Pftt 2016 10 27

LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles banged up with big games ahead SINCE 1967

THURSDAY | OCTOBER 27, 2016

The

Rookie duel in Dallas

CARSON WENTZ AND DAK PRESCOTT FACE OFF ON SUNDAY PLUS

WAY WE HEAR IT & FANTASY FOOTBALL

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

1 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 2 DENVER BRONCOS 3 MINNESOTA VIKINGS 4 DALLAS COWBOYS 5 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 6 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 7 GREEN BAY PACKERS 8 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 9 ARIZONA CARDINALS 10 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 11 OAKLAND RAIDERS 12 CINCINNATI BENGALS 13 NEW YORK GIANTS 14 HOUSTON TEXANS 15 BUFFALO BILLS 16 ATLANTA FALCONS 17 DETROIT LIONS 18 WASHINGTON 19 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 20 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 21 BALTIMORE RAVENS 22 MIAMI DOLPHINS 23 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 24 LOS ANGELES RAMS 25 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 26 NEW YORK JETS 27 CAROLINA PANTHERS 28 TENNESSEE TITANS 29 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 30 CHICAGO BEARS 31 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 32 CLEVELAND BROWNS Clearly the cream of the crop now Defense may still be Super

They’ve had their mulligan; any offense coming?

Can’t drop them lower, ‘D’ still hard to trust Very good but missing an ingredient for great Have to find offense MIA in Arizona

Solid offense second half versus Bears

Jim Schwartz’s ‘D’ bounced back big vs. Vikes Back in race but still missing several parts Can they hang on until Big Ben returns?

Masters of the mediocre win

Looked more themselves vs. Browns

Back-to-back wins set up Eagles showdown Struggle when facing big boys like the Broncos

Power Rankings Welcome to our ProFootballWeekly.com NFL Week 8 Power Rankings

Please keep in mind as you read them they have nothing to do with who we think will be in the playoffs and Super Bowl, nor do they necessarily indicate who we think the best teams in the league are. These rankings are based on each team’s performance in the first seven weeks of the season, players lost to injury and players expected to return soon.

AP PHOTO

Just when Rex had us tempted to believe, an ugly loss in Miami OT home loss to Chargers brings back all the doubts Surprising 3-game win streak gets them to 4-3, in the hunt Still looking for signature win, battling weak losses Another bad team battles back to .500

Denver, Atlanta back-to-back two impressive wins Was three-game win streak to open season a fluke?

Jay Ajayi forces Arian Foster into retirement Gutsy win over Titans keeps Colts in AFC South race Fish, please tell us again why Jared Goff isn’t playing?

Sad to see a team with Drew Brees so defenseless Four must-wins next make bounce back possible.

Bye turns season around? How does Newton respond?

Mariota not yet a difference-maker These guys may be getting worse

Bad News Bears lose Hoyer and Long

With the Vikings loss to the Eagles Sunday, Rob Gronkowski and the Patriots take over the top spot in the PFW rankings this week

Even starting Kaepernick still just a sideshow Don’t see how they climb out of this spot

Y

es, the once unassailable, indestructible, monopolistic money machine known as the National Football League is showing a few small cracks in its armor. And under the leadership of commissioner Roger Goodell, it can’t seem to stop stepping in its own mess.

Now let’s be clear. The NFL is still light years ahead of any other sport in America in terms of popularity, revenue and profits. That appears to be locked in for the foreseeable future.

But over the past week and a half, we’ve seen headlines screaming that NFL TV ratings are down 10 percent, Goodell bungles the Josh Brown domestic abuse arrest, National Anthem/flag protesters are turning fans away, officiating is reaching new lows, taunting penalties go from surreal to outrageous, the Oakland Raiders join the list of NFL teams deserting loyal fans for a big payday ... and the list goes on.

Much of this erupted from the NFL owners fall meetings in Houston and Goodell meeting the national media with pretty much the wrong answer to

everything.

Roger Goodell seems This is not Armagedto agree, saying, “As don or the Apocalypse; I’ve said before, I truly respect our players it is the kind of test the wanting to speak out and NFL is not used to facing change the community. and is threatening to fail.

For purposes of this We don’t live in a perfect conversation, let’s focus society. We want them to on the movement startuse that voice.” ed by Colin Kaepernick OK, I can live with to protest the anthem, that, I guess.

What I cannot live with the league’s response, is Goodell appointing the significant uptick in himself the celebration taunting penalties and HUB ARKUSH harkush@ProFootballWeekly.com police and the ultimate the league’s response to @Hub_Arkush enforcer of his self-styled that.

Pro Football Weekly “No Fun League” policy, does not take an editorial position on and much worse, the moral authority national anthem protests as we see and on the First Amendment.

About end zone celebrations and understand both sides. taunting penalties, Goodell says, “We The actions of Kaepernick and other do believe that our players are role players are offensive to many, including me personally, and it seems there models and others look at that at the are much better ways to make his point. youth level. So that’s important for us At the same time, it is absolutely his to hold that standard up. And it’s part First Amendment right to do what he of being a professional. So that’s one element of it.” is doing and I do absolutely believe it Say again! Disrespecting our Nationis his intent to do good, not to dishonor al Anthem and flag is fine because of a or offend.

player’s First Amendment rights, but doing a touchdown dance, celebrating with teammates or talking a little smack isn’t protected by that same amendment?

How many folks would we guess are offended and negatively impacted by the anthem protests? How many by celebrating and taunting on the field?

Which action should we be more concerned about teaching our youth?

How are we not to be stunned and appalled at the sheer hypocrisy and idiocy of the juxtaposition of these two policies?

It is clear we all have rights under the First Amendment, but it is not at all clear how free we are to exercise them in the work place when we don’t own the business.

Goodell apparently agrees with that position. From here it appears his choices as to what is appropriate for the image of the league and what is not are stunningly bad.

What if it was a three-way race between Clinton, Trump and Goodell?

How many of you would vote for Roger?

Pro Football Weekly is produced by Shaw Media, the Daily Herald Media Group and the Chicago Sun-Times in partnership with other Illinois daily newspapers.

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Roger Goodell’s hypocrisy on taunting, anthem protests

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Rookie quarterbacks just one part of NFC East Sunday showdown

I

By ARTHUR

ARKUSH

aarkush@profootballweekly.com

t was painfully evident the NFC East needed a fresh start following an unsightly 2015, wherein just one team – Washington – finished above .500.

Fast forward to this season, seven weeks in, and it’s the NFL’s only division with four winning teams. The fresh start coming largely due to fresh blood at the quarterback position is one of the season’s biggest stories and sets the stage for perhaps Week 8’s most highly anticipated battle: Carson Wentz’ 4-2 Eagles vs. Dak Prescott’s 5-1 Cowboys, Round One. Part of the beauty within what the rookie passers – Philadelphia’s the second overall pick, Dallas’ selected 135th overall – are doing is they’re

not being asked to do too much.

Wentz wasn’t sharp Sunday in the Eagles’ 2610 roast of Sam Bradford’s Vikings but he didn’t have to be; Jim Schwartz’s defense was exceptional, picking up its young QB after three of his four turnovers on the season came early in a five-minute span.

Prescott enjoys superior protection from his offensive line and fellow rookie phenom, NFL rushing leader and No. 4 overall pick Ezekiel Elliott.

Nonetheless, both freshmen have earned rave reviews for their poise, versatile playmaking and ability to handle pressure – in between and outside the white lines. Moreover, the similarities between their stats are striking.

Prescott: 10 total touchdowns, three turnovers, 125-of-182 passing, 103.9 rating.

Wentz: Nine total touchdowns, four turnovers,

118-of-185 passing, 92.7 rating.

Make no mistake, this Sunday Night Football showdown will also be about Philadelphia’s terrific defensive front vs. Dallas’ tremendous front wall; the Eagles’ great special teams against the Cowboys’ susceptible third phase; and two of the league’s best defensive architects trying to flummox extraordinarily composed rookies.

But as we all know, it’s a QB-driven league, and in addition to their young QBs catalyzing them now, the Cowboys and Eagles appear to have found their leaders to drive their respective organizations for years to come. And that’s good for the entire game, much less these ascending NFC East rivals.

PACK ATTACK BACK? Did the Packers, without a healthy running back for more than a few days, pass their way out of their year-long funk offensively

7:30 p.m. Thursday, NBC

The primetime ratings shot in the arm will apparently have to wait at least another week.

WASHINGTON AT BENGALS 8:30 a.m. (LONDON) Sunday, NFL NETWORK

Finally, London gets a game featuring a pair of postseason-caliber teams ... from 2015

PACKERS AT FALCONS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, FOX

Green Bay takes its new dink-and-dunk offense to Atlanta, where Falcons’ 2015-like meltdown might be underway if the defense doesn’t give Ryan and Julio some help.

PATRIOTS AT BILLS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Perhaps they took the Landry Jones-led Steelers lightly, but the Pats, with a red-hot Brady, remember well being shut out in Foxborough in Week 4.

JETS AT BROWNS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

All roads apparently lead back to Ryan Fitzpatrick for Jets; when will the Browns’ lead to elusive win No. 1?

LIONS AT TEXANS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, FOX

If Detroit struggles to stop Osweiler’s offense, it’s time to worry about the defense. If Osweiler struggles to score on the Lions, Houston has a big problem.

AP PHOTO

Zack Martin and the Cowboys offensive line will be tested by the Eagles’ defense on Sunday night

this past Thursday night? Aaron Rodgers finalfense get enough stops this time around? ly threw for more than 300 yards, albeit just 5.8 SPEED RUSH: What were the Bills and Chiefs yards per attempt, while Green Bay dinked and thinking playing LeSean McCoy (eight carries, dunked its way past the hapless Bears. Davante 11 yards and a re-aggravated hamstring injury) Adams and Ty Montgomery were front and cenand Jamaal Charles (two snaps) last week? It’s not like Rex Ryan and Andy Reid weren’t aware ter in Mike McCarthy’s reconfigured short and of Week 8 games with major playoff implicahorizontal attack. It’s not unlike what the Falcons had done to them in Week 7, when they squantions against New England and Indianapolis, respectively.

Buffalo dered a 27-10 lead to Philwas run over by Miami ip Rivers’ upstart Charanyway, and the Chiefs gers. Atlanta is suddenly didn’t need Charles one loss to the Packers to survive the Saints. from .500 and falling beWill either be available hind the surging BuccaSunday? … After the neers in the NFC South.

NFL’s most physical, Memories of last year’s and entertaining-decollapse following a 5-1 start might be remateripending-on-who-you-ask game of the season alizing in Atlanta, with ended in a 6-6 overtime whispers questioning tie, tell Seattle and Aria soft defense growing louder. Matt Ryan and zona what they’ve won Julio Jones have been the (clearly not anything in NFL’s most prolific aerithe actual win column): al pairing – though Ryan LeSean McCoy (left) and Jamaal Charles played difficult trips to New Orleans and Carolina, tossed a killer intercep- with injuries on Sunday when they would have respectively. Sure, it’s tion late versus San Di- been better off returning for Week 8 lowly opponents from ego, an illustration he the NFC South, but these NFC West club’s road still doesn’t have enough options aside from responses after that compelling Sunday night Jones. Now, Atlanta’s up-and-down pass rush (an slugfest could serve as season flashpoints. … At improvement at least) must try and penetrate least temporarily, the Colts and Bengals saved one of the league’s better offensive lines, coming their seasons by getting back to doing what off extra rest. Dan Quinn’s club gets Green Bay they do best. But there’s no rest for the weary, when its top two corners, and possibly three, are as Indy now welcomes the surging Chiefs, and down. That should position Jones for another big Washington, whose own streak was halted by day – he exploded for 11 catches, 259 yards and a the phenomenon that is Matthew “Bob Cooter” touchdown against Green Bay with healthy corStafford, visits Cincy. nerbacks two seasons ago – but can Atlanta’s de-

CHIEFS AT COLTS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Andrew Luck has heated up entering replay of his best-ever comeback and a posteason classic; will eventual reinforcements, Houston and Charles, be enough for K.C.’s next step?

SEAHAWKS AT SAINTS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, FOX

Seattle ‘D’ has to feel a lot like Saints ‘O,’ wondering if complementary football is at all attainable this season.

RAIDERS AT BUCCANEERS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

It’s ugly, but Oakland just winning, baby. Buccaneers seem to be figuring some things out with Winston and the run game.

CHARGERS AT BRONCOS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

If nothing else, McCoy and Telesco clearly still energizing roster with good young talent. Trevor Siemian is 5-1 and hasn’t given ball away since Week 2.

CARDINALS AT PANTHERS 3:25 p.m. Sunday, FOX

Has a tie ever felt more like a loss, Bruce Arians? Cards keep letting teams hang in. Another loss for Panthers on Sunday and they’re both down and out.

EAGLES AT COWBOYS 7:30 p.m. Sunday, NBC

Wentz doesn’t have Prescott’s resources, and Dak doesn’t have Carson’s prototype skill set, but does anyone doubt these teams have bright QB future?

VIKINGS AT BEARS 7:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN

This one has a chance to be the kind of horror show a primetime Halloween meeting between first- and lastplace teams deserves.

TEAMS ON BYE

Ravens, Rams, Dolphins, Giants, Steelers, 49ers

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

JAGUARS AT TITANS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

THIS WEEK’S GAMES JAX @ TEN WAS @ CIN KC @ IND OAK @ TB SEA @ NO DET @ HOU NYJ @ CLE GB @ ATL NE @ BUF SD @ DEN AZ @ CAR PHI @ DAL MIN @ CHI

Tennessee 24, Jacksonville 23 | Titans find a way at home

Tennessee 28, Jacksonville 24 | Mariota starting to feel his oats

Cincinnati 30, Washington 20 | Bengals’ arrow now pointing up

Washington 25, Cincinnati 22 | Wash more real than Bungles

Kansas City 27, Indianapolis 24 | Colts just don’t play enough ‘D’

Kansas City 25, Indianapolis 20 | Chiefs starting to find groove

Oakland 31, Tampa Bay 30 | Raiders a year ahead of Bucs

Oakland 35, Tampa Bay 28 | Carr over Winston, 2 bad ‘D’’s

Seattle 24, New Orleans 20 | Seattle doesn’t lose shootouts

Seattle 24, New Orleans 20 | Graham back to haunt Saints

Houston 17, Detroit 16 | Texans bounce back at home

Houston 30 , Detroit 21 | Osweiler better find it soon

Cleveland 17, N.Y. Jets 16 | Yep, Brownies get their first

N.Y. Jets 21, Cleveland 20 | Close but no cigar in Cleveland

Green Bay 31, Atlanta 27 | Falcons ‘D’ was bound to wither

Green Bay 21, Atlanta 20 | The Pack still a hair better

New England 34, Buffalo 17 | No way twice in one year

New England 29, Buffalo 15 | Rex may have said too much

Denver 24, San Diego 23 | San Diego better, not this good

San Diego 25, Denver 24 | Chargers, Rivers on a roll

Arizona 24, Carolina 27 | Panthers’ last stand

Arizona 25, Carolina 21 | Nail in Panthers’ coffin

Philadelphia 23, Dallas 20 | Testing Dallas ‘D’ one more time

Philadelphia 20, Dallas 10 | Prescott meets Wentz

Minnesota 16, Chicago 9 | A real Monday night yawner

Minnesota 17, Chicago 10 | Cutler back in time for beating

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Chargers could still remain in San Diego without approval of downtown stadium Dean Spanos’ desire to reward fans could mean Chargers build new stadium in Mission Valley

O

n November 8, San Diegans will vote on Proposition C, whether or not to generate up to $1.2 billion in new tax revenue to expand convention facilities and build a new downtown stadium for the San Diego Chargers.

The team has reportedly spent up to $12 million to lobby for and promote a ‘yes’ vote to allow them to stay in San Diego.

According to every poll we can find, the measure is a huge long-shot to pass, leaving the Chargers with a difficult choice.

A move to Los Angeles to share

The Chargers may stay temporarily at Qualcomm Stadium next season rather than moving to Los Angeles the new football palace being built

by Rams owner Stan Kroenke for his team has already been approved for the Chargers. It’s a move that would guarantee Chargers owner Dean Spanos new riches and immediately increase the value of his club by $50 million to $100 million.

Or the Chargers can stay in San Di-

ego and play in the badly antiquated Qualcomm Stadium with no better options in site.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand why the conventional wisdom has been the Chargers are already packing their bags for Tinseltown.

But The Way We Hear It, the most likely outcome is a third option that

no one is presently talking about.

We’re told by sources close to Spanos that he hates the idea of leaving San Diego, isn’t wild about being a tenant for Kroenke and that he is presently leaning toward an option B that has largely flown under the radar.

What has made this situation so contentious at times has been the

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AP PHOTO

ing story these days?

Packers running out of options

It was just a couple of weeks ago that we wrote here the Packers were a team to keep an eye on as ther rebuilt defense picked up steam and Aaron Rodgers showed signs of regaining his old form.

Since then, the Pack’s top-rated run defense absorbed an absolute beatdown from the Dallas Cowboys ground game, and injuries have devastated the club on both sides of the ball.

The Way We Hear It, there is frustration and a bit of desperation in America’s dairy land as injuries mount and reinforcements are scarce.

In the past two weeks, Green Bay has placed No. 1 running back Eddie Lacy on injured reserve, backup James Starks has been lost indefinitely with a knee problem, and now No. 4 wide receiver Jared Abbrederis – who was the breakout star of training camp – has also been moved to IR. On defense, first No. 1 cornerback Sam Shields was placed on IR, and now their second-best corner, Damarious Randall, has been lost indefinitely with a groin surgery.

No. 3 corner Quinten Rollins also

has been out injured and his status is uncertain.

Adding injury to insult, backup safety Chris Banjo was also just placed on IR. The Packers came back off their bye with their best offensive output of the season against the Bears, and Rodgers’ first 300-yard passing day of the season, but most of it came in the second half and it was against the Bears.

The Packers will now travel to Atlanta this weekend to take on Julio Jones and Co. with LaDarius Gunter, a former undrafted rookie free agent, and Demetri Goodson, a former sixth-round pick, at cornerback, as well as converted wide receiver Ty Montgomery starting at running back.

The Way We Hear It, it is hard to report the Packers’ arrow is still pointing up.

Eagles out hunting wideouts

Multiple outlets have reported the Philadelphia Eagles are shopping for wide receivers before the impending Nov. 1 trade deadline, with most of the speculation centering on 49ers wideout Torrey Smith and the Chicago

Bears’ Alshon Jeffery.

The 49ers have denied reports that they are shopping Smith, but those denials have been worded to leave them wiggle room to pursue a deal should one exist.

Our sources, however, are both telling and asking us, why would the Eagles, in the thick of the NFC race, be focusing on Smith, a career underachiever who comes with a fiveyear deal that includes $22 million in guarantees, if they can acquire a Pro Bowler in Alshon Jeffery who would cost them no more than the roughly $7 million still due on his franchise tag for this season?

The Eagles have the Vikings’ firstround pick to barter with – far too high a price to pay for Smith, but perhaps a reasonable risk to invest in Jeffery, even if it’s for a half-year rental on the free-agent-to-be at the end of the season if they believe they are legitimate contenders.

The Bears remain mum on any Jeffery deal, but in light of their 1-6 record and what is perceived to be their unlikely chances of signing Jeffery to a long-term deal without franchising him again, we’re hearing Jeffery is the more likely target for the Eagles should they continue to seriously shop over the next few days.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

city’s willingness to consider a new stadium plan in Mission Valley – where Qualcom currently sits – as opposed to downtown.

Spanos has stated as recently as Sept. 29 that he is adamantly opposed to a new building in Mission Valley, but he also acknowledged at the time that would be projecting the failure of Proposition C, which he was not willing to do.

Now faced with the likely defeat of the hotel tax plan to fund a downtown stadium, Spanos, we’re told, is focused more on other options to remain in San Diego than he is in heading north for L.A. Whether that means revisiting a Mission Valley development – which has been priced at about $600 million to $700 million less to build than the downtown stadium and already has a plan that would provide about $350 million from the city – or looking at other means of financing the downtown stadium is unclear.

What is clear to us is that, unlike Kroenke and Mark Davis, who couldn’t and can’t wait to desert their loyal fans in St. Louis and Oakland, respectively, Spanos is apparently more focused on rewarding his team’s fans than how to best line his own pockets.

Isn’t that an unusual and refresh-

ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY |

Is this the week Seattle’s slumbering ‘O’ wakes up?

By J.C.

Brady’s four-game suspension. The Patriots are 14th in yards allowed, but are giving up just 15.3 points per game. LeSean McCoy came into last week with a sore hamstring and had to exit the game in the third quarter. Monitor his status, but one has to think the Bills will play it safe with him. Marquise Goodwin is in the league’s concussion protocol.

MUST START: none SOLID PLAY: McCoy (if active) WORTH A LOOK: Tyrod Taylor, Mike Gillislee (if no McCoy) LAST RESORT: Brandon Tate, Charles Clay STAY AWAY: Dan Carpenter, Bills D/ST

TALON

W

Fantasy writer | ProFootballWeekly.com

ith six teams on a bye and the injuries mounting, fantasy owners might find themselves scrambling to put together a lineup in Week 8. The good news is that four of the six teams (Ravens, Rams, Dolphins, 49ers) are largely fantasy irrelevant. Things will be even tougher in Week 9 when the Cardinals, Bengals and Patriots are among the six teams with a week off. Four teams are off during Weeks 10 and 11.

There are no more byes starting in Week 12.

On to Week 8 …

Philadelphia Eagles

MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT Seattle Seahawks

OPPONENT: AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, SUNDAY, NOON Seattle’s 29th-ranked offense has frustrated fantasy owners to this point. Only four teams score fewer than the 18.5 per game posted by the Seahawks.

However, facing the Saints and their 29th ranked D’, the Hawks should be able to right the ship. Other than Week 2, when the Giants beat them 16-13, New Orleans has given up a minimum of 27 points to each opponent. The Saints are especially susceptible to the pass, giving Russell Wilson a chance to get things going. If it doesn’t happen this week, you have to wonder if it ever will. His lack of mobility stemming from multiple leg injuries is the only thing keeping Wilson from must-start status.

MUST START: Christine Michael SOLID PLAY: Wilson, Doug Baldwin, Jimmy Graham, Stephen Hauschka WORTH A LOOK: Seahawks D/ST LAST RESORT: Jermaine Kearse, Tyler Lockett

Houston Texans

OPPONENT: VS DETROIT LIONS, SUNDAY, NOON Brock Osweiler is not living up to his massive contract and the Texans have not been putting up much in terms of offensive numbers. They have an excellent opportunity this week for above-average production against a well-below-average Detroit defense. Don’t look now, but C.J. Fiedorowicz has caught 19 balls for 229 yards and two scores over the past four games.

MUST START: Lamar Miller, DeAndre Hopkins SOLID PLAY: Will Fuller WORTH A LOOK: Fiedorowicz, Nick Novak, Texans D/ST LAST RESORT: Brock Osweiler, Ryan Griffin

Cincinnati Bengals

OPPONENT: VS WASHINGTON (LONDON), SUNDAY, 8:30 a.m.

Cincy rolled up 559 yards of offense in Week 7.

Sure, it was against Cleveland, but it was still an NFL opponent … well, kind of. They’ll face a stiffer test this week, but Washington has a below-average defense. The Bengals’ backfield remains a conundrum – both Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill are viable fantasy options. The committee approach, however, is cutting into the fantasy value of both backs. Because Washington gives up 5.0 yards per carry, one of the two – maybe both – should have a good day. Due to the number of touches, we think

AP PHOTO

Fantasy players should start the Seahawks’ Christine Michael against a weak Saints defense Bernard has slightly more value, but it could go either way.

MUST START: A.J. Green SOLID PLAY: Andy Dalton, Bernard, Hill WORTH A LOOK: Brandon LaFell, Tyler Eifert, Bengals D/ST, Mike Nugent

Arizona Cardinals

OPPONENT: AT CAROLINA PANTHERS, SUNDAY, NOON Fresh off their six-point “explosion” on Sunday night, the Cardinals will roll into Carolina looking to get back on track offensively. Surprisingly, the Panthers’ 24th-ranked defense is giving up 29.3 points and 372 yards per game. We’re assuming John Brown will miss his second consecutive game, but monitor his status.

MUST START: David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald SOLID PLAY: Carson Palmer, Chandler Catanzaro WORTH A LOOK: Michael Floyd, Cardinals D/ST

ALSO CONSIDER Kansas City Chiefs

OPPONENT: AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, SUNDAY, NOON Another big day for Spencer Ware is a strong possibility. Jamaal Charles is dealing with swelling in his surgically repaired knee. If he does play, he’ll likely be limited.

Oakland Raiders

OPPONENT: AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, SUNDAY, NOON Points should be plentiful in this matchup of defensive lightweights. The over/under is pushing 50.

MATCHUPS TO AVOID Buffalo Bills

OPPONENT: VS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, SUNDAY, NOON Rex Ryan teams generally give the Patriots a hard time, but we’re thinking that New England will be geared up for this game. Buffalo won an earlier matchup this season, but that was during Tom

OPPONENT: AT DALLAS COWBOYS, SUNDAY, 7:30 This game features one of the week’s lowest over/ under numbers (43.5). The Cowboys are favored by 4.5, meaning the odds makers expect Philly to score something around 19 points. The Eagles average 26 points per game, but a lot of those points stem from defense and special teams. In terms of yards, only the Texans, Rams, Vikings and 49ers produce fewer than the Eagles. Last week, their leading receiver (Josh Huff) had just four receptions for 39 yards and Carson Wentz threw for just 138 yards and was picked twice. The Cowboys defense is ranked 17th, but has been steadily improving.

MUST START: none SOLID PLAY: Eagles D/ST WORTH A LOOK: Ryan Mathews, Jordan Matthews LAST RESORT: Wentz, Darren Sproles, Zach Ertz, Caleb Sturgis

Chicago Bears

OPPONENT: VS MINNESOTA VIKINGS, SUNDAY, 7:30 This isn’t rocket science: The Bears are the league’s lowest-scoring team and the Vikings are tied with Seattle for fewest points allowed. Jay Cutler returns for the Bears and that could provide a boost for Alshon Jeffery owners. Jeremy Langford is nearing a return, which will just further muddy the RB waters in Chicago.

MUST START: none SOLID PLAY: Jeffery WORTH A LOOK: Jordan Howard, Zach Miller LAST RESORT: Cameron Meredith, Eddie Royal*, Ka’Deem Carey, Bears D/ST STAY AWAY: Connor Barth

ALSO BEWARE

Jacksonville Jaguars

OPPONENT: AT TENNESSEE TITANS, THURSDAY, 7:25 Two sputtering offenses facing better-than-average defenses on a short week is a recipe for a low-scoring game.

Green Bay Packers

OPPONENT: AT ATLANTA FALCONS, SUNDAY, 3:25 The Packers manhandled a hapless Chicago team last Thursday, but that won’t mean much here. Green Bay’s offense sputtered through much of the Chicago game the same way it has misfired most of the season. It’s possible that this game is a shootout, but it’s also possible the Packers get waxed.

* — Check injury status

And some enticing FanDuel bargains to get you started

By ARTHUR

A

ARKUSH

aarkush@shawmedia.com

s our backup utility lineman, I have the privilege of keeping this space warm for John Sahly the next two weeks.

As such, I thought it’d be fun to consider some of the top reasons for season-long players who have endured difficult first halves of 2016 to throw their hat in the daily ring.

After all, that’s the beauty of DFS – a fresh start. John Fox can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube, but Jay Cutler gets new life in Week 8 – and you can, too.

You drank the Blake Bortles, Carson Palmer or Kirk Cousins Kool Aid: Fantasy’s third, fifth and eighth scorers, respectively, overall last season, none has even been decent weekly QB1 options this season. We’ve been down on all three at PFW dating back to the spring, but if you didn’t have access to our magazine or YouTube channel before your draft, well, there’s still hope, and it’s called DFS. You thought this was the year

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time to make tough roster choices, much less file waiver claims and consider trades. Fortunately, I’ll set your Week 8 FanDuel lineup for you right now...

QB: Jameis Winston, $7,400, vs.

OAK: A wise man recently told me not to pay up for my DFS quarterback. Winston’s ball secuity issues notwithstanding, the Raiders’ ‘D’ is expensive and exploitable.

RB: Spencer Ware, $7,400, at IND: Lesser backs have a tendency to wear down the Colts. This is the one who’s made the great Jamaal Charles expendable.

RB: Matt Forte, $7,300, at CLE: Forte will miss the Cubs in Cleveland by a day, but not a second consecutive chance to get back on track against a decimated AFC North defense.

WR: Mike Evans, $7,900, vs. OAK: It’s stack time, says Rex Ryan (it’s also about to once again start getting late early for Ryan’s Bills).

WR: Larry Fitzgerald, $7,000, at CAR: David Gettleman miscalculated his losses in the secondary, but don’t miss a chance to add a Hall of Famer who always picks up his team

Jameis Winston

AP PHOTO

when it’s down.

WR: Julian Edelman: $6,500, at BUF: Edelman looks healthy, Tom Brady is hot and New England was shut out by Buffalo a few weeks ago.

TE: Jimmy Graham, $6,700, at NO: The Saints could use Graham back ... to play anywhere in their secondary. New Orleans ‘D’ cures more ills, including Seattle’s offense, than penicillin.

PK: Dan Bailey, $4,700 vs. PHI: Good kicker. Good offense. Opponent with some newfound turnover issues.

DEF: New York Jets, $4,700, at CLE: Cody Kessler, Josh McCown, Kevin Hogan: different means to the same end.

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Doug Martin, Sammy Watkins and Jordan Reed could stay healthy: When Martin is right, he’s as good in fantasy as anyone but Adrian Peterson with two intact menisci. Alas, the Bucs spent big to retain their feature guy in free agency and he’s disappointed (note: don’t pay free-agent running backs). But don’t worry: former Bears RB Jacquizz Rodgers has gone berzerk the past two weeks. (Sidenote: Who had Rodgers, not Matt Forte, as the former Bears back balling out for a team in the playoff hunt?) As for Watkins and Reed, we can’t fault you for targeting these two 2015 homestretch MVPs, but what now?

You assumed slim Eddie Lacy and disciplined Jameis Winston were here to stay: In fairness to Lacy, even at a 4-3 DE weight, he was blowing through would-be tacklers like a box of Krispy Kremes. And Winston, well, it’s not like he’s shouting obscenities on lunchroom tables or lifting crab legs – he just can’t protect the football. But there’s still time for Winston and fellow second-year passer Marcus Mariota.

You welcomed your firstborn Monday afternoon and won’t have

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Struggling in your season-long fantasy league? Give DFS a spin

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

AP PHOTO

Teez Tabor

Nick Chubb

AP PHOTO

Plenty of NFL Draft prospects on the field in Florida vs. Georgia

R

egardless of their records, the annual Georgia-Florida game, better known as the “World’s Largest Cocktail Party,” is almost always a thriller. The game is played in Jacksonville, a neutral site where half the fans are for Georgia and the other half for Florida. Being that both are SEC schools, they are loaded with talent, many of whom will be future NFL players.

FLORIDA

CB Quincy Wilson – Wilson is a

junior who has the physical traits that NFL clubs covet. He is tall, long and very athletic. He already has three interceptions on the season and can be physical versus the run.

CB Teez Tabor – Tabor is similar with height and length, just not

quite as tall as Wilson. total tackles. He has He has equal production tweener size and right with great ball skills. now looks like a 4-3 DE. To date, he has four inHe has to prove he is terceptions with one reathletic enough to play turned for a touchdown. on his feet in a 3-4.

DT Caleb Brantley – GEORGIA He will fit best in a 4-3 RB Nick Chubb – scheme as a three-techTwo years ago as a nique because he lacks true freshman, Chubb the height (6-foot-2) that GREG GABRIEL looked like he might the 3-4 clubs look for. He @greggabe challenge LSU’s Leonis quick off the ball and strong at the point. ard Fournette as the best running back in this draft when LB Jarrad Davis – Davis has great he ran for over 1,500 yards. Last instincts and makes plays. He has 48 year, he had a horrific knee injury, total tackles in six games. At about but he has bounced back to run for 6-2, 240 pounds, he can play inside in 586 yards and a 5.1-yard average per a 4-3 or 3-4. carry. Where he gets drafted could DE Bryan Cox – The senior has be determined by his medical at the had up-and-down production this Combine. year but had his best game versus OLB Davin Bellamy – The tall and Tennessee when he recorded nine

athletic junior doesn’t have the natural physical traits that Leonard Floyd had but he is still a solid 3-4 OLB prospect. To date, he has 26 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.

LB Natrez Patrick – Patrick is a third-year sophomore but he was an early enrollee in January 2014 so he can enter the draft if he so chooses.

He is Georgia’s leading tackler with 42 total tackles including 4.5 tackles for loss and has a way of finding the football.

CB Aaron Davis – Davis is a fourthyear junior and a three-year starter.

He has the height that NFL teams love (6-foot-1) and can be physical.

This year, he has 29 total tackles and one interception. He needs to improve his overall ball skills.

OG Greg Pyke – Pyke is a midto-late-round draft possibility with both run and pass block skills.

TIGHT ENDS

erek Carr and Russell Wilson move up D the list due to favorable matchups. Aaron Rodgers had a nice second half against Bears. Is he back? It will be interesting to see what he does against better competition.

1. Tom Brady, Patriots (@ Bills) 2. Matt Ryan, Falcons (vs. Packers) 3. Russell Wilson, Seahawks (@ Saints) 4. Andrew Luck, Colts (vs. Chiefs) 5. Derek Carr, Raiders (@ Bucs) 6. Cam Newton, Panthers (vs. Cards) 7. Drew Brees, Saints (vs. Seahawks) 8. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (@ Falcons) 9. Andy Dalton, Bengals (vs. Washington) 10. Carson Palmer, Cardinals (@ Panthers) 11. Philip Rivers, Chargers (@ Broncos) 12. Kirk Cousins, Washington (@ Bengals) 13. Jameis Winston, Bucs (vs. Raiders) 14. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets (@ Browns) 15. Matthew Stafford, Lions (@ Texans) 16. Alex Smith, Chiefs (@ Colts) 17. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (vs. Eagles) 18. Marcus Mariota, Titans (vs. Jags) 19. Brock Osweiler, Texans (vs. Lions) 20. Tyrod Taylor, Bills (vs. Pats)

Jack Doyle and C. J. Fiedorowicz are under the radar, but rocketing up our boards.

1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots (@ Bills) 2. Greg Olsen, Panthers (vs. Cardinals) 3. Delanie Walker, Titans (vs. Jags) 4. Jimmy Graham, Seahawks (@ Saints) 5. Travis Kelce, Chiefs (@ Colts) 6. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (@ Bears) 7. Jack Doyle, Colts (vs. Chiefs) 8. Martellus Bennett, Patriots (@ Bills) 9. Hunter Henry*, Chargers (@ Broncos) 10. Tyler Eifert, Bengals (vs. Wash) 11. Coby Fleener, Saints (vs. Seahawks) 12. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Texans (vs. Lions) 13. Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs. Eagles) 14. Zach Miller, Bears (vs. Vikings) 15. Julius Thomas, Jaguars (@ Titans) 16. Charles Clay, Bills (vs. Pats) 17. Cameron Brate, Bucs (vs. Raiders) 18. Gary Barnidge, Browns (vs. Jets) 19. Zach Ertz, Eagles (@ Cowboys) 20. Vernon Davis, Washington (@ Bengals)

PLACEKICKERS

RUNNING BACKS

A whole bunch of injuries are impacting the RB picture. We doubt that Jamaal Charles or LeSean McCoy will play, but check their status. Freeman’s No. 2 status drops a bit if Coleman can go. Ditto Asiata and McKinnon.

1. David Johnson, Cardinals (@ Panthers) 2. Devonta Freeman, Falcons (vs. Packers) 3. DeMarco Murray, Titans (vs. Jags) 4. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys (vs. Eagles) 5. Spencer Ware, Chiefs (@ Colts) 6. Christine Michael, Seahawks (@ Saints) 7. Lamar Miller, Texans (vs. Lions) 8. C.J. Anderson, Broncos (vs. Chargers) 9. Melvin Gordon, Chargers (@ Broncos) 10. LeGarrette Blount, Patriots (@ Bills) 11. Jacquizz Rodgers, Bucs (vs. Raiders) 12. Matt Forte, Jets (@ Browns) 13. Latavius Murray, Raiders (@ Bucs) 14. Frank Gore, Colts (vs. Chiefs) 15. Giovani Bernard, Bengals (vs. Washington) 16. Mark Ingram, Saints (vs. Seahawks) 17. Jeremy Hill, Bengals (vs. Washington) 18. Jonathan Stewart Panthers (vs. Cardinals) 19. Mike Gillislee, Bills (vs. Patriots) 20. James White, Patriots (@ Bills) 21. Isaiah Crowell, Browns (vs. Jets) 22. Matt Jones, Washington (@ Bengals) 23. Ryan Mathews, Eagles (@ Cowboys) 24. Devontae Booker, Broncos (vs. Chargers) 25. Jordan Howard, Bears (vs. Vikings) 26. Matt Asiata, Vikings (@ Bears) 27. Zach Zenner, Lions (@ Texans) 28. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars (@ Titans) 29. LeSean McCoy*, Bills (vs. Patriots) 30. Jamaal Charles*, Chiefs (@ Colts)

David Johnson 31. Chris Thompson, Washington (@ Bengals) 32. Knile Davis, Packers (@ Falcons) 33. Tevin Coleman*, Falcons (vs. Packers) 34. Jerick McKinnon*, Vikings (@ Bears) 35. Chris Ivory, Jaguars (@ Titans) 36. Justin Forsett, Lions (@ Texans)

WIDE RECEIVERS

From a fantasy perspective, the WR situation in Green Bay is ridiculous. Jordy Nelson was fifth on the team in receptions last Thursday. Until it shakes out, Nelson, Randall Cobb, Ty Montgomery and Davante Adams have potential, but none are solid plays.

1. Julio Jones, Falcons (vs. Packers) 2. A.J. Green, Bengals (vs. Washington) 3. Mike Evans, Bucs (vs. Raiders) 4. T.Y. Hilton, Colts (vs. Chiefs) 5. Marvin Jones, Lions (@ Texans) 6. Brandon Marshall, Jets (@ Browns) 7. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans (vs. Lions) 8. Amari Cooper, Raiders (@ Bucs) 9. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (@ Panthers) 10. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks (@ Saints) 11. Randall Cobb, Packers (@ Falcons)

AP PHOTO

12. Brandin Cooks, Saints (vs. Seahawks) 13. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos (vs. Chargers) 14. Michael Crabtree, Raiders (@ Bucs) 15. Jordy Nelson, Packers (@ Falcons) 16. Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs (@ Colts) 17. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos (vs. Chargers) 18. Alshon Jeffery, Bears (vs. Vikings) 19. Kelvin Benjamin Panthers (vs. Cards) 20. Dez Bryant*, Cowboys (vs. Eagles) 21. Allen Robinson, Jaguars (@ Titans) 22. Julian Edelman, Patriots (@ Bills) 23. Golden Tate, Lions (@ Texans) 24. Terrelle Pryor*, Browns (vs. Jets) 25. Stefon Diggs*, Vikings (@ Bears) 26. Will Fuller, Texans (vs. Lions) 27. Willie Snead, Saints (vs. Seahawks) 28. Ty Montgomery, Packers (@ Falcons) 29. Davante Adams, Packers (@ Falcons) 30. Travis Benjamin, Chargers (@ Broncos) 31. Allen Hurns, Jaguars (@ Titans) 32. Brandon LaFell, Bengals (vs. Washington) 33. DeSean Jackson, Washington (@ Bengals) 34. Jordan Matthews, Eagles (@ Cowboys) 35. Michael Floyd, Cardinals (@ Panthers) 36. Cole Beasley, Cowboys (vs. Eagles)

1.

Stephen Hauschka, Seahawks (@ Saints) 2. Matt Bryant, Falcons (vs. Packers) 3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (@ Bills) 4. Adam Vinatieri, Colts (vs. Chiefs) 5. Brandon McManus, Broncos (vs. Chargers) 6. Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals (@ Panthers) 7.

Mike Nugent, Bengals (vs. Wash. in London) 8. Mason Crosby, Packers (@ Falcons) 9. Cairo Santos, Chiefs (@ Colts) 10. Dan Bailey, Cowboys (vs. Eagles) 11. Dustin Hopkins, Washington (@ Bengals) 12. Nick Novak, Texans (vs. Lions) 13. Blair Walsh, Vikings (@ Bears) 14. Will Lutz, Saints (vs. Seahawks) 15. Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders (@ Bucs)

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS 1. Vikings (@ Bears) 2. Broncos (vs. Chargers) 3. Patriots (@ Bills) 4. Bengals (vs. Washington in London) 5. Jets (@ Browns) 6. Titans (vs. Jaguars) 7. Seahawks (@ Saints) 8. Texans (vs. Lions) 9. Cardinals (@ Panthers) 10. Chiefs (@ Colts) 11. Eagles (@ Cowboys) 12. Jaguars (@ Titans) 13. Chargers (@ Broncos) 14. Cowboys (vs. Eagles) 15. Washington (@ Bengals in London)

*Check injury status

TEAMS ON BYE Ravens, Rams, Dolphins, Giants, Steelers, 49ers

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

QUARTERBACKS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

NFL needs young QBs to step up NATE ATKINS HUB ARKUSH and Rivers 34, and Rodgers 32, what is the future of the position in the NFL? Are there any younger QBs in the league you believe can be elite passers?

McCaleb: While I agree the league needs more top-tier quarterbacks, I think you might be selling some of the younger guys short, Hub. Andrew Luck might be playing on a mediocre-to-bad Colts team, but he’s having the season of his career, according to Pro Football Focus, which has him slotted second behind only Brady in its rankings. Yes, he still turns the ball over too much, but GM Ryan Grigson needs to get him some O-line help. While Jameis Winston and Blake Bortles have strug-

PATRICK FINLEY DAN McCALEB

gled in Years 2 and 3, respectively, rookies Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz have been nice surprises. And Derek Carr is having a pretty good year in Oakland. What do you think?

Arkush: Oh boy buddy, don’t get me started on Pro Football Focus and its lack of value, another story for another day.

I agree that if there’s a future elite passer out there, it’s probably Andrew Luck. But his actual performance stats rank him 10th in passer rating, 16th in completion percentage at 64.9, ninth in average gain per pass and, most disturbingly, first in sacks with 25. Isn’t it interesting, though, that the reigning MVP, Cam Newton, didn’t come to mind for you?

The reason is because he’s a great player but not a great passer and therein lies a big part of the problem. Luck came out of an NFL-style offense at Stanford, but most of these kids are coming out of school having run just spread and pistol offenses and they’re not trained to play the position the right way. Carr, Wentz and Prescott have had nice head starts, but do they look like great “passing” QBs? McCaleb: I think it’s too early to evaluate Wentz and Prescott. Both have had promising starts, but they’ve also had their ups and downs. They have potential, but we’ll see.

Carr, in his third year, is still developing, but he’s develop-

ing nicely if not quickly. He and the improved Raiders are learning how to win together.

He’ll make his share of mistakes still, but I think he’s going to be a very good, if not elite, passer long-term. I overlooked Newton, I think, because he and the Panthers are having such a down year. And you’re right about these spread offenses in college hurting the development of “passing” QBs. Looking ahead to next year’s draft, I’m not seeing any quarterback worth a top-5 or even a top-10 pick, even though you and I both know teams will overdraft. What about you?

Arkush: You nailed that one, Dan. DeShone Kizer, Deshaun Watson, Brad Kaaya, Chad Kelly and Mitch Trubisky are at the top of draft boards right now. None is worth a top-15 pick and, to our point, because of the desperation at the position, at least two will go top five and probably three in the top 10. There will probably never be another Brady, but if there’s a future Brees, Rivers or Big Ben here now, my money would be on Luck, Carr, Winston or Wentz right now.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

P

ro Football Weekly’s Hub Arkush and Dan McCaleb discuss the state of quarterbacking in the NFL and the need for young QBs to step up: Arkush: So, Dan, tell me, am I losing it or does the NFL have a real quarterback problem?

From where I sit, it seems pretty obvious that one of the main reasons there are so few really good teams in the league today, maybe even the main reason, is that there are so few really good QBs. Take a quick look around the league and you’ll see that the only quarterbacks in the game who’ve won Super Bowls are Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Eli Manning.

Among them, only Brady, Roethlisberger, Rodgers and Wilson appear to have solid shots at winning another one this season. And only Brady, Brees, Big Ben and Rodgers are or at one time have been considered elite. Of the guys without rings, Philip Rivers is probably elite, too. But with Brady at 39, Brees 37, Roethlisberger

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

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