UPDATE: 8:49 p.m. Friday
The big news heading into the weekend is the uncertain status of future rookie of the year Jaylen Daniels. Washington’s quarterback would be a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against Chicago and fellow rookie QB Caleb Williams.
This could create some uncomfortable decisions for Fantasy enthusiasts on Sunday morning, as they may have to set their lineups before the Commanders announce their inactives for the late afternoon game.
Two familiar faces will return at quarterback: Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and Cleveland’s Jameis Winston. Probably a good idea to forward both for this week.
Three notable pass catchers were ruled out: Philadelphia tight end Dallas Goedert and Carolina’s Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson. Either way, the latter two wouldn’t have caught many passes since Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton is out, and inadequate Bryce Young will start again.
It looks like Seattle WR DK Metcalf won’t play. He is listed as questionable.
Three key players have been released for this weekend: Indy RB Jonathan Taylor, Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt and Saints Chris Olave.
ORIGINAL POST: 9:00 a.m. Wednesday
If one play perfectly encapsulates the NFL’s recent carnage, it came in the final minutes of Monday night’s game between Baltimore and Tampa Bay.
With the Ravens already having the game locked down, the Buccaneers seemingly checked in for the full 60 minutes and played star receiver Chris Godwin during mop-up time.
They would regret this decision the rest of the year, as Godwin dislocated his ankle, ending his season.
He will be joined on the sidelines for the near future by star teammate Mike Evans, who injured his hamstring earlier. And by Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel of the 49ers, DK Metcalf of Seattle, Juju Smith-Schuster of the Chiefs and suspended Jameson Williams of the Lions.
Oh yeah. The sidelines were already filled with pass catchers such as Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
So people are going to have to go pretty far to find receiving talent this week. Here are some players they might want to claim off waivers:
Demario Douglas (Patriots): The former Liberty star was quickly becoming a favorite of rookie quarterback Drake Maye until he fell ill last Sunday in London. He should move forward and remain the No. 1 receiver in Foxboro.
Rashod Bateman (Ravens): The former Gopher led all others Monday night with 121 receiving yards and a touchdown, his third of the season. You want to own a piece of this Baltimore offense, and you can catch Bateman for one more week.
Tutu Atwell (Rams): Speaking of former Gophers, Atwell led the devastated Rams corps last Sunday with nine targets against Las Vegas. He has 23 catches for 332 yards, but no touchdowns. That could change Thursday evening.
Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall (49ers): San Francisco is really short on pass catchers now. Will they turn to Jennings, who passed for three touchdowns a few weeks ago, or Pearsall, who returned weeks after being DRAWED to catch three passes for 21 yards in his NFL debut last week?
There’s also Bub Means of the Saints, Tony Franklin of the Broncos… and a Deepest Sleeper who we’ll get to shortly.
Stars sitting
Whoever starts at running back for the 49ers, Christian McCaffrey or Jordan Mason, will show up to emulate a professional Dallas defense. … Green Bay will stack the box to slow down Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby and challenge Trevor Lawrence to beat them, and he won’t. … It’s nice to see Cleveland RB Nick Chubb back, but he’s not going anywhere against Baltimore. … Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson may be the most overrated player in fantasy, and he will continue to disappoint in Houston… Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will struggle to handle the Vikings’ blitz. … Same with Cincy QB Joe Burrow against Philly. …And it’s time for Atlanta TE Kyle Pitts to return to statistical obscurity after a good few weeks.
Match game
We think Tua Tagovailoa coming back from his concussions is a really bad idea in the long run, but the Miami QB could have a big game Sunday against Arizona. …The only reason the Jets will avoid an upset in New England will be RB Breece Hall. …Buffalo’s Ray Davis will continue to raise eyebrows in Seattle. … Three other running backs who will stay hot: Kareem Hunt of the Chiefs against the Raiders, Davonte Williams of the Broncos against Carolina and D’Andre Swift of the Bears against the Commanders. … Pittsburgh WR George Pickens will continue to benefit from Russell Wilson’s passing touch against the Giants. …And Tampa tight end Cade Otten will be busy as Baker Mayfield’s top receiving option against Atlanta.
Injury Monitoring
Vikings fans aren’t the only ones having concerns to see if Cooper Kupp returns for the Rams on Thursday night. He could. … Same level of concern for Washington’s rookie of the year favorite, Jayden Daniels. … We could also see the return of Indy RB Jonathan Taylor and Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson. … The list of questionable subjects includes Vikings RB Aaron Jones, Jags RB Travis Etienne, Baltimore WR Zay Flowers, Vegas WR Jakobi Meyers and Niners tight end George Kittle.
Deepest sleeper
Cleveland is a mess after the Deshaun Watson era ended abruptly. But this could be a great opportunity for wide receiver Cedric Tillman. He caught eight passes for 81 yards last Sunday, even though he entered the game with just nine career yards. The sophomore from Tennessee could quickly become a favorite for Watson’s successor, who we imagine will be Jameis Winston.
Thursday’s choice
Vikings to Rams (+2½):
Choice: Vikings by 3
You can hear Kevin Cusick Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter – @theloopnow. He can be contacted at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.
