Let’s assume the Bills keep the game competitive throughout the entire contest. I want to see if OC Kevin Patulo asks Jalen Hurts to open up as a passer. Since Hurts’ multi-turnover snafu against the Chargers, the Eagles’ QB1 has averaged less than seven air yards per attempt. His total yardage hasn’t crested 200 without a pick since late November. So if Josh Allen has his way, Hurts will need to be a solid thrower of the ball in order for the Eagles to walk away with a win.
We can all agree that Josh Allen’s superpower is his mobility. Not just strolling through defenses for 40-yard touchdowns (no, I’m not still upset about Cincinnati’s loss), but within the pocket and buying time for passing lanes to open up. But his foot injury should have everyone on edge. Allen didn’t attempt to run in the second half. Accordingly, the Bills’ yards per drive and third-down conversion rate plummeted. There’s no doubt Allen will be out there to ensure Buffalo makes the playoffs, but his level of effectiveness should be on everyone’s mind.
Sure, DJ Moore (and Caleb Williams, of course) was the hero against the Packers last Saturday. And Rome Odunze’s continued absence should entice fantasy managers to keep Moore in their lineups. But he only had seven targets that night. Olamide Zaccheaus only had one fewer pass thrown his way through regulation. Moore’s connection with Williams and Williams’ reliance on Moore for big plays should keep the veteran WR as a top-24 option. But putting him in the top-12 discussion might be a bridge too far.
There’s a scenario where the Rams have a clear playoff picture prior to kickoff. It’s not a certainty, but between now and Monday night (and for Week 18, to boot), motivation may be in question for L.A. But for Matthew Stafford, there’s nothing but certainty. Stafford sits at 40 passing TDs, seven more than the next QB (Jared Goff). We’ve seen HC Sean McVay ensure his guys get their season-long accolades. Confirming his QB makes a case for the NFL’s greatest honor shouldn’t be much of a surprise.
Kyle Pitts Sr. may not have turned in a season that fantasy managers expected. However, it’s been better than most would want to admit. Pitts sits behind only Trey McBride in the amount of yards and first downs generated. And if you’re a stat nerd (like me), Pitts’ 1.75 yards per route run ranks third amongst all TEs. Again, it’s taken Drake London missing time and Darnell Mooney playing on a busted collarbone for us to get back to some semblance of Pitts’ historic rookie year. But, as much as some won’t want to admit, we’re seeing it through four months of action.