against an Oakland Raiders team ranked 25th against the run. Combine that with the threat of QB Lamar Jackson’s running ability to draw coverage away from the running back and all of a sudden Edwards looks like he’s in prime position to have a repeat performance. Furthermore, with one of the most running back-friendly schedules going forward, Edwards should be a priority waiver wire add this week.
4-EYED OBSERVATION #2: Tre’Quan Smith had his coming out party on Sunday!
Smith led the team in targeted air yards with 12.8, targets with 13 (5th best in the league), and had a 76.9 catch percentage amassing for 26.7 fantasy points in 0.5 PPR scoring leagues. And that’s while being the #2 wide receiver on his team. With Michael Thomas drawing top coverage on Sunday, Smith cemented his spot in the eyes of his quarterback and head coach as a receiver that can be counted on as one of the best receiving options on his team going forward. However, if I was to find one flaw in his game or at least how he’s been used thus far is that his yards after catch per reception or YAC/R was only 3.9 yards which means he was largely used a deep ball threat only. While that could be a limiting factor on some teams being on a high octane offense like the Saints negates that factor. Look for Smith to continue his impressive performance on Thanksgiving versus the Falcons!
4-EYED OBSERVATION #3: Now THIS is the Eli Manning Giants fans were looking for!
155.8. That was Eli Manning’s passer rating. That was higher than Drew Brees, Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, etc. 94.4. That was his completion percentage. That was higher than Drew Brees, Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, etc. That’s what happens when your offensive line provides you with the 4th most amount of time to throw in the pocket. His 17.1 fantasy points scored are what his average should have been all season long with the number of weapons on his team. On Sunday, he showed fantasy managers why he is the personification of a perfect bye-week fill-in.
THAT ALL BEING SAID, his performance was against a Bucs team ranked 30th in pass defense. With matchups against a bitter Eagles team, a ferocious Bears defense, the Alabama Wall in Washington, and tough Titans defense Manning’s appeal as a streaming QB can go back to what it had been all season long. Non-existent. Don’t pick him up off of waivers.
**UPDATED 11/21/18***
So it looks like the Giants will go into their matchup against the Eagles facing a secondary that will be missing all of their starting defensive backs. If that injury report holds steady through the rest of the week Manning automatically becomes a streaming option given the offensive firepower on his team. Watch out, folks the Giants might be on the verge of doing something here.
Stay tuned to us on Twitter as we continue to monitor this situation!
4-EYED OBSERVATION #4: HOLY FACKRELL, he did what?!
Kyler Fackrell has come up Facking huge with 3 Sacks 🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/FWN9tB72nK
— Bleacher Report NFL (@BR_NFL) November 16, 2018
This past week Fackrell tallied 3 sacks and 6 total tackles against the Seattle Seahawks scoring 15.5 fantasy points (using our IDP Scoring Rubric):
During the past two games, he’s tallied 10 total tackles and 4 sacks against opponents. Fackrell has come on strong in relief of injured edge rusher Nick Perry, yet while I want to give him my seal of approval his inconsistency this season in the fantasy point production department makes him a hard pass for me going forward in terms of being a starter. That being said if Nick Perry continues to miss time, Fackrell could step into a larger role. However, his designation as only a linebacker on most websites makes his usability almost negligible. To summarize, No Pack No!