Injury Roundup
RB Aaron Jones - Green Bay Packers
Ankle: Spotted in a walking boot after exiting the game early but his x-rays came back negative and there is hope that he can play next week.
WR Romeo Doubs - Green Bay Packers
Ankle: Carted off the field and was in a walking boot and crutches after the game.
WR Christian Watson - Green Bay Packers
Concussion: Watson was evaluated for a concussion during the game but was never officially ruled out.
Game Recaps
Colts @ Pats
Tank Mode
Talk about a wasted season. The Colts seem to be embracing the tank as they stuck with Sam Ehlinger at QB in a 26-3 loss to the Patriots. The offense looked better with Jonathan Taylor playing at home against the Commanders in Week 8 but they pose little threat to contenders. Their shock win over the Chiefs feels like ages ago and as the 32nd ranked team in DVOA, all of their wins seem like flukes. They still have to play the Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings and Chargers. If they are going to tank they need to commit now. No late season push is allowed.
And just like that Frank Reich has been fired. Embrace the tank.
Packers @ Lions
Rodgers Struggles but Lazard Quietly Shines
It has not been pretty for Aaron Rodgers. The reigning league MVP isn’t having a statistically terrible season but it has been a very bad season by Aaron Rodgers standards. More importantly, the Packers are 3-6 and in danger of falling into last place after their 5th straight loss, this time against the lowly Detroit Lions, including two brutal red zone interceptions thrown by Rodgers.
What hurts one man helps another and Allen Lazard has been consistently stellar. Lazard has now caught a TD in 5 of his 7 games played and has been targeted six or more times in six straight games. Since Week 2, Lazard is the PPR WR18, averaging 14.7 PPG. The TDs might slow down but his target share is impressive and the rest of the WRs have been banged up or under producing. Outside of Aaron Jones, Lazard is the only player on this offense you can trust every week.
Bills @ Jets
Josh Allen is his Own Worst Enemy
18 completions on 34 attempts for 205 yards and 2 INTs. Josh Allen is doing his best Matt Ryan impression. The New York Jets have built an underrated defense that did a lot to expose Josh Allen and the Bills. While Allen did gain 86 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, he was rendered nearly useless as a passer. Broto’s own Tim Petropoulos also pointed out that the Jets only blitzed Allen twice throughout the game but he was still sacked five times. When you watch Allen’s game, you sometimes wonder how he doesn’t throw at least 3 INTs per game. This game he almost did. Eventually the magic wears off and he becomes Brett Favre, except he is better at running and not as good at stealing welfare funds.
Should you Start the Jets RBs?
Joe Flacco may be waiting in the wings forever. A win against a powerhouse Bills team will be good for Zach Wilson’s future as the starting QB for the Jets. A playoff push is still possible and the run game was great. Michael Carter had 12 carries for 76 yards and a TD and caught his lone target for 10 yards. James Robinson impressed in his second week with the team, gaining 48 yards on 13 carries and adding a TD through the air. With this being the only real game to go off of, it is difficult to identify how this split will trend in the future.
For now, it is nice to know that both rushing and receiving usage was nearly identical and both players were able to find value with their touches. Michael Carter is looking like an RB2 while Robinson is only an RB3, for now. If Robinson can steal a bigger receiving role, he could become a starter. The Jets are off in Week 10, so Robinson is a sneaky add in case of an injury next week, while Carter should be rostered everywhere. The Jets are going to keep running the ball effectively with Wilson at QB.
Vikings @ Commanders
The Secret Value Curtis Samuel Provides
The Washington Commanders don’t have much upside on offense, which is a shame considering some of the exciting weapons they have. One of the least exciting weapons coming into the season was Curtis Samuel. Samuel only had 9 targets in 5 games last season and did not have many believers outside of a stubborn few.
Things immediately changed in 2022 when Samuel proved to once again be fully healthy as he not only leads the team in targets but is currently the PPR WR13. He does not post flashy finishes but he gets targets. The most underappreciated part of his game is his usage in the running game. Samuel currently ranks 2nd in WR rushing attempts and rushing yards, just behind Deebo Samuel. He has not scored on the ground yet but he offers a few extra points with his legs on a consistent basis. Along with his target volume, Samuel offers a solid floor despite the anemic offense.
T.J. Hockenson’s Booming Debut
Vikings Wire - USA Today
Welcome to the Vikings, Hock! The Detroit Lions shocked the NFL world by trading their stud TE to a 6-1 division rival and it is already paying off for Minnesota. With only a few days to get acclimated to his new team and playbook, Hockenson did not waste any time making an impact in the potent Vikings offense. Hock caught all 9 of his targets for 70 yards and five first downs. An already explosive passing offense gains another incredible piece. A matchup with the Buffalo Bills next week could mean fireworks all around.
Dolphins @ Bears
Run Fields, Run!
Darnell Mooney led the Bears with 7 receptions and 43 receiving yards in Week 9. That is hardly a reason to celebrate Justin Fields but his skills were showcased elsewhere. Fields took off on the ground for 178 yards, including a 61-yard TD. He set the single-game regular season record for rushing yards by a QB and even threw 3 TDs. Fields is deadly with the ball in his hands but the passing upside is still limited. He will not be throwing for 3 TDs every week. Newly acquired Chase Claypool may be able to help him as he learns the offense but do not let this single game fool you into thinking Darnell Mooney or Cole Kmet are going to be monsters in the future. Fields is a fun watch but still needs work.
Seahawks @ Cardinals
He Ain’t Write Back
My editor is going to kill me for that grammatical nightmare of a headline but what he can’t kill is Geno Smith’s miracle run. The former 2nd round pick was looking like a typical journeyman backup QB after failing to catch on as the starter for the New York Jets. Something has changed in his 2nd year with Seattle, though.
Geno Smith has thrown for 15 TDs and only 4 INTs while averaging just over 240 passing yards per game in 9 games to start the season, leading the Seahawks to the top of the NFC West with a 6-3 record. That is as many wins as Russell Wilson had in 14 games with this team in 2021. The trade that was setting up the Broncos as AFC contenders has had the opposite effect and Seattle is trending up with a fun and dynamic offense. It might not last forever but enjoy the ride while you can.
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By Themi Michalakis
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.