Quarterbacks...
Ben Roethlisberger (31) stands atop the QB rankings so far for this week. It was his 2nd great game in 3 weeks. He is still not an every week starter, but he should be owned in all leagues. Right behind him was Carson Palmer (24) with his best game of the year. Facing the Jags, I'm not putting much stock into this one. RGIII (22) had a good game. I boldly put him ahead of Nick Foles this week. Foles (21) also did well, but it was the right call. Both QBs played good here as expected. Matthew McGloin (19) was the real shocker of the day. An undrafted free agent, he only threw for 197 yards but also three TDs and 0 ints and looked very poised. Not super high on him, but worth an add if you are desperate. Mike Glennon (17) had another decent but not spectacular game and is a very serviceable second option to those in need. Andy Dalton got 11 points and threw for 3 TDs. That is an impressive feat, considering 3 TDs are worth 12 points on their own. Backup QBs finally had down games as Josh McCown (12), Case Keenum (8), and Jason Campbell (7) all struggled. Its why I ranked Ryan Tannehill (14) so highly. He is a very reliable option and was a decent if not great start when several other options did poorly. And if you started Geno Smith (-4), my 20th ranked QB...#1 you shouldn't have, but #2 I'm sorry anyway.
Running Backs...
The biggest surprise of the day came, as I already mentioned, in Bobby Rainey (34) who looked absolutely dominant. He looked great, but don't expect too much going forward, he has some brutal matchups. The next surprise was Rashad Jennings (21). I wasn't a believer, but I think after this performance you have to buy in somewhat as an every game start. Even if half of it was on one run, he is getting the touches and looking decent enough. Of course Ray Rice (20) put up a good game. I want no part of it, selling high as fast as I can. Chris Ivory (15) had another good game. Not involved in the receiving end, but has now had 3 double digit games in the past 4. I like it. Ryan Mathews (13) had his third 100 yard rushing game of the day. He will never be a top play, but he has established himself as a solid RB2. Ben Tate (10) hasn't been anything special, but as the premier back for Houston he gets a ton of touches, I like him going forward. Somewhat disappointing day for Giovani Bernard (8) with just 86 total yards, but it still wasn't bad. The whole game had a weird flow for the Bengals, I'm not concerned. Reggie Bush (3) had his worst game of the season. I did highlight him as a not so great play, but I still had him 10th. Not too much to take away from this game, you are still starting him. Darren Sproles (2) had another miss of a game. How can you feel good about starting him ever? C.J. Spiller (1) was also a complete miss, but it was against the toughest run defense. He has a bye next week and then who knows what he will do...Andre Ellington (1) was a huge disappointment this week. I was fairly low on him compared to others, but I still expected him to be kind of decent here.
Wide Receivers...
The top two wide receivers faced each other in an excellent duel of elites. Of course Calvin Johnson (29) came out on top, but Antonio Brown (26) held his own. And yes he is elite. Michael Floyd (25) was a surprising third after having a huge 91 yard touchdown, but he played well even outside of that. Unfortunately, he still lives and dies with Carson Palmer. Harry Douglas (19) had me worried because of his injury, but he got off a huge play and had another good game. Continues to show playmaking ability, but I'm still not sold on his overall talent. I had been touting Josh Gordon (18) all week and he didn't let me down. I was nervous after an empty first half, but he had one of his usual megaplays and saved the day. Dude is going to be a bit inconsistent, but incredibly talented. Marquise Goodwin (15) was another guy I was big on all week as a sleeper. Sure enough he and T.J. Graham (13) both lived up to their deep play reputations. Andre Johnson, Jordy Nelson, and Victor Cruz (11) were all held without a touchdown, but got their yards. Cruz is still a must start every week. Nelson is in WR2 territory without Rodgers, but still a worthy player. Torrey Smith (9) had another TD, and hopefully the trend continues next week, I really like him rest of season. I expected Brandon Marshall (4) to do well, but it turned out Alshon Jeffery (9) was the yard gainer for the Bears this week. Both guys are good options going forward. Roddy White (9) got a touchdown, but still only had 36 yards. I would not look at this as a sign that he is back. Denarius Moore (7) also got a TD to save a bad game. The Texans were a tough matchup, I'm intrigued by him going forward. Riley Cooper (3) finally slowed down, but he was close to a TD and a couple big plays on occasion. Nick Foles clearly likes him, and he is still flex worthy going forward, even though I was low on him all week. I expected Golden Tate (2) to benefit from the return of Percy Harvin (1). But in a game where the Seahawks scored 40+, neither did well. They have a bye next week, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out in the fantasy playoffs. AJ Green (7 yards) was the major disappointment of the day. I was low on him, but I wasn't going to sit him. No regrets on my part, but major credit to Joe Haden as always. DeAndre Hopkins (0) was another big downer, but that whole game was a mess for the Texans.
Tight Ends...
Of course, Gronk hasn't played yet, so we are missing one of the two major guys, but Garrett Graham (17) C'MON!!! I was hyping you for 3-4 weeks now, I completely gave up and this happens. Ugh. Thats fantasy. Charles Clay (15) also came back from irrelevance in a strange day for tight ends. Jimmy Graham (4) had 6 catches but just 41 yards and couldn't force himself into the end zone on multiple tries. Pretty disappointing. Antonio Gates (11) and Vernon Davis (9) were the only high level TEs to play as such. Tony Gonzalez (7) for all his injury woes, had a decent game here. Heath Miller (6) had 8 catches which was a big boost for PPR. Jordan Cameron (2) had 6 catches but just 29 yards. Jason Campbell has been awful at getting him the ball. That has to change, he is too good a target for that. Jordan Reed (1) suffered a concussion and had to leave the game. No word on his status for next week. Concussions can vary greatly...
