Welcome to the first 4-EYED OBSERVATIONS of week 1 of the 2018 NFL Fantasy Football season!
As we did last season we’ll be discussing four observations from this past weekend’s football slate of action and how these interesting nuggets can potentially help you win your matchups in the coming weeks. So without further adieu let’s jump right in.
4-EYED OBSERVATION #1: Phillip Lindsay is going to be a headache for Royce Freeman managers going forward.
While Lindsey and Freeman both had 15 attempts for 71 yards rushing, averaging 4.73 yards per carry on the ground, it was Lindsey who was more effective in the passing game with 31 yards receiving and 1 TD. In fact, for most of the game, the Broncos favored Lindsey more often than with Freeman, giving Freeman the bulk of his touches towards the end of the game, padding up the stat column.
We all saw in the preseason what Royce Freeman was capable of yet despite his official “starter” designation the Broncos coaching staff did not shy away from riding with the “hot hand” at the position. I’m sure Royce will have better days ahead of him this season, but after what we saw in week 1 you should probably tone done your expectation of him being the bell-cow of this rushing attack going forward.
4-EYED OBSERVATION #2: Myles Jack is going to feast at middle linebacker this season.
With the retirement of Paul Pozluzny last season a gap was left at the middle linebacker position for the Jacksonville Jaguars. When it was announced that Myles Jack was taking over for Pozluzny there was a little bit of apprehension in the IDP community. As you’ve heard us talk about over and over again on our podcast middle linebackers in IDP leagues are called #TackleMachines due to their position on defense in relation to the other team’s running back making it easier to accrue tackle points. However, despite Jack’s move to MLB could the Jaguars linebacking corps support two viable starters at linebacker for fantasy managers with the already established presence of Telvin Smith?
10 total tackles (7 solo/3 assisted), 1 pass defensed, 1 INT, and 1 INT return for a TD later I believe we all were given a resounding answer of “hell yes” this linebacking corps can! If for some ungodly reason Jack is still available on your waiver wire, please please please pick him up, lock him into your IDP roster spot or your dedicated LB roster spot and reap the rewards!
4-EYED OBSERVATION #3: Kenny Stills is the man in Miami!
As I stated he would in our AFC EAST preview podcast earlier this summer, Kenny Stills lived up to our expectations of him totaling 4 receptions for 106 yards and 2 TDs in week 1. Look it’s no secret when Jarvis Landry was with Stills in Miami Kenny Stills was just known as a big play receiver. However, I’ve always believed there was more to him than that. Flash forward to this season, with no Jarvis Landry to contend with in terms of targets and an injured Devante Parker out of the lineup Stills didn’t disappoint. I’m calling my shot right now and saying he is WR3/Flex worthy week in and week out going forward this season. Be ahead of the curve, pick him up, and start him if he’s available on your league’s waiver wire.
4-EYED OBSERVATION #4: Derwin James could be in for a big year!
For those of you out there who lost their starting IDP defensive back to injury this past week like I did, get well soon Keanu Neal, there may be hope on the horizon. His name: Derwin James
After winning the starting free safety job this past summer, James, like he did in college, was all over the field on Sunday. 2 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, 2 passes defensed, and 1 sack later and all of a sudden you have someone who led the team in fantasy points at the safety position. With the likes of Adam Schefter of ESPN stating many within the Chargers organization view James as the second coming of the late Sean Taylor, it’s hard not show some level of skepticism given James up until that point hadn’t even played a snap in the NFL. However, if he continues to perform like he did this past Sunday, Derwin James could be finding himself in some elite company in no time. He’s definitely worth a stash on your fantasy roster’s bench for now and may end up helping you win a fantasy title down the road.
