The Perfect Draft 2.0

When it comes to fantasy drafting, we all have regrets, don’t we? 

Wouldn’t you like a do-over on your Todd Gurley pick or, heaven forbid, Adrian Peterson? Maybe let Allen Robinson slide right by and take Mike Evans instead? Figured Jamaal Charles would be lighting it up for you by now?

Yeah, not so much.

That’s right, friends. It’s time for our semi-annual exercise in self-flagellation, when we reflect back two short months on what could have been had we made all the right moves during our preseason draft.  Step right up for The Perfect Draft 2.0: Midseason Review.

First, let’s review our parameters. We will draft from the middle (fifth) position in a 10-team non-keeper league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and one flex, tight end, kicker and team defense. Since all drafts play out differently, we’ll need a little luck along the way. And, as always, our goal is nothing short of total domination and the abject humiliation of our opponents.

Now, with the fifth pick of the 2016 Perfect Draft, we should have selected…

Round 1: David Johnson, RB, Cardinals. Johnson is the leader at the turn for Fantasy MVP honors. Even on the two occasions when he’s been shut down on the ground, Johnson has made up for it as a receiver. Only Julio Jones and Ezekiel Elliott have similarly lived up to their first-round draft status.

Round 2: Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers. If you can’t have Julio or A.J. Green, Evans is your guy. His six receiving TDs are tied for the league’s lead.

Round 3: T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts. Unlike most seasons, there hasn’t been a receiver who’s come out of nowhere to flirt with elite status, though Terrelle Pryor has made some noise. So if you wanted two top-shelf wideouts, like Evans and Hilton, you’d better have used premium picks on them.

Round 4: Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers. Despite his rough outing on Sunday, Olsen still sets the pace at his position. 

Round 5: DeMarco Murray, RB, Titans. Thought he was all washed up after his horrific tenure in Philly? Yeah, me too.

Round 6: Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers. After a rookie season in which he failed to reach the end zone, Gordon’s 10 combined TDs lead the league among non-QBs.

Round 7: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots. Draft him and stash him till Week 5, then buckle up for the ride.

Round 8: Marvin Jones, WR, Lions. For a brief stretch, Jones was the leading wideout in Fantasyland. He’s trailed off significantly since then, but let’s keep him off our opponent’s roster just out of spite.

Round 9: Michael Crabtree, WR, Raiders. Like Evans, Crabtree has become a TD machine. He’s an integral part of Oakland’s potent passing attack that is just starting to hit its stride.

Round 10: LeGarrette Blount, RB, Patriots. Need a touchdown? Just stick the ball in Blount’s hands and enjoy. He’d be even more valuable if Brady wasn’t so selfish in the red zone.

Round 11: Martellus Bennett, TE, Patriots. His production has come in spurts, but Bennett nevertheless ranks among the elites at the halfway point.

Round 12: Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons. Coleman would probably never make it off our bench, but we’d wish we had started him in several games prior to his Week 7 hamstring injury. Don’t be surprised if he makes another strong push for starting consideration down the stretch.

Round 13: Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons. How did we let him drop this far? In his ninth year, Matty Ice has been the most prolific passer in the league over the first half of the season. But beware the dreaded second-half slump.

Round 14: Vikings defense/special teams. We’d have to grab Denver’s unit several rounds earlier, so we’ll “settle” for Minnesota’s ball-hawking defense here.

Round 15: Spencer Ware, RB, Chiefs. Ware was putting up Top 10 stats until he suffered a concussion on Sunday.

Round 16: Mike Wallace, WR, Ravens. Though he hasn’t scored since Week 2, Wallace has been much more consistent than in previous seasons. Still, he’ll rarely get to see the field on our perfect team.

Round 17: Matt Bryant, K, Falcons. Want the best fantasy kicker? Pick the guy on the highest-scoring team. It’s simple, really.

If it makes you feel any better, the final Perfect Draft roster will likely see plenty of turnover. It always does.

WAIVER WIRE PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, it helps to start with a great draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's lineup.

Catch ‘em while you can

Tim Hightower, RB, Saints. Mark Ingram was benched after fumbling for the second consecutive game, and Hightower promptly posted the Saints’ first 100-yard rushing game of the season. Against the Seahawks, no less. We don’t know how long Ingram will be in the doghouse, but Hightower is a must-add for his owners at the very least.

Charcandrick West, RB, Chiefs. There’s a very good chance West will start in Week 9 against the lowly Jaguars run defense, with Spencer Ware now in the concussion protocol. Jamaal Charles’ surgically repaired knee still isn’t right, and the news keeps getting more worrisome for him. That leaves West as the next man up in the Chiefs’ run-heavy offense. He’s had his moments in the past, and there’s every reason to think he can perform well again.

Derrick Henry, RB, Titans. DeMarco Murray is “day-to-day” with a toe he injured on Thursday night, though it doesn’t appear to be serious enough to sideline him in Week 9. That said, it’s a helpful reminder that Henry is just a play away from being the lead horse in a very productive stable.

Don’t be fooled

Nick Foles, QB, Chiefs. Alex Smith is almost certainly going to miss the team’s next game after two hard hits to the head on Sunday. Foles stepped in and performed well against the sorry Colts defense and he’ll draw the equally inept Jaguars next. But while Foles can be a capable backup, it’s been three years since he pleased any fantasy owner.

Jamison Crowder, WR, Redskins. I actually think Crowder is a worthy add, given that he has arguably become the most effective wideout in the Redskins’ receiving corps. However, he’s heading into the bye, and the Vikings are up in Week 10. Unless your bench is bottomless, he’s not worth stashing for two weeks.

J.J. Nelson, WR, Cardinals. Sunday’s two-touchdown performance was a career-best for the second-year wideout. But Arizona’s passing attack is still off-kilter, and Nelson benefitted from Michael Floyd’s inaction. Floyd and his fellow WRs will have the bye week to heal up, and Nelson should return to his tertiary role thereafter.

Sunday morning observations -- Week 8

Good morning, Fools! The Bengals and Redskins are already going at it in London. Let's see what else is brewing around the NFL as we prepare to dominate for another week...

The Vikings will go without Jerick McKinnon on Monday night, which sets Matt Asiata up as a sneaky start for bye-week-challenged and injury-depleted teams (like mine). Ronnie Hillman is also expected to get some work in McKinnon's place.

Jay Cutler is back under center for the Bears, for better or for worse. He picked a tough matchup to return to, though. As I said in my Starters/Benchwarmers column, this is a positive development long-term for Alshon Jeffery, but probably not on Monday night. It will be interesting to see how Cameron Meredith's role develops with Brian Hoyer no longer at QB. Also, it looks like Eddie Royal will miss this game.

Shady McCoy will rest his bum hammy, so look for a heavy workload for Mike Gillislee. Though I wouldn't count on huge production against the Pats.

Robert Woods should be back at WR for the Bills, which is good news if you are counting on Tyrod Taylor.

Because I'm struggling at RB in my "big money" league -- with only David Johnson available while Shady and Tevin Coleman are rehabbing -- I made a trade for Jeremy Hill (which I'm starting to regret) and picked up Alfred Blue as a possible flex play if Lamar Miller couldn't go today. But they've just announced that he is active, so Blue will remain on my bench. That said, don't be surprised if Miller struggles, or leaves this game early.

Looks like Dez Bryant will be returning tonight against the Eagles. Tough to know how effective or involved he'll be, but I'd love him in my flex position.

Randall Cobb is expected to miss today's tasty matchup with the Falcons due to a hamstring. Look for Jordy to rebound against the Falcons' generous secondary, and Davante Adams will have a chance to build on his stellar game in Week 7. I like Ty Montgomery here as well.

John Brown should return today for the Cards, but Michael Floyd will sit with his hammy. Hopefully Brown's return will coincide with a big outing for Carson Palmer.

After some concern throughout the week, it now appears that Hunter Henry (concussion) will suit up. Still, he's a very risky play in Denver.

Eric Ebron is expected to return for the Lions today.

That's it for now. Will be tweeting inactives and late-breaking news shortly. Now go getcha a W!

Week 8 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Tom Brady and Zeke Elliott, or to bench Justin Forsett and Griff Whalen? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for help with your real starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 8 of the 2016 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals at Panthers. Where has the Arizona passing attack gone? Palmer has hit just two TDs (with five INTs) over his last four games, which means he’s in a serious rut. Carolina’s porous pass defense should be exactly what the doctor ordered, as they’ve been giving up yards and TDs in buckets. With John Brown likely back as well, Palmer is in store for a nice rebound, even if he doesn’t get his deep-ball groove back.

Devontae Booker, RB, Broncos vs. Chargers. Did you grab the rookie when news broke about C.J. Anderson’s season-ending knee surgery? Good for you. Now put him in your starting lineup and enjoy your new workhorse. San Diego’s run defense is mediocre at best, and it’s especially hospitable to RBs in the red zone.

Latavius Murray, RB, Raiders at Buccaneers. Murray returned from his toe injury with a vengeance in Week 7, putting his rookie counterparts back in their places (in the background). Murray will once again play the leading role against a Bucs run defense that has been imploding in recent weeks.

Ty Montgomery, RB/WR, Packers at Falcons. Aaron Rodgers apparently got his mojo back, which is good news for the entire Green Bay offense. Knile Davis is expected to ease his way into the backfield rotation, but Montgomery will still get some carries and he’ll certainly be heavily targeted in the passing game. The multi-purpose player will be a busy man against the Falcons’ generous defense.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings at Bears. When six teams are on bye, you can’t get too picky. And when you’ve got a lead receiver going up against a defense that has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing wideouts than any other, you don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. I’m not a fan of the Vikings’ passing attack, but Diggs is good enough to get the job done in this matchup.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, Derek Carr, Jameis Winston; RBs Matt Forte, Spencer Ware, Devonta Freeman, Melvin Gordon, LeGarrette Blount, Jeremy Hill, Christine Michael, Jacquizz Rodgers; WRs Michael Floyd, Jeremy Maclin, DeAndre Hopkins, Brandon Marshall, Doug Baldwin, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Cole Beasley, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandin Cooks, Michael Crabtree, Jordan Matthews, Amari Cooper, Kelvin Benjamin.

Roll ‘em back

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers at Broncos. Rivers is having one of his best seasons yet, but his worst game this year came against the stingy Denver defense just two weeks ago. His degree of difficulty rises on the road, and with one of his favorite new targets, Hunter Henry, possibly out with a concussion.

Mark Ingram, RB, Saints vs. Seahawks. Ingram has taken a backseat to the Drew Brees aerial show most weeks, regularly posting mediocre stats even in favorable matchups. This week’s opponents are anything but, and the Saints’ offensive line isn’t likely to open many holes for the veteran to run through.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Eagles at Cowboys. Mathews is back in his lead role in Philly’s backfield, but recent fumbling issues have put him on a short leash. Meanwhile, Dallas’ run defense has far exceeded expectations, especially of late. The Cowboys have surrendered just two rushing scores in 2016, and Mathews is unlikely to make it three.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears vs. Vikings. Things are looking up for Jeffery, who has played a secondary role in the Chicago passing attack with Jay Cutler sidelined. With his preferred QB returning, Jeffery should vault back to fantasy relevance. But not on Monday night, when the shutdown Vikings defense comes to town.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Redskins at Bengals. D-Jax is bordering on unrosterable, with guys like Jamison Crowder, Pierre Garcon, Vernon Davis and even Chris Thompson reeling in more passes than him over the last couple of weeks. Cincinnati has been fairly tough on opposing wideouts, which is the last thing Jackson’s owners need.

More thumbs down: QBs Andy Dalton, Matthew Stafford, Tyrod Taylor, Trevor Siemian, Carson Wentz, Jay Cutler; RBs Jordan Howard, LeSean McCoy, Frank Gore, Jonathan Stewart, Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata, Bilal Powell; WRs Will Fuller, Michael Thomas, Will Snead, Travis Benjamin, Mohamed Sanu, Cameron Meredith, Golden Tate, Pierre Garcon.

TAKING A FLIER

Chris Thompson, RB, Redskins at Bengals. Matt Jones won’t make the trip across the pond due to an injured knee. But even though Rob Kelley may step into the starting role, Thompson is still in line for a heavy workload as the Redskins’ third-down, change-of-pace tailback. In PPR leagues, Thompson should be particularly valuable against the squeezably soft Cincinnati run defense.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO… fails to plan ahead for the Week 9 byes. Think it’s tough to field a starting lineup this week? Just wait till next weekend, when the Cardinals, Bears, Bengals, Texans, Redskins and Patriots are all idle. Your best move is to make a preemptive one. To wit, I’ve already grabbed Dak Prescott, who’ll be facing the Browns, to cover for the absences of Messrs. Brady and Palmer.

Week 7 proceeds as planned...

One of the things I love most about fantasy football is that it’s so predictable.

Take, for instance, the demise of Matt Forte. We all knew he had hit the dreaded 30-year-old RB wall and that the Jets’ backfield would be handed to Bilal Powell on a silver platter.

We’ve all seen the overwhelming evidence that something is wrong with Aaron Rodgers. His arm isn’t as strong, he’s getting rattled in the pocket and he’s just, frankly, lost his mojo. Hey, it happens to all the great ones.

DeMarco Murray left his best days behind when he took the money and ran out of Dallas.

Golden Tate is done. Obviously.

With Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Julius Thomas, the Jaguars’ passing attack might just be the most lethal in the NFL.

Drew Brees can’t be trusted on the road.

If Jay Ajayi was so great, the Dolphins wouldn’t have let Lamar Miller go, or bring in Arian Foster. And they sure wouldn’t have left Ajayi behind on their season-opening trip to Seattle.

Melvin Gordon doesn’t score touchdowns.

Le’Veon Bell. Now that’s a guy who racks up touchdowns!

And nothing is more certain than a veteran kicker like Steven Hauschka or Chandler Catanzaro lining up for a chip-shot field goal to win a game.

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, it helps to start with a great draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's lineup.

Catch ‘em while you can

Mike Gillislee, RB, Bills. Gillislee was a hot commodity late last week when it appeared LeSean McCoy would miss the Miami game with a bum hammy. He’s still available in the vast majority of leagues and is worth another look now that Shady has aggravated his injury.

Davante Adams, WR, Packers. Adams is, and probably will continue to be, an exercise in frustration. But we can’t ignore that he has found the end zone in four of Green Bay’s six games, punctuated by his 13-catch, 132-yard, two-TD outing on Thursday night. Though Jordy Nelson’s disappearance in that game can be written off as an aberration, it does appear that Adams will be the next-most valuable Packers receiver moving forward.

Jack Doyle, TE, Colts. Andrew Luck loves his tight ends, and Doyle is living proof. With Dwayne Allen sidelined by a high ankle sprain, the fourth-year receiver is getting his chance to shine. After racking up 13 receptions and a pair of TDs over the last two weeks, Doyle has vaulted onto the fantasy radar. TE-challenged teams would be well-served grabbing him, at least until Allen returns.

Don’t be fooled

Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars. I admit it. I thought Bortles was going to build on his breakout 2015 season thanks to his outstanding receiving corps and mediocre running game. But it ain’t happening. Sunday’s matchup with the Raiders on his home turf should have been epic, but Bortles flopped. Again. With as many interceptions as touchdowns to his credit through Week 7, there’s no reason for Bortles to take up valuable roster space any longer.

Arian Foster, RB, Dolphins. He’s still owned in more than three-quarters of all leagues. After Jay Ajayi’s second consecutive game with more than 200 rushing yards, you have to ask yourself why. “Self, why?”

Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, RBs, Raiders. With Sunday’s 18-carry, two-TD outburst, Latavius Murray put to rest any notion that the Oakland backfield would be a three-headed monster upon his return from injury. As long as Murray is healthy, there’s no reason to own either of Oakland’s rookie backups. Feel free to drop them in favor of more productive options.

Sunday morning observations - Week 7

Good morning, Fools. It's another beautiful day in DFW, and in Fantasyland.

The Giants and Rams are already going at it in London, and we have a full slate of games kicking off soon. Let's see what we need to know to dominate our opponents today...

LeSean McCoy is active after all. Which really ticks me off since I moved Tevin Coleman from my flex spot to starting RB in Shady's place and put Alshon Jeffery and his crappy 3 for 33 on Thursday night in my flex spot. Reports suggest Shady will be used sparingly (20-25 snaps, due to his tender hammy), with Mike Gillislee getting the bulk of the workload in the favorable start in Miami. McCoy's a risky start, but I would've taken my chances over Jeffery in my flex if I could do it over again.

Terrelle Pryor poses similar risk, as he's active but could exit at any time if his hamstring flares up.

Jamaal Charles is also active, despite worries all week that he would sit out due to swelling in his knee following his return to the field in Week 6. Given how well Spencer Ware has been playing, you have to figure Charles' touches will be limited today. Ware is a great start.

Latavius Murray will be back in the Raiders lineup, but he'll likely be lost in a three-headed rotation with the two rookie RBs. All bets are off on this backfield today.

Joe Flacco will play today, which is a positive sign for Mike Wallace's prospects. With Steve Smith out again, only Wallace is worth starting consideration despite the favorable matchup with the Jets. And since Geno Smith will be under center in New York, you've got to figure the Ravens will get the ball in good field position on a regular basis.

The following are out, or almost certainly out, this weekend: Ben Roethlisberger, Josh McCown, Carlos Hyde, Doug Martin, Thomas Rawls, Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington, Robert Woods, John Brown, Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett, Corey Coleman, Jordan Reed, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Eric Ebron, Dwayne Allen and Jordan Cameron.

Stefon Diggs is active.

Those of us who've been waiting (im)patiently for the return of Tyler Eifert will get our first glimpse of the tight end today. That said, I'm keeping him safely on my bench for at least one more game, since he could very well be eased back in. Wouldn't be surprised if he gets involved in the red zone and forces his way back into a starting fantasy job in Week 8.

That's it for now. Inactives and other late-breaking news coming via Twitter next. Good luck today, Fools!

Week 7 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start David Johnson and Julio Jones, or to bench DeAngelo Williams and Dorial Green-Beckham? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for help with your real starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 7 of the 2016 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals vs. Browns. Dalton has yet to have a breakout game this season, though he has notched a pair of TDs in each of his last two games. With Tyler Eifert likely making his 2016 debut, and the generous Browns pass defense coming to town, Dalton’s arrow will be pointing up on Sunday.

James White, RB, Patriots at Steelers. Pittsburgh’s defense has tightened up a bit after a rough start, but really, who cares when Tom Brady is the QB? As expected, White has become one of his go-to receivers, and the fun should continue on Sunday. Don’t expect another two-TD outing, but don’t be surprised if White does it again, either.

Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons vs. Chargers. Both he and Devonta Freeman were stuffed in Seattle last weekend, but the running lanes will be wide open at home when the Chargers’ sorry rush defense comes to town. Coleman should soar both on the ground and through the air against this sieve-like unit.

Allen Hurns, WR, Jaguars vs. Raiders. Jacksonville’s passing attack has yet to return to its high-octane ways of 2015. That’s in part because Blake Bortles hasn’t been getting the ball to Hurns very often, though that tide seems to be turning. He targeted Hurns 11 times against the Bears, and the love should continue Sunday against the vulnerable Raiders secondary traveling cross-country.

Michael Crabtree, WR, Raiders at Jaguars. He’s coming off his worst game of the season, by far; but don’t let that dissuade you from keeping him in your lineup. This game could very easily turn into a shoot-out (both teams struggle in the rushing department), and this smells like another week when Crabtree may go en fuego.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Matt Ryan, Blake Bortles, Derek Carr, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning, Kirk Cousins, Matt Stafford, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Bradford; RBs Terrance West, Mark Ingram, Melvin Gordon, Giovani Bernard, Spencer Ware, Mike Gillislee, Jacquizz Rodgers, C.J. Anderson, LeGarrette Blount; WRs Marvin Jones, Jeremy Maclin, Julian Edelman, Kenny Britt, Brandin Cooks, Mike Evans, Tyrell Williams, Larry Fitzgerald, Doug Baldwin, Jarvis Landry.

Roll ‘em back

Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals vs. Seahawks. Something’s just not quite right with Palmer, who continued to put up the bare-minimum fantasy points despite leading his team to an easy win over the Jets on Monday night. And while Matt Ryan had a stellar outing in Seattle last weekend, Palmer’s recent history suggests he belongs on your bench for the Sunday nighter. Especially since he has been limited by a bum hammy all week.

Matt Forte, RB, Jets vs. Ravens. No, I don’t think it’s time to give up on Forte. Yet. But it is time to send him to your bench, in large part because he’ll be facing a suddenly stalwart Baltimore run defense. Of course, Bilal Powell’s continued encroachment on Forte’s snaps is a continuing frustration for his owners. In short, bench him and pray for a miracle.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Eagles vs. Vikings. The schedule-makers did the Eagles no favors, as they will face the league’s stingiest defense after back-to-back losses. Though Mathews appears to once again be the leader of Philly’s committee backfield, there just won’t be enough carries to give him a chance against this mean-spirited run defense.

Mike Wallace, WR, Ravens at Jets. As bad at the Jets’ secondary is playing, even the Ravens would typically merit a recommendation. But if Joe Flacco is sidelined with a shoulder injury, as appears likely, Ryan Mallett will take the controls. Then all bets are off on Wallace – who will spend much of his day on Revis Island – and the rest of the Baltimore receiving corps.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Eagles vs. Vikings. Have I mentioned I have concerns about the Eagles in this matchup? Carson Wentz looked like the rookie that he is last week, and when he falters, so does the Eagles’ passing attack. You can bet that Matthews, his favorite target, will be blanketed by Minnesota defenders all day long.

More thumbs down: QBs Russell Wilson, Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, Brock Osweiler, Colin Kaepernick, Trevor Siemian, Landry Jones; RBs Frank Gore, Matt Jones, T.J. Yeldon, Bilal Powell, Arian Foster, Zach Zenner, Justin Forsett, Derrick Henry; WRs Willie Snead, Quincy Enunwa, Jeremy Kerley, Golden Tate, Sammy Coates, Tyler Lockett, Will Fuller, DeVante Parker.

TAKING A FLIER

Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins at Lions. While none (okay, few) of us were looking, Garcon has creeped back onto the fantasy radar. Aided by Jordan Reed’s absence, Garcon was targeted 11 times by Kirk Cousins last week, vaulting to the team lead in that category. Meanwhile, Detroit has surrendered a league-worst 17 passing scores to date. Yahtzee!

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…forgets there’s another early-morning game in London on Sunday. The Giants and Rams kickoff at 9:30 a.m. ET, so be sure to wake up early and check the inactives (@ladd_biro) if you have any of their players (e.g. Odell Beckham, Jr.) in your starting lineup, just in case there’s any late-breaking news from across the pond.

Week 6 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to play...

QBs

 Drew Brees, Saints – Torched the Panthers for 465 yards and 4 TDs, with an INT.

Tom Brady, Patriots – Kept up the sharp start with 376 passing yards and 3 TDs, without a turnover.

Matt Stafford, Lions – Passed for 270 yards and 4 TDs, without a turnover.

Cam Newton, Panthers – Got off to a slow start, but finished with 322 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT and a 1-yard TD run.

Case Keenum, Rams – Nobody started him, which means nobody benefited from his 321-passing-yard, 3 TD, plus 7-yard, 1-TD performance.

Eli Manning, Giants – Topped 400 yards with 3 TDs, though he threw 2 picks.

RBs

David Johnson, Cardinals – Raced and rumbled over the Jets for 111 yards and a TD hat trick, plus 3 catches for 27 yards.

Jay Ajayi, Dolphins – Busted loose for 204 yards and 2 TDs.

Lamar Miller, Texans – Had his breakout night, rushing for 149 yards and a TD and adding 3 catches for 29 yards and another score.

LeSean McCoy, Bills – Had a monster game, rushing for 140 yards and 3 TDs.

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers – Returned to run for 85 yards and 2 TDs.

Terrance West, Ravens – Scored twice with 87 rushing yards and 4 receptions for 36 yards.

James White, Patriots – Only 19 rushing yards, but caught 8 passes for 47 yards and 2 TDs.

Christine Michael, Seahawks – Rushed for 64 yards and a pair of TDs, and added 19 yards on 3 catches.

WRs

Odell Beckham, Jr., Giants – Had his breakout game of the season, with 222 yards and 2 TDs on 8 receptions. We’ll forgive the fumble.

Kenny Britt, Rams – Too bad nobody enjoyed his 7 reception, 136 yard, 2 TD outing.

Golden Tate, Lions – Not dead yet, Tate caught 8 passes for 165 yards and a TD.

Terrelle Pryor, Browns – Pulled down 9 passes for 75 yards and 2 TDs.

Brandin Cooks, Saints – Reeled in 7 passes for 173 yards and a TD.

Julio Jones, Falcons – Caught 7 passes for 139 yards and a score.

TEs

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots – Had his best game of the season with 7 receptions for 162 yards and a TD.

Coby Fleener, Saints – Caught 6 passes for 74 yards and a TD, and added a 2-yard rushing score for kicks.

This was a great week to play against…

QBs

Carson Wentz, Eagles – Just 179 passing yards without a score or a turnover.

RBs

Tevin Coleman, Falcons – Combined for 17 yards rushing and receiving.

T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars – Took a backseat to Chris Ivory, running for 21 yards and catching a 5-yarder.

Justin Forsett, Lions – You really didn’t start him in his first game in Detroit, right? If so, you got the 5 yards you deserved.

Matt Forte, Jets – His stock dropped another notch, with 19 rushing and 3 receiving yards on MNF.

Darren Sproles, Eagles – Ran for 20 yards and caught a 4-yarder.

Jeremy Hill, Bengals – Only 38 rushing yards.

Rashad Jennings, Giants – Combined for just 35 yards.

Isaiah Crowell, Browns – He totaled 36 yards in both phases.

Mark Ingram, Saints – Just 51 rushing and 9 receiving yards in a 41-point offense.

Devonta Freeman, Falcons – Ran for 40 yards and caught 3 for 10.

Carlos Hyde, 49ers – Ran for 52 yards. That’s it.

WRs

Sammy Coates, Steelers – He was active, but he didn’t do a thing.

Will Fuller, Texans – No-showed again.

Michael Crabtree, Raiders – Just 10 yards on 2 receptions.

Phillip Dorsett, Colts – Just 2 receptions for 12 yards.

Jeremy Kerley, 49ers – As forecast, he went back to being a disappointment, with 2 receptions for 12 yards.

Tyler Lockett, Seahawks – Only 23 yards on 3 balls.

Tyrell Williams, Chargers – Just 28 yards on 3 catches.

Travis Benjamin, Chargers – Managed just 17 yards on 3 receptions, and lost a fumble.

Julian Edelman, Patriots – Only 30 yards on 4 receptions.

Victor Cruz, Giants – Only 31 yards on 3 balls.

Doug Baldwin, Seahawks – He got 31 yards on 4 balls.

Demaryius Thomas, Broncos – Caught 5 passes for 35 yards, but lost a fumble.

Antonio Brown, Steelers – Held to 39 yards on 4 catches.

Allen Robinson, Jaguars – Limited to 49 yards on 3 catches.

Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs – Same for him.

T.Y. Hilton, Colts – And him.

TEs

Antonio Gates, Chargers – Held to 16 yards on 2 receptions.

Julius Thomas, Jaguars – Returned to catch 2 passes for 28 yards.

Delanie Walker, Titans – Caught a 21-yarder.