Monday Morning Hangover: Week Three

Jeff Haverlack Posted On September 23, 2013

Every Sunday we’re featuring the Sunday Six Pack that covers the day’s biggest storylines. We follow this up each and every Monday with The Monday Morning Hangover, which looks back on those stories and covers what we learned. These back-to-back articles are sure to get you primed, pumped and informed throughout the entire season. In addition, reading these articles will ensure you understand the dangers of not paying attention or drinking too much on Sundays.

Can #1) Bear Up

Everything is clicking for the 3-0 Bears and even the hosting Steelers were no match for what Chicago put out Sunday night. In a 40-23 romp of the Steelers, that wasn’t even as close as the score may indicate, the Bears were firing on all cylinders. For his part, Jay Cutler has little to do other than manage the offense. His 159 yards and single touchdown don’t properly tell the story of domination on both sides of the ball that took place. Two defensive touchdowns combined with two rushing touchdowns and an exceptional reception by Earl Bennett more than made up up for Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown, who did his best to stop the bleeding. On the night, Brown hauled in nine receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns, providing nearly 50% of the Steelers’ total offensive yardage. For Cutler and the Bears, however, it has to be a good feeling in that they only gave up two sacks and were simply able to take whatever the defense provided. Now the Bears find themselves in first place in what could me one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL when it’s all said and done.

Can #2) Trent is Sent and Off He Went

As was expected, Trent Richardson did see time in the backfield, but his time was somewhat limited. His first carry as a Colt resulted in a one yard touchdown dive. His remaining 12 carries yielded only 34 yards for a total of 35 on the day. Recent acquisition Ahmad Bradshaw added 45 yards of his own and the Colts punched out a tough road win in San Francisco by the score of 27-7. Going forward, there’s little doubt Richardson will be the bell-cow, but don’t count out Bradshaw for meaningful touches as well as a passing game weapon. Any way you slice it, fantasy owners have to be happy with Richardson’s change of scenery.

Can #3) Apocalypse Jacksonville

Ugly it was. The hapless Jaguars couldn’t muster anything on the field, be it on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, ultimately falling to the Seahawks 45-17. While Russell Wilson had a notable afternoon by throwing for 202 yards and four touchdowns (two of them to Sidney Rice), Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch could only muster 69 yards on 17 totes, far less than owners were hoping for. Both Wilson and Lynch exited in the third quarter in the blowout win. The Jags (and their fans) simply have to endure another 13 games before securing their own face of the franchise, be it Teddy Bridgewater, Tajh Boyd or one of the other noteworthy collegiate quarterbacks expected to be available in 2014.

Can #4) Clay is the New Myers

Tight end Charles Clay fell back to earth on Sunday, notching four receptions for just 40 yards on six targets. He’s still an upside TE2 fantasy player with some TE1 capability, albeit not one that you can start yet with great confidence. With decent size, better than average agility and at only 24 years of age, Clay has an opportunity to be a good player for many years to come. He’ll have another 13 games to secure his spot as a starter in 2014 and beyond.

Can #5) Apparently, Tom Brady Cannot Throw it to Himself

Brady was 25-for-36 for 225 yards on the day, throwing for two touchdowns and a single interception. More importantly, Brady and his young receivers, Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins, appeared to be on the same page, or at least in the same book. Dobson pulled down seven receptions for 52 yards and Thompkins was efficient with his three receptions for 41 yards by scoring two touchdowns on the day. Julian Edelman caught his typical seven receptions for a measly 44 yards, but salvaged at least something on the day in PPR formats. The bigger issue is the lack of a run game for the Pats and fantasy owners. While three backs combined for a total of 151 yards, there just doesn’t seem to be a back worthy of starting given existing circumstances. Ridley remains the back to own until Shane Vereen returns from injury, but he’s not a back to be counted on at this point.

Can #6) Knowshon Moreno and an Upright Peyton

Being that this is a Monday morning article, we certainly can’t report on the game but we’re looking forward to the contest. The Broncos’ offense is as potent as they come and contains Peyton Manning, four legitimate receiving threats and the rising Knowshon Moreno. Moreno seemingly has risen to RB2 status and is valued for his pass-blocking ability. He’s also extremely capable as a receiver out of the backfield. Can Julius Thomas solidify his status as a TE1 with a third notable performance on Monday night? Stay tuned and let’s find out.

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Jeff Haverlack

Co-Founder at Dynasty League Football

Appreciative husband and proud father who poorly attempts to balance family life with his passion for creating the largest, most helpful and most impactful fantasy community on the planet! DLF was created for the community and we're committed to each member within it! Hope anyone playing this great game will call DLF home in some way!

You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff

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