Here is a stat for you: Cordarelle Patterson is currently the RB3 and WR8 on fantasy sites with both a WR/RB designation. A wild start to fantasy football for 2021.
We are at the quarter mark; or what used to be the quarter mark of the fantasy football season. If you haven’t checked out GameDay Edge yet, you are missing crucial information; especially playing DFS or survivor-type tournaments. This week I will add to the article. Instead of just giving pertinent stats, I will give observations on each game based on the stats provided.
Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs
- Bills are the only team to not have allowed over 100 points on the season yet, due to shutting out two offenses. Three of their four opponents were among the top five worst scoring offenses, in Houston, Pittsburgh, and Miami.
- The Bills have allowed the lowest percentage of explosive plays (run and pass), while the Kansas City is T-3rd for most percentage of explosive plays.
- Teams are having success against the Bills throwing it short; this is due to the Bills having the highest QB Hurry percentage at 17.5%, while only blitzing at a league-average rate of 23.1%. The Bills defensive line has allowed the secondary to play umbrella coverage concepts.
- Kansas City offensive line (& Patrick Mahomes) only have a 3.4% sack rate. This is similar to WFT’s 3.1% and much better than Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins (the Bills other opponents thus far).
Summary
Throw all of Buffalo’s defensive stats out the window. They have not played another team remotely close to the Kansas City Chiefs. For Buffalo, stopping Patrick Mahomes comes to their defensive line performing against a solid offensive line, which is likely not to happen (evident by the WFT line doing a decent job against Buffalo).
Expect this game to be an offensive explosion, as both teams average 33.1 points a game. The Bills coverage concepts allow for success on intermediate routes, which plays into Kansas City’s strength.
Expect a big game from Travis Kelce similar to the Baltimore Ravens game. If Tyreek Hill is able to break tackles, Josh Allen will have to sling it.
It is evident that running comes easy against the Chiefs defense. Kansas City allows the thirds highest explosive run play percentage. Look for Devin Singletary and Zack Moss to be involved heavily. Moss has been a surprise in the last three weeks. I anticipate Moss or Singletary will have a really good day as a rusher and as a receiver.
Los Angeles Rams vs Seattle Seahawks
- Rusell Wilson leads the league in adjusted air yards per pass attempt (AYA). He has no interceptions so far in 2021.
- Matthew Stafford is second in AYA at 10.0.
- Russell Wilson is second in yards per completion at 13.3 and Stafford is third at 13.2.
- Darrell Henderson is averaging 4.7 yards per attempt and averaging 9 YAC in three games.
- Seattle is yielding the most receiving yards (289) and the most rushing yards (514) to the running backs of any team.
Summary
It is clear that winning against Seattle requires two things. The offense must run through the running back position; and the defense needs to stop explosive plays, especially to the center of the field. The first was clearly evident in the second half of the Titans-Seahawks game. If Sean McVay utilizes Darrell Henderson similarly, Henderson is in a smash spot for fantasy football.
On defense, game plans and schemes can only go so far when Russell Wilson is cooking. Wilson makes the most difficult throws look easy.
The Rams have a better defense and can rely on Henderson to carry them. I could see the Rams run out to an early lead, while Russell works some of his magic to make the game close in the end with a chance to win it.
Russ Magic. #Seahawks @DangeRussWilson
📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/Mp45n5jFZi— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2021
New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys
- Dallas is allowing 30.8 points to the wide receivers even though Trevon Diggs leads the NFL with five interceptions. Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis are allowing more than 66%+completion rate and have yielded over 100 YAC each.
- Dak Prescott is 7th in AYA with 8.8 AYA. Surprisingly Daniel Jones is 8th with 8.5 AYA.
- Even with leading the league in interceptions at 8, Dallas Cowboys have allowed the second-most fantasy points (123.4) to the QB position.
- The New York Giants have allowed 11.4 fantasy points to the TE position while yielding a league-leading four touchdowns to that position.
Summary
Dallas cornerbacks not named Trevon Diggs are struggling to cover any receiver. New York Giants line their receivers all over the formation. Trying to figure out which Giants WR will explode for fantasy football could be a headache. Keep a tab on Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton’s availability. If neither are playing, Kenny Golladay or Kadarius Toney (sleeper as he operates from the slot) could have a smash game.
Daniel Jones will have to be a gunslinger in this game to keep up with Dak and the Cowboy’s offense and is a sneaky play in DFS or Lineup Showdown.
For Dallas, look for Dalton Schultz to continue his early-season form and exploit the Giants linebackers. Obviously there is a slight risk with Blake Jarwin stealing the show.
