Bradley Roby celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with cornerback Isaac Yiado, left, and defensive back Will Parks. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
This week was very disappointing to say the least. Only six players managed to break 30 points in PPR leagues, and that number fell to just four in standard leagues. Not only that, but the highest scoring player in standard and second highest scoring player in PPR was a defense. So, if you had one of your worst weeks, it’s fine because your opponent likely did too.
Defense/Special Teams, Denver Broncos: 33 points
It’s not often that the highest scoring player in a week goes to a D/ST, but in standard leagues this week, it only went downhill after Thursday night. The Broncos obliterated the Cardinals and allowed just 223 yards of total offense and 10 points. They also recorded six sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. They simply dominated the Josh Rosen led Cardinals offense.
Now, be warned, don’t be trigger-happy and start the Broncos defense every week. Frankly, they are probably no better than a streaming option. The last time they were in the double digits for fantasy points was Week 1 vs. the Seahawks, another bad team. They have also recorded negative points twice this season, including a negative two-point day vs. the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 4. Who do they play next, you ask? The Kansas City Chiefs. Their upcoming schedule is tough, and it includes games vs. the Texans, Chargers and Steelers. Realistically, the next time they will probably be starter-caliber is Week 14 vs. the San Francisco 49ers, who are almost as bad as the Cardinals. This week was nice but an extreme outlier.
Honorable Mentions: Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts
Running back Kareem Hunt: 31 points standard, 37.1 points PPR
Hunt was the biggest beneficiary of the Chiefs 45-10 thrashing of the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing the ball 15 times for 86 yards and a touchdown and catching 5 passes for 55 yards and two more scores. It just simply was not a competition, as the Chiefs were in complete control of the game from kickoff, forcing the Bengals into a three and out and then driving 95 yards down the field to score.
After a mediocre start to the season, Hunt’s fantasy production has really picked up over the past few weeks. He has scored a touchdown now in six straight games and had over 90 scrimmage yards in for straight. The Chiefs offense is supercharged, and Hunt’s workhorse ability is one of the biggest factors as to why. His next three games are vs. the Broncos, Browns and Cardinals, so he is a pretty safe bet to maintain his RB1 play at least in the near future, especially next week vs. the Broncos, against whom he racked up 175 scrimmage yards and a touchdown during Week 4.
Running back Marlon Mack: 29 points standard, 31.9 points PPR
The Indianapolis Colts absolutely destroyed the Buffalo Bills 37-5 this week and running back Marlon Mack was a large reason as to why. Mack carried the ball 19 times for 126 yards, over 6.5 yards per carry and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 33 yards and two touchdowns.
Marlon Mack has emerged as the lead back in the Indianapolis Colts’ crowded backfield. After missing a handful of games due to injury, he totaled 12 carries Week 6 before his 19-carry day this week. All the other running backs combined for eight and 12 carries respectively. Unfortunately, he does not carry much value as a receiver, as his two catches this week doubled his season total. Fellow backs Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins have that role, combining for 42 receptions this season. However, his value as a rusher makes him a solid FLEX play going forward this season.
Honorable Mentions: Todd Gurley II, James White
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: 32 points standard, 32.8 points PPR
Even though Mahomes went into the game wearing his father’s old Mets jersey, he certainly didn’t bring any of the Mets bad mojo with him onto the field. He was once again extraordinary, going 28/39 for 358 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed the ball four times for 45 yards, his highest total of the season.
Mahomes has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league this season and is even considered by some to be the frontrunner for the MVP. He leads the league in touchdowns with 22 and is second in passing yards with 2,223, behind only Matt Ryan. Unless he hits a serious slump, there should be nothing stopping you from starting him week after week, no matter what the matchup is.
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky: 31 points standard, 31.4 points PPR
Trubisky is back for his second appearance on this list, though it is not quite up to the standards of his 43-point performance in Week 4. He is simply here because there is no one else. That’s not to say he didn’t have a good week. He certainly did, but normally it would not be enough. Trubisky went 26/50 passing for 333 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also took to the ground six times for 81 yards and a score and was just one yard short of tying the game on a Hail Mary as time expired.
After a dreadful start to the season where he only threw for 591 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions and two fumbles through the first three games, Trubisky has really stepped up his game. Over his past three games, he has thrown for 1,003 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three picks. He seems to have found his groove, and as long as he keeps playing like this, he is a pretty good start.
Honorable Mentions: Cam Newton, Andrew Luck
