Monday Morning Hangover – Week Eight

Jeff Haverlack Posted On October 28, 2013

Can #1) Don’t Gamble on Campbell

For his part as the new starter in Cleveland, veteran signal caller Jason Campbell held his own. On the day, Campbell tossed two touchdowns on 22/36 passing for 293 yards. He also took care of the football by not registering an interception or a fumble. There’s little to be excited about with Campbell at quarterback, but owners of Josh Gordon can at least breathe a bit easier in that Campbell looked for Gordon early and often throughout the day. Gordon’s 10 targets led all Browns’ receivers. He would finish the day with five receptions, 132 yards and a single touchdown. If Gordon remains in Cleveland after the trade deadline, he’ll continue to be a strong feast or famine play each week, but with tremendous upside.

Can #2) The Jaguars are So Bored With the USA

Without doing my back research, I’ll go on record as saying that the Jaguars are the first team to be winless in two countries at the halfway mark of an NFL season. Colin Kaepernick and the 49’ers badly outmatched the hapless Jaguars by the score of 42-10. Chad Henne didn’t turn the ball over but could only muster 228 yards and a single touchdown to Mike Brown, and little else. MJD combined for over 100 yards on the day, 75 on the ground and 47 in the passing game for one of his better production days of 2013. But regardless of how you slice it, the Jacksonville Jaguars are as poor a team as we’ve seen in the NFL and a near lock for the first pick in the 2014 draft.

Can #3) Ponder Scum

In the most unsurprising result of the weekend’s slate of games, Christian Ponder was terrible. Chalk it up to what you will, poor offensive line play, no dynamic on offense or completely uninspiring play calling, the Vikings had no bright spot other than the electricity provided by rookie Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson returned his first attempt 109 yards for a touchdown, tying the longest return on record. But beyond that brief 15 seconds of special team’s performance and closing minutes garbage-team, the Vikings were flatter than the final score would indicate. This was essentially Ponder’s last shot at retaining his starting position, unless injuries continue to prolong the pain. The trade deadline is upon us (Tuesday) and both Jared Allen and Adrian Peterson have been mentioned, although denied with earnest by the organization. In all reality, it makes perfect sense for the Vikings to move on from both players and secure young talent or draft picks in order to continue the rebuilding process, but this is a case where fan psychology will likely be an important variable for consideration. I expect no moves in this area.

Can #4) My Quizz Got SJaxed

We hope none of you rushed to get Steven Jackson back in your lineup. Jackson rumbled for a tremendous six yards on 11 totes to go with seven yards on three receptions. Yes, that’s right, a notable 13 yards on 14 touches. Jacquizz Rodgers didn’t fair much better rushing for eight yards on two carries and securing two receptions for 11 yards. It was a down day for most Falcon players not named Harry Douglas, again. Douglas hauled in 12 receptions for 121 yards, proving that you could do worse if you need flex-play help. Matt Ryan is clearly missing his top receivers, Roddy White and Julio Jones. He did pass for 301 yards, but only notched a single touchdown to go with his four interceptions. The Falcons are in trouble. Sjax owners should expect little from him in the second half of the season. Consider anything noteworthy that follows a bonus.

Can #5) Calvin, Dez (and Terrance?)

All three receivers had fantasy-relevant days. Dez Bryant reeled in three receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns while fellow ‘Boy Terrance Williams could only muster two receptions, but for 64 yards and a touchdown. And Calvin Johnson tallied another spectacular day, falling a few yards short of the all time single-game receiving record when he compiled a stat line of 14 receptions, 329 yards and a single touchdown. He nearly secured a second touchdown , falling just short of the goal line. While Bryant and Johnson are fantasy mainstays, Terrance Williams looks to have finally secured a WR2 role across from Bryant, making him a startable asset nearly every week. Given his size and age (24), he could be very good for a very long time. For the remainder of 2013, expect up and down days as a flex players in fantasy.

Can #6) Elementary, My Dear Watson

Jimmy Graham started but was limited on the day, ultimately pulling down three receptions for 37 yards, two of which went for touchdowns. Even in a limited role, Graham proves that he is a must start any day he will see the field. Ben Watson for his part also tallied three receptions for 45 yards but couldn’t find the end zone. It’s really very simple. Watson is a serviceable tight end in this high powered offense only when Graham is sure to be grounded. If not, you can’t start him. It appears that Graham exited this week’s contest no worse for wear and he’ll be a must start in week nine.

Author
Recent Posts

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

Latest posts by Jeff Haverlack (see all)