Monday Morning Hangover – Week Nine

Jeff Haverlack Posted On November 4, 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) Is It Finally Tuel Time?

No.

Can #2) Geno’s On Week

Jury may still be out on the Good-Geno/Bad-Geno. What exactly was Geno Smith against the Saints yesterday? In the end, the Jets shocked the Saints, taking the contest by the score of 26-20. On the other hand, Smith completed only eight passes on the day for 115 yards with no interceptions. He did rush for a touchdown and tallied 18 yards on the ground, but I’m checking the box for “Bad Geno” this week. That said, it’s not as if the Jets have surrounded him with dynamic weapons enough to take the pressure off the rookie passer. While the Saints’ defense is more stout in 2013 than previous years, they’re far from the likes of the Seattle Seahawks and it’s surprising that no receiver for the Jets could pull down more than two receptions.

The only real bright spot for the Jets, beyond the victory, was the emergence of Chris Ivory who ran for 139 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. The 25 year old runner finally appears to have his legs under him and displayed not only his well-known power, but also excellent field vision and quickness into the secondary. He’s still no better than a last-flex play until he shows more consistency but owners have to be encouraged.

Can #3) Is Chip Kelly Green With Envy?

Any envy Chip Kelly may have had watching Terrelle Pryor in previous weeks likely evaporated as Nick Foles shredded the Oakland secondary to the tune of 406 yards and seven touchdowns. Seven! Foles was simply able to do whatever he wanted during the game and the Raiders had no answer. Pryor ultimately was forced from the game with a knee injury which doesn’t appear to be serious. And yet again, owners of Darren McFadden hopefully enjoyed his two touchdown performance in week eight because the constantly-injured back exited in the second quarter of this contest with an aggravation of his hamstring injury. DMc’s dynasty value continues to take blow after blow and he may stay on the canvas after this one. If you’re looking to move him, good luck as his value is well below first round value as it stands. If you’re looking to acquire him, realize he’ll be 27 before the 2014 season kicks off and he’s certain to be in a new uniform as well. While some may believe this bodes well for the gimpy McFadden, there is little way that he’ll be acquired by a team looking for a bell-cow in the backfield. He’s barely a complementary back as it stands.

For the Eagles, who are still in the hunt in the under-performing NFC East, Foles has secured the starting position and is likely to now hold onto that position for the remainder of the season. DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy remain fantasy main-stays in 2014 and Riley Cooper will now be flying off the waiver wire this week. Go figure.

Can #4) Peachy Keenum

Case Keenum is undoubtedly the new Houston quarterback for the time being. When a spark was needed, Keenum came through in a way no one would have expected. In the first quarter during the tilt against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, Keenum tossed three touchdowns, all to the previously touchdownless (on the season) Andre Johnson. The energy and spark that he brought to the defense and the crowd in attendance was palpable and undeniable as it appeared that he was in the process of strapping the team to his back and carrying them to victory. In the end, however, the code was cracked at halftime and the Colts brought significantly more pressure, taking away Keenum’s comfort in the pocket. He began pressing, rushing throws and failed to find the end zone again. A late fourth quarter drive showed that he has what it takes to keep the job. He drove the Texans to the Indi 37 yard line for a would-be game tying field goal, only to have Houston kicker, Randy Bullock, miss his third on the night. If I were a betting man, I wouldn’t expect Bullock won’t return for week ten.

As for Keenum, his 350 yards, three touchdowns and zero turnovers should give Texan faithful something to get behind. He has an undeniable charisma and energy that will go a long way to keeping veteran Matt Schaub on the bench as Houston looks to the future. The big question for 2014 is whether the Texans will use their first round draft selection on one of the talented slingers sure to be entering next year’s draft. While Keenum’s performance has been noteworthy, he’s still an undersized, undrafted quarterback yet to win a game. We’re rooting for him. Nine catches, 229 yards and three touchdowns says that Andre Johnson is rooting for his return as well.

Can #5) Schiano’s Last Stand?

Have to hand it to Schiano’s Buccaneers. Whether he’s lost the team or not, the Bucs went into Seattle, where no team wants to play, and turned in a heck of a game. A the conclusion, the Seahawks prevailed by a field goal with their first possession in overtime, 27-24.

Mike Glennon is developing on a weekly basis and while he didn’t shoot the lights out in the way of yardage, he threw for two touchdowns on 17/23 passing and didn’t commit a turnover. Additionally, replacement runner Mike James rumbled for 158 yards on the ground and THREW for a touchdown on his only attempt. Once again tight end Tim Wright continues to show well as he hauled in four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. It appears as though the Bucs have found their future TE with the 23 year old converted wide receiver. Did you start VJax? Sorry. Two receptions for 11 yards.

Impressive game or not, one has to believe that Schiano is the NFL version of Walking Dead.

Can #6) The Washington TBDs

The fantasy woes for owners of RGIII continue, but the Redskins escaped week nine with a win against the Chargers from San Diego. Multiple fantasy notables were present in this contest. On one hand, RGIII failed to find the end zone in any form, while the ground game did so four times. On that note, Alfred Morris experienced a good fantasy day by totaling 125 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. That right, a single touchdown given the four that the Redskins punched in on the ground. Shanahanigans were on display once more as fullback Darrel Young rushed five times for 12 yards and THREE touchdowns. Painful. Jordan Reed came back to earth with four receptions and 37 yards on five targets.

The plight of RGIII owners continues as he’s doing his best Geno Smith impression. Can you play him each week? Can you not? Like it or not, he’s a QB2 until proven otherwise.

Follow me on Twitter: @DLF_Jeff

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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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