Monday Morning Hangover: Week Five

Jeff Haverlack Posted On October 7, 2013

Every Sunday we’re featuring the Sunday Six Pack that covers the day’s biggest story lines. 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) No Running Back, No Cry?

LeGarrette Blount was no match for the tough Bengal interior, posting 51 yards on only 12 carries. The game was close for four quarters, but the Patriots showed little to no confidence in the run game missing the dynamic of both Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley. Blount did get an opportunity from within the one yard line, but couldn’t punch it in. Truth be told, the Patriots were flat for the entire game in all phases of their g ame and Tom Brady’s emotions seem to be getting the best of him while, at the same time, having little impact on the play of his teammates around him. Whether Ridley returns in week six or not, there are greater troubles present in Patriot-land.

Can #2) Thoroughbreds or Ponies?

In one of the better games on Sunday, the Colts outlasted the Seahawks, ultimately besting the birds by the score of 34-28. The game featured everything fantasy fans have come to expect from these two teams – a blocked punt, blocked field goal, a defensive touchdown, a safety, an interception, fumbles, sacks and all sorts of other defensive goodness. The only thing not on display was the stingy Seahawk defense. Any way you slice it, Andrew Luck has proven he can start every week and post respectable numbers. On the day, Luck only posted 229 passing yards, but managed two touchdowns while not yielding an interception, though he did lose a fumble. And welcome T.Y. Hilton, who exploded for 140 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five receptions. Hilton is likely now a solid WR3 in fantasy, with upside. Trent Richardson could only manage 56 yards on 18 totes. TRich fans may start getting a bit antsy if yards don’t start appearing in the next couple of weeks.

Can #3) Do You Believe in FitzMagic?

The 5-0 Chiefs easily managed the Titans from Tennessee by the score of 26-17, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score might indicate. If not for a busted play that resulted in a 49 yard reception and touchdown by Chris Johnson, the lone Titan touchdown would have been scored by the fleet-footed Ryan Fitzpatrick doing his best Colin Kaepernick impression on a nine yard scramble. The Titans are now 3-2, but don’t resemble a time on the rise. The aforementioned Johnson is nowhere to be found, isn’t significantly involved in the run game, perma-sleeper Kenny Britt is once again sleeping and rumored to be on the move while Nate Washington seems to be the playmaker of the group. With Seattle on deck and San Francisco in the hole, things certainly look titanic.

Can #4) The Stoppable Force Vs. The Movable Object

It was an entertaining game and true to the script we had written. The musical backs of St. Louis rushed 36 times for 143 yards on the day, but failed to visit the end-zone. The big question was just who would be starting. Zac Stacy received the lion’s share of carries, rushing 14 times for 78 yards and has likely earned another start in week six. Daryl Richardson chimed in with 13 carries, but could only muster 48 yards on the day. Benny Cunningham spelled the other two with four carries of his own. For Jacksonville, all eyes were on the return of Justin Blackmon, who did nothing to disappoint. JB totaled 136 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. With many wondering if Blackmon’s return would hurt Cecil Shorts‘ production, Shorts responded with five balls for 74 yards and a touchdown. Are things looking up in Jacksonville? Only if you’re looking forward to earning a chance at Teddy Bridgewater in 2014.

Can #5) Pretenders or Contenders?

Yikes. A bye week to prepare did nothing to help the flailing Panthers, who fell to the Arizona Cardinals by the score of 22-6. Cam Newton looked completely perplexed on his way to 308 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. In his defense, he was on the run all day and was ultimately sacked seven times. The Panthers are in dire need for playmakers beyond their able-legged quarterback. DeAngelo Williams as a carry-the-load back, looks like the 30 year old back that he is. Receiver Steve Smith has lost a step and while the Panther defense is better than advertised, they can only do so much. The Jonathan Stewart return-watch is on, but many believe that ship has long since sailed and sunk. Carolina badly needs a backfield presence to take the pressure off of the uninspiring receivers, but not many remain who believe Stewart is the answer. Talk has already begun that Coach Rivera is among the walking dead and the rebuilding will continue. Sorry Carolina fans, but the outlook isn’t looking any brighter.

Can #6) Midnight Madness

A late game featuring two teams on the fast track to nowhere? Most said no thanks. If you were one of them, the Raiders ended up winning the game against the Chargers 27-17 while you were sleeping. Terrelle Pryor was back under center and, dare I say, I have been wrong. Pryor seems to be progressing quickly, is willing to stick in the pocket and also has a natural pocket presence that allows him to escape pressure somewhat with ease. He’s more willing to throw the ball away and has the ability to string a play out until a receiver opens up. What I’ve seen from him leads me to believe there just may be further potential here. He finished the night an efficient 18-for-23 for 221 yards, with two touchdowns, no interceptions and 31 rushing yards just for fun. Both Denarius Moore and Rod Streater had touchdowns on the night and Moore had close to 100 yards (84 on the night). Philip Rivers appeared to be skittish in the pocket and was on the run much of the night, but he rebounded in the second half to put up another good fantasy performance. San Diego found little space running the football and ended the game with an anemic 32 total rushing yards. Perhaps the most telling stat of the game is three for eight – that would be the number of Ryan Mathews’ carries followed by his yardage. It’s not pretty for Mathews’ owners after his concussion knocked him out of yet another game.

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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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