Fantasy Focus – Week 10
Fantasy Focus – Week 10
Week nine was a successful week. Apart from that incredible performance from Joshua Dobbs for the Vikings, which knocked my Falcons prediction. Going forward Dobbs will make that Vikings team competitive with Fantasy cheat code, Justin Jefferson set to return soon. The Vikings will be hunting down the Lions in the NFC North. Aiming for at least the Wildcard spots. Week ten is here. We are fastly approaching the business end of the regular season. And, definitely the business end for us fantasy players. Match ups are even more key, here on out.
Game 1: Cleveland Browns (6-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (7-2) (SF – 14:30 GMT)
The AFC North battle between the two best defences in the league! This is a cracking matchup and will surely have the entire league focused on the outcome of this game. Whilst Lamar has not had the MVP season he previously has, he has played consistently well. Managing to lead the Ravens to a 7-2 record. Whilst in Cleveland they have overcome a Nick Chubb season ending injury and Deshaun Watson not being fully fit. Their defence leads the league in fewest yards allowed per game. This has all the signs of being a tightly fought divisional battle.
Fantasy Factors Ford and Hunt carrying the load
When Nick Chubb was ruled out for the season, it was no surprise the analysts started to write off the Browns. But this team has rallied together through this challenge and their defence in particular, has made plays to help them win games. The Browns defence rank first in yards allowed and passing yards allowed per game and this has resulted in them having a very favourable field position. Which has led to them rushing the ball at a high volume. Ford and Hunt have both benefitted. This game will be an arm wrestle and offences will need to make a few more explosive plays. Ford and Hunt will have a high floor, but I think Copper and Njoku will see more targets than expected.
Ravens are the leading rushing team in the NFL
The Ravens have a similar situation to the Browns, where they lost their lead back, JK Dobbins, early in the season. But like the Browns the Ravens backfield has shared the load and run efficiently. Gus Edwards now has seven rushing Touchdowns on the season, but look at last week he only carried the ball five times albeit for 50 yards and two Touchdowns. This backfield is tough to predict, but it looks like Justice Hill will eb the lead volume carrier, whilst Edwards will continue to be the red zone threat. Similarly to the Browns, the Ravens will need to make big plays to get past this astute defence and Andrews and Flowers won’t see a high volume, but they will be asked to make big plays.
My Predictions:
- Browns defence win the battle in narrow 2 point victory over the Ravens
- Amari Cooper, 75+ receiving yards, Hunt touchdown
- Jackson picked off, Flowers touchdown reception
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers (5-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2) (SNF – 18:00 GMT)
Both these teams are coming off well deserved week 9 bye weeks, so we should be prepared and rested. This high powered 49ers offence will have seen their divisional rivals, Seahawks, stutter and know they have to remain in the hunt to win the NFC West. As for the Jaguars, a slow start to their season now sees them as AFC South leaders by 2 wins. This will be a benchmarking game for the Jaguars and if they are able to get a positive result at home to one of the NFC’s strongest teams, it could springboard them into being a serious AFC competitor.
Fantasy Factors – Are teams figuring out Purdy?
Purdy started the season the way he left off in 2022. And the 49ers had real momentum, but prior to the bye week, Purdy had thrown FIVE interceptions in his last 3 games and lost a fumble. It seems that defences are starting to create issues for him. He has missed Deebo Samuel and I feel once he returns it will add another explosive weapon for their opponents to worry about. The Jaguars defence ranks third worst in passing yards allowed, and I feel this will be a bounce back game for Purdy and Aiyuk could have a field day.
Etienne having a breakout season
Travis Etienne experienced a severe knee injury in his rookie year, which held back his contribution to this Jaguars offence. But they have been patient with him, and worked well to develop him from that injury setback. Etienne ranks as a top three Running Back this year so far. With 583 rushing yards, 266 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. Trevor Lawrence and Etienne played college football together, so their bond and understanding is longer than the average NFL connection. Etienne is the X-Factor player in this Jaguars offence and if they are to keep up with this explosive 49ers offence, Etienne will need to have a busy game.
My Predictions:
- 49ers dominate in 7+ pts victory
- Aiyuk 100+ receiving yards, Kittle TD reception
- Etienne 75+ scrimmage yards, Ridley TD reception
Game 3: Detroit Lions (6-2) @ Las Angeles Chargers (4-4)- (SNF – 21:25 GMT)
The Lions are coming off a bye week. Whilst the Chargers totally controlled their game last week in their victory over the New York Jets. The Lions are currently the number two seed in the NFC, and top of their division. This is all uncharted territory for Detroit in recent history and Dan Campbell has done an incredible job along with Jared Goff in turning this franchise around. The Chargers are behind the Chiefs pace in the AFC West, and in a battle for wildcard places. But the AFC is incredibly competitive with a number of strong teams. This match will be another example of the difference in standard between the NFC and AFC. The Chargers can’t afford to lose, but with Ekeler back and in form, I think they will have enough about them to outscore this Lions team.
Fantasy Factors – Gibbs taking over the backfield
When the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, a number of analysts were surprised.After draft Gibbs, the Lions then signed Montgomery and started him in the first games of the season. Unfortunately for Monty, he got injured, but Gibbs has taken his opportunity and “run” with it. As he has been explosive, most notably in his last game vs the Raiders rushing for over 150+ yards. Goff also has this passing offence purring with a top 6 tanking in passing yards per game and Amon-Ra St Brown has been the biggest beneficiary from this. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta is also having a productive first year in the NFL and that will have to continue this week in what should be a high scoring game.
Ekeler back with a punch!
Justin Herbert has recently picked up a finger injury and this was clear for all to see last week. As it was arguably one of his worst passing games as a charger. Fantasy ngithmare. Ekeler was leant on, and managed to put up just under 50 rushing yards, but importantly scoring two Touchdowns and caught two of his seven targets for another 23 yards. The Lions have been scoring a lot of points, and the Chargers defence hasn’t been holding teams, so game script suggests that Herbert will have to be fit and passing well to make a game of this! Keenan Allen should see double digit targets and Ekeler will also see a huge workload.
My Predictions:
- Lions win shoot out by 5 points, game total points over 55
- Gibbs 75+ scrimmage yards, ARSB 75 receiving yards
- Allen 100+ receiving yards, Ekeler another pair of touchdowns
