Sunday Six Pack: Week Four

Doug Green Posted On September 29, 2019

Welcome dynasty gladiators. We are about to enter the bye week gauntlet. One false step and you could go from first to… well, let’s not talk about that.

With the way the season has unfolded thus far, there are bound to some more surprises in store, so make sure you are nimble enough to dodge the incoming tridents, swords, and nets.

Now, before Caesar releases the lions, let’s get into this week’s questions.

1. Will this AB drama ever end?

Maybe? It sure seems like Antonio Brown’s wild roller coaster ride of a season has finally slowed down. After his release from the Patriots, Brown declared he was done with the NFL, even going so far to re-enroll in classes at Central Michigan.

At this point, he’s so radioactive no sane NFL team will go near him.

My guess: Until his legal situation is sorted out, I don’t see him playing this season. If that goes away sooner rather than later, a playoff contender might be willing to roll the dice. I’d say that’s a long shot at this point though.

2. Who keeps pace in the NFC North?

The Bears and Vikings square off in Minnesota in a late game this week. Both teams are eerily similar. Both are 2-1 and sport dominant defenses with offenses that are, let’s call them, challenged. Between Mitchell Trubisky and Kirk Cousins, whoever has the best day will probably be the one that pilots their team to keep pace with the Packers

My guess: Dalvin Cook is the key player in this matchup. If Chicago can keep him relatively under wraps, the visitors will have a good shot at winning. If he runs amok, it will be a long day for the folks from the Windy City.

3. Is Green Bay’s defense for real?

Yeah, the IDP guy is going to sneak in a defensive question. For years, the Packers’ Achilles heel has been their defense, the secondary in particular. With the additions of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, Green Bay is generating tons of pressure. Couple that with the emergence of Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, and the Packers are looking strong.

My guess: They’ve looked great but they will be tested next week at Dallas and again in week eight when they travel to Kansas City. If Green Bay passes those two tests, the national talking heads won’t be able to stop talking about them.

4. What to expect out of Kyle Allen?

He stepped in last week and looked like a seasoned vet. He’s got decent playmakers to work with. Will he get you tons of rushing yards and touchdowns, a la Cam Newton? Nope. But won’t kill you with silly interceptions or fumbles either.

My guess: We’re going to know everything we need to know about Allen in the next three weeks with games at Houston, against a still tough Jacksonville defense, and a game in London against Tampa Bay. With Newton being out indefinitely unless an injury pops up, its Allen’s show for the foreseeable future.

5. Should I be worried that Josh Jacobs isn’t catching the ball?

He has only one catch on three targets this season. Now, the one catch went for 28 yards, so the big-play potential is still there. Raiders coach Jon Gruden said this week that they were going to make an effort to Jacobs more passes going forward.

My guess: Yeah, I know that NFL coaches lie. In this case though, I think it behooves the Raiders to get the ball into the hands of their best player. Even a couple of passes a game should be enough to keep dynasty managers happy, especially if Jacobs gets loose and finds his way to the end zone.

6. Can Wayne Gallman really pick up the slack for Saquon Barkley?

No.

Ok, the editors say I have to expand on that. Look, Barkley is the best running back I have seen since a young Adrian Peterson. Gallman has been on the Giants for two full years and the coaching staff have gone out of their way not to use him. Gallman has 169 rushing yards, in his career. Total. By comparison, Barkley had 170 rushing yards in his fourth professional game.

My guess: Gallman will get the volume, but I wouldn’t be expecting huge numbers. If you’re looking for a bright side, Gallman does have decent enough hands he should be able to pick you up some points in the passing game.