Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Derek Carr (vs. Chi) – The Saints offense exploded for 38 points last week and it came at a perfect time. Carr and the New Orleans offense were heavily scrutinized the week before and Carr was visibly frustrated. It was nice to see him back bounce under increased pressure and next up they get the lowly Bears at home. Expect Carr and the Saints offense to continue to roll as the Bears are giving up an average of 19.6 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

Sit ‘Em

Geno Smith (@ Bal) – Geno Smith hasn’t quite been the same player as he was last year. So far that hasn’t hurt the Seahawks as they are 5-2 and lead the NFC West. If he keeps playing like this though it could hurt their chances down the stretch. Up next they have to travel cross-country to Baltimore where the Ravens have been tough at home. Smith will have difficulties moving the ball against this Ravens defense and it’s best to sit him this week.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Joe Mixon (vs. Buf) – Mixon has been somewhat disappointing this season but did show signs of breaking out last week. He finished with his best performance of the year against the 49ers and racked up 87 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Up next the Bengals will face the Bills at home and I like Mixon to continue to improve. The Bills can at times be vulnerable against the run and I expect this to be a high-scoring contest.

Sit ‘Em

Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. Wsh) – Stevenson has really been a dud the season and that will continue on Sunday vs. the Commanders. At this point in the season, it’s hard to justify starting Stevenson who has yet to break 60 yards rushing in a game. The Commanders defense is vulnerable against the pass but they have held their own against running backs.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Michael Pittman Jr. (@ Car) – Look for Pittman to have another big game on Sunday vs. the Panthers. Pittman is starting to come into his own and has had great chemistry with quarterback Gardner Minshew. He’s had 32 targets in his last three games including 2 touchdowns during that span. Up next is the Panthers defense who have struggled against the deep ball.

Sit ‘Em

DeVonta Smith (vs. Dal) – Smith has had his moments but hasn’t been consistent enough this season. He has had some puzzling drops this year and at times disappears from the game plan for the Eagles. Up next Philadelphia will face the Dallas defense that has locked down the receiver position despite key injuries. I’m not giving up on Smith yet but sitting him for this game.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Taysom Hill (vs. Chi) – Hill has been one of the surprises over the last two weeks including finishing as TE1 last week. Hill has been used heavily in the run game for the Saints but also has 14 targets in his last 3 games. Expect Hill to continue to get utilized for New Orleans who will look to attack the weak Bears defense.

Sit ‘Em

Dalton Schultz (vs. TB) – Before last week’s dud, Shultz had three consecutive weeks with receiving touchdowns for the Texans. I still like Schultz long term but not this week. He will face a Buccaneers defense that is allowing just 5.9 fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Sit Schultz this week but keep him on your roster.

Start of the Week

Gardner Minshew (@ Car) – Minshew is our start of the week as he has a favorable matchup on Sunday. Minshew and the Colts offense have put up 38+ points the last two weeks and I see them putting up big numbers vs. Carolina. Minshew is averaging 19.2 fantasy points per game in his 4 starts and I see him getting 20+ again this week. Really the only thing holding him back is the turnovers (5 int’s the last 3 games). If he can eliminate the mistakes Minshew will be a plus starter the rest of the way.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 9 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Brandon Aiyuk – Aiyuk has had a strong start to the season and is currently the WR8 in Half PPR scoring. He is unfortunately dealing with a shoulder injury that may keep him out of the Thursday night matchup against the New York Giants. If he is inactive Deebo Samuel will see a jump in our rankings.

Anthony Richardson – Richardson has also had a strong start to his rookie season but left the week 2 matchup early due to a concussion. He is currently in concussion protocol and reports this morning are he won’t be practicing Wednesday. If Richardson can’t go, Gardner Minshew will be in line to start on Sunday versus the Baltimore Ravens.

Saquon Barkley – (Update: Barkley is now officially OUT) Barkley picked up an ankle injury late in the New York Giants wild comeback victory on Sunday. As of now, the Giants aren’t ruling him out but I would be shocked if he played this week. He is still in our rankings but much lower than usual. We will update his ranking when we have more clarity on his status.

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Quarterbacks

Gardner Minshew – QB Philadelphia Eagles

Out of the gate we start with some unfortunate news on Jalen Hurts. It looks like he suffered a shoulder strain that will keep him out for a couple weeks. If you’re a Hurts owner this is not the news you wanted heading into your crucial playoff game this weekend. In steps Gardner Minshew whom doesn’t have the same upside as Hurts but can put up solid numbers with all the talent around him.

Running Backs

Zack Moss – RB Indianapolis Colts

More unfortunate injuries this time at the running back position. Jonathan Taylor will officially be shut down for the season due to his high ankle sprain. The next man up appears to be Zack Moss as he totaled 24 carries in the loss to the Vikings for 81 yards. This development is a bit surprising as many expected Deon Jackson to step into that lead role. Jackson is still worth stashing but Moss is our top waiver priority for week 16.

Wide Receivers

Zay Jones – WR Jacksonville Jaguars

Zay Jones lit up the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday hauling in 3 touchdowns and 109 yards. The last 4 weeks he has seen a whopping 41 targets from his emerging QB Trevor Lawrence. If somehow Jones is available in your league you should prioritize picking him up. The Jaguars offense is getting hot at the right time and Jones should continue to soar.

Tight Ends

Dallas Goedert – TE Philadelphia Eagles

Goedert is getting set to come back off of IR and could be on track to play this weekend. More than likely he was dropped a while back when he suffered his shoulder injury. Goedert has shown he can put up solid fantasy numbers and if you need to stream a TE for your pivotal matchup this is the guy.

The post Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Indianapolis Colts axed Frank Reich & it’s safe to say that Matt Ryan doesn’t appear to be the answer at signal-caller, as well. Matty Ice has thrown nine interceptions with nine passing touchdowns to back it up. CBS Sports rightfully dubbed Ryan as the biggest individual dead money cap charge at this point. As the Colts dream of acquiring a new starting QB1, I’m going to untwine five QB targets for the Colts in 2023.

• Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson and potentially Sean Payton would be superb fits for Indy. Jackson and Jonathan Taylor would bring headaches to opposing run defenses for ages. Furthermore, Jackson would be able to play opposite a stingy Colts defense (featuring the likes of Darius Leonard, Deforest Buckner, and Stephon Gilmore).

Jackson has the eight-best QB rating this season (one spot behind Josh Allen) & he’s first in rushing yards at the QB spot.

• Daniel Jones

Despite being at the helm of a 6-2 squad, Daniel Jones isn’t unveiling ungodly, Drew-Brees-like stats (six passing touchdowns to two interceptions). However, he’s still been efficient this season w/ an 88-passer rating. He’s also 25 years old and he will bring potential to any team.

• Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy G (and his chin-line) can still have a fruitful NFL career without Kyle Shanahan in 2023 and beyond. Jimmy G has impressive arm talent combined with a tough injury history. Although, The Colts OL may be able to help Jimmy G stay fresh and crisp for a long time.

• Gardner Minshew

Gardner Minshew may just be the best QB2 in the NFL & he will finally be out of the Eagles clutches in 2023. Minshew Mania had a magical rookie season and he even squeezed out a career-best 104.8 passer rating in 2021.

• Teddy Bridgewater

If the Colts don’t want to break the bank for a FA QB, they could rest on inking the underrated, modest QB in Teddy Bridgewater. Teddy B had a .500 record with the Denver Broncos in 2021 — which can’t be said by Russell Wilson. Bridgewater is also gaining invaluable experience under the offensive wiz Mike McDaniel this season.

The post 5 QB targets for the Colts in 2023 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

It may seem like the seven trumpets are going off in Dallas after it was announced that Dak Prescott will miss 6-8 weeks. However, the Boys still have a plethora of talent on their roster & they could surely sneak into the playoffs with the right signal-caller. With that said, I’m going to untwine seven QBs that may be a logical fit for Dallas.

• Teddy Bridgewater

I would honestly love to see Teddy “two gloves” in a Cowboys uniform. The signal-caller that is coming off a 7-7 record last season can take care of the football and utilize the crisp route-running ability of Ceedee Lamb and Michael Gallup. I also don’t foresee the Phins retaining Bridgewater as a QB2 long-term, so it may be wise for Mike McDaniel to ship him out for a draft pick soon.

• Andy Dalton

The Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton, also known as the “Red Rifle”, still has the arm talent and a slice of the fountain of youth at 34 years old. Most importantly, Dalton played nine games with the reigning NFC East Champions in 2020. It would make a ton of sense for the Boys to bring him back if New Orleans was open to the offer.

• Cam Newton

The Panthers legend, Cam Newton, lost a chunk of his ability that led him to win MVP in 2016. Nonetheless, he could still be a threat with his rushing ability. I would want to see the Panthers ink Newton as 1B at QB. The NFL world witnessed Taysom Hill run angry for 81 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. It may be wise for the Boys to roll with a pure passing QB at 1A and sprinkle in Newton at 1B at QB.

• Gardner Minshew

Perhaps the Boys are desperate enough to get the Philadelphia Eagles to cough up the magic man, Gardner Minshew, in 2022. Minshew may be the most underrated backup QB in the league and it’s a shame that he hasn’t had a shot at a starting gig after many flashes of greatness in Jacksonville.

• Drew Lock

Geno Smith is pegged as the starting QB and the Hawks are likely a bit more interested in moving on from the Drew Lock experiment. He still has physical gifts, but he hasn’t quite found the right fit. Lamb and Gallup could make a lot of plays with the clean version of Lock.

• Sam Darnold

The former USC mythical QB, Sam Darnold, is the ultimate wildcard to land with the Boys in my opinion. Darnold has been in numerous agonizing situations in Adam Gase land & surrounded by an injured Christian McCaffrey. Yet, he has made impressive throws and taken care of the football at key times. He may be the best value pick-up for the Boys — assuming the Panthers don’t have a modest price tag on him.

• Tyrod Taylor

The electric Tyrod Taylor would be a safe bet for the Boys. Taylor, aka the 2015 Pro Bowler and near-starting QB for the Chargers (until a sad injury occurred to him from the medical staff) is still looking for his last break. The issue is: will the Giants be open to trading him to the Boys?

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By: Jake Rajala

The Philadelphia Eagles didn’t only acquire former New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – as they also signed former Saints quarterback Ian Book (Saints fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft). Book stands behind the ascending Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew (Mania).

Book was thrown in the fire against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16 of last season, to say the least. The former Notre Dame signal-caller had to lead a Saints team that missed 22 players and four coaches against a Dolphins team that was on a six-game winning streak. Well, what exactly was the end result for Book? He threw a pick-six on his second pass of the game, threw 12 completions of 20 attempts, and finished with 135 passing yards. Book didn’t flash greatness, but Sean Payton did make it clear after the game that he was performing with very limited help.

Book did make impressive moments in the 2022 pre-season – as he unveiled 42 completions to 65 passing attempts, 64.6 completion percentage, 2 passing touchdowns (to 2 interceptions). His QBR in pre-season was 73.6 – which was a step up from his QBR (55.7) in 2021. He was making positive strides this off-season, but he was beaten by the Red Rifle (Andy Dalton) for the Saints QB2 spot. The Saints had so many talented back-up pieces at other positions, that Dennis Allen ultimately decided that it wasn’t worth keeping Book as a QB3.

The Eagles currently carry three young, talented, signal-callers on their roster moving forward. The Eagles quietly have tremendous depth at their QB position. Minshew and Book are both set to be free agents after this season. I believe that Minshew (who also lived out of a bus for a chunk of this summer) may leave and compete for a starting gig next off-season, so it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if Book was the QB2 for the Eagles in 2023 and beyond.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Detroit Lions understand that Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they shouldn’t be too patient with growing their team. They should acknowledge that it isn’t best to keep Jared Goff placed in the driver’s seat (also known as QB1) forever. With that said, I’m going to simply untwine five quarterbacks that are logical trade targets for the Lions at this point in time.

Jimmy Garoppolo

The 49ers veteran signal-caller, Jimmy Garoppolo, has been stuck in Alcatraz this off-season. Jimmy G will likely be traded prior to the trade deadline, but it’s unclear which team will acquire the former Patriots QB. Per SI, the Bucs have “real interest” in acquiring Jimmy G to return as “the heir to Tom Brady”. I believe the Lions, who certainly have more attractive draft compensation, could outbid the Brady bunch for Garoppolo’s services.

Ryan Tannehill

I believe Ryan Tannehill may not be the sexiest QB trade option, but he is a step above Goff in my opinion (33 passing touchdowns in a slightly above-talented offense in 2020). The Lions also wouldn’t have to break the bank for Tanny. The Indianapolis Colts brought in the 37-year-old Matt Ryan to help the Colts win a Super Bowl. The Lions may opt to push out Goff and acquire the somewhat old (33-year-old) Titans QB that may be replaced by Malik Willis soon.

Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones has been in a brutal position since his first game as a rookie. Danny Dimes flashed greatness as a pocket passer in his first season, but he hasn’t been able to find consistent, success. To be fair, he has often been behind a dreadful offensive line in each phase of his career. Furthermore, he has missed Saquon Barkley far too often. The 25-year-old that is a UFA still might be a fantastic value pickup for the Lions.

Gardner Minshew

Minshew Mania could honestly be the most underrated QB2 in the NFL. I love his competitive fire and floor, but he might not have the most exciting ceiling. He doesn’t possess the same arm talent as Jimmy G or Minshew, but I believe he can be an upgrade over the recent displays by Goff (20 TDs in 2020 and 19 TDs in 2021). He would certainly be less expensive than the 49ers QB, too.

Taysom Hill

Taysom Hill isn’t Steve Young, but he does absolutely have starting potential at the QB position. I understand that Jameis Winston is better than Hill, but it doesn’t mean that Hill can’t be a starter elsewhere. Hill is penciled in as a “joker” on the Dennis Allen-led team, but the Lions (and Hill’s friend in Dan Campbell) should dig up the cost of his services and potentially insert him as the new QB. If a 2023 rookie edges him out as the Lions starting QB, Campbell would still know how to utilize him as a pass catcher and occasional QB.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers team that has a coach (Matt Rhule) sizzling on the hot seat could make a significant jump with the addition of a talented quarterback at this point in late June. With that said, I’m going to simply untwine five quarterbacks that would formulate a perfect marriage with the Panthers.

Garnder Minshew

Minshew Mania would be an excellent value pick-up for the Panthers in my opinion. The Eagles would likely demand a fifth or sixth-round pick for him. I expect that the former Jaguars QB that has 41 career passing touchdowns to 12 interceptions would have a tremendous floor with the Panthers impressive weapons. I also don’t believe Baker is the right long-term QB, so Minshew would be an excellent bridge QB at the very least.

Teddy Bridgewater

It may not be deemed sexy for the Panthers to bring back Teddy Bridgewater after he led them to a 4-11 record in 2020. Nonetheless, there are a couple of great reasons for the Panthers to reunite with Teddy B. For 1. he has familiarity with the Panthers and 2. he is an upgrade over Sam Darnold. The Jets wisely brought back Joe Flacco (numerous times) and it may be a sharp decision for the Panthers to acquire the QB2 in Miami.

Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor, who might be at the awkward age of 32, is still one of the flat-out best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. Taylor would have been the starting QB for the Chargers if a medical procedure didn’t go haywire. He wasn’t as impressive as Davis Mills last season, but he was still in a lackluster situation. I would be intrigued to see the Panthers rushing offense with a healthy CMAC and Taylor.

Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton was frequently a rock star with the Cincinnati Bengals and then he down-spiraled into one of the biggest disappointments after his 2017 season. The Red Rifle still has underrated arm talent and he wouldn’t be as expensive as Baker (regardless of him in a Saints uniform). Perhaps the Panthers can reel in the QB that Kyle Shanahan gushed over in the 2021 off-season.

Kyle Allen

Kyle Allen really blossomed in Washington – after he had growing pains in Carolina (2018 and 2019). Allen received Bruce Wayne-like training and development with the Commanders and it may be time for him to return back to CAR as a wiser and more-talented passer. Allen, who stated that he basically doesn’t have a chance to start in Washington, may have a realistic opportunity at starting for the Panthers in 2022.

The post 5 QB targets for the Panthers right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

Gardner Minshew may sadly be the most underrated cemented QB2 in the NFL and the trade mill surrounding Minshew mania could resemble crickets chirping. I believe that Minshew would be a perfect QB fit for one particular, desperate team: Carolina Panthers. With that enunciated, I’m going to untwine three reasons why Minshew and the Panthers would be a perfect marriage.

Great value option

The Browns are seeking a second or third-round pick for the “expensive” Mayfield, so it’s clear that Mayfield is an expensive, shaky option. Meanwhile, Minshew would likely cost the Panthers a fifth or sixth-round pick. If Minshew isn’t an above-average starter, the GM can still rest knowing that he didn’t break the bank for his services. Meanwhile, if Baker burns out for the second straight season, the Browns would have a “Brock Osweiler” situation with an overly expensive, failed project at QB.

Minshew’s Floor

The Panthers can be a competitive team with an “Alex Smith-like QB”. They have CMAC, a terrific WR duo, and an ascending defense. I trust that the former Jags QB that threw 21 passing TDs, 6 ints, and 3,271 passing yds, as a rookie on a mediocre Jags offense can edge out Sam Darnold and potentially allow the Panthers to build around him for a couple of seasons.

Current QB situation

The Panthers are clearly aggressive for a QB upgrade which shows their hail mary attempt at snagging Mayfield. I don’t love the Panthers short-term outlook with Darnold and the third-round pick Matt Corral. If Darnold doesn’t progress, the Panthers rook could definitely have a hard time beating the Buccaneers and Saints in 2022 and it may be wise for the Panthers to be creative in their search for the right veteran QB.

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The Detroit Lions could look to acquire a young, talented quarterback without giving up a lot of compensation. Gardner Minshew, also known as Minshew Mania, would be a very ideal trade target for Dan Campbell. The Lions could reel in Minshew and still decide to take a QB early in the 2021 or 2022 NFL draft.

Minshew isn’t only 25 years old, but he has positive experience and production. The Jags QB that was replaced for a “first overall pick” has thrown 41 touchdowns, 5,969 passing yards, and has accumulated a 63.2 completion percentage.

He quietly went 6-6 as a rookie, which is the same win count as Trevor Lawrence and Goff last year combined. There is a lot of different variables in team success, but Minshew is a winner. He makes special plays and he doesn’t come out guns blazing like a “Week 18 Carson Wentz” in a pivotal matchup.

I also believe trading for Minshew would be wise if the Lions don’t plan on drafting a QB with their second overall pick. The motivated, yet patient Lions look like they are going to select Aidan Hutchinson second overall, according to All Lions Fan Nation. Penei Sewell and Hutchinson can be All-Pro type players at pivotal positions for many years to come.

I still really expect the Lions to bring in competition for Goff, who didn’t look deserving of the starting QB role often in 2021. The free agency pool isn’t sexy, to say the least. Jameis Winston will most likely choose the familiar, talented Saints team. I expect Mitchell Trubisky to ride with the Commanders or Steelers. Marcus Mariota will likely sign with the Broncos or Steelers. Minshew is also a clearly easier trade option than the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, and even Jimmy G.

After the top few signal-callers find a home in free agency, I believe Minshew is the far better option than QBs like Jacoby Brissett and Andy Dalton. The Lions really need to win more ball games in 2022. Campbell’s emotion might be captivating and the Lions truly made the right moves last offseason, but it’s time to turn the lever up a notch and it would help to be creative at the mediocre QB spot. The Lions should send a late-round pick to acquire the young, polarizing Philly QB.

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