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Chargers use 2nd-half surge to rally past Broncos, boost playoff position in AFC

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Chargers use 2nd-half surge to rally past Broncos, boost playoff position in AFC

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Betting tips for 'Thursday Night Football': Broncos at Chargers...Read more

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Fantasy sit-start: Lineup advice for every Week 13 game

Josh McCown highlights this week’s look at whom to sit and start in fantasy leagues (AP Photo).

Chiefs vs. Jets: Start Tyreek Hill, who’s averaged 89.2 yards and scored all five of his touchdowns on the road this year (for whatever that’s worth), and the Jets have allowed 20 passing TDs.

Start Josh McCown, who continues to be a DFS bargain. He’s coming off a game in which he shredded a solid Carolina defense for 307 yards (8.7 YPA) with three touchdowns and no picks. McCown has a higher Passer Rating than Russell Wilson and is on pace to throw for 3,700 yards and total 29 touchdowns. He ranks No. 3 among all QBs in Player Profiler’s “Production Premium” stat, is at home (where he’s gotten 8.1 YPA) and up against a suspect Chiefs defense this week.

Lions vs. Ravens: Sit Matthew Stafford, who’s played well of late (9:2 TD:INT ratio over last four games) but gets a Baltimore defense that’s allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.

Start Jeremy Maclin, who should bounce back from last week’s disappearing act with Detroit’s best corner Darius Slay likely covering Mike Wallace most of the game (Maclin lines up in the slot, where Slay rarely goes).

49ers vs. Bears: Start Jordan Howard, who’s gotten 4.8 YPC with four touchdowns over six home games and gets a vulnerable 49ers defense.

Start Carlos Hyde, who remains affordable in DFS despite seeing a ton of volume. He’s averaged 8.8 targets over the past five games and has totaled more looks this year (73) than he has over his previous three seasons combined (64). It’s unclear if Jimmy Garoppolo will dump it off as much, but getting a major upgrade at QB should help the running back’s numbers overall.

[Week 13 fantasy rankings: Overall | PPR | QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | FLEX | DST | Ks]

Vikings vs. Falcons: Start Case Keenum, who’s gotten 8.9 YPA with an 8:2 TD:turnover ratio while completing 71.1 percent of his passes over the past three games. He hasn’t fumbled all season long and plays in a dome this week in a game that could turn into a shootout.

Sit Tevin Coleman, who returns to a backseat role with Devonta Freeman back in action and is facing a Minnesota front seven that’s yielded the fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’d also fade Julio Jones in DFS, as his ownership will likely see a boost coming off such a huge performance last week, but he’ll be shadowed by Xavier Rhodes.

Patriots vs. Bills: Start Dion Lewis, who continues to have a reasonable DFS price tag despite regularly seeing 15+ touches on one of the league’s best offenses. The Bills have the No. 27 ranked run defense DVOA and have only gotten worse of late.

Despite no Kelvin Benjamin and with Jordan Matthews and Charles Clay both banged up, sit Zay Jones. New England hasn’t allowed more than 17 points in a game since Week 4 and employs tough outside corners.

Broncos vs. Dolphins: Start Devontae Booker, who led all Denver backs in snaps (albeit with a modest 26) last week and should get even more work on a Broncos team that’s lost seven straight and needs to look toward the future. Miami sports the No. 31 ranked defense DVOA.

Start DeVante Parker. Jay Cutler is back and has locked onto Parker before, which should especially be the case Sunday with slot corner Chris Harris matched up against Jarvis Landry (and Aqib Talib suspended).

Texans vs. Titans: Pay up for DeAndre Hopkins in DFS. He’s seen 12.0 targets per game since Tom Savage took over at QB, even racking up 125 yards in a tough Baltimore environment last week. Hopkins is on pace to score 13 touchdowns this season and gets a highly favorable matchup this week.

Start the Titans defense. Hopkins should get his, but the rest of the Texans offense is a complete mess. Tennessee is cheap in DFS and is touchdown favorites at home against a quarterback who’s gotten 6.1 YPA with 12 turnovers and 14 sacks over five starts.

Colts vs. Jaguars: Sit T.Y. Hilton, who has fewer than 30 yards receiving in five of his past six games and gets the NFL’s toughest secondary, with Jalen Ramsey (and/or A.J. Bouye) presenting a tough task Sunday.

Start Marqise Lee, who had been targeted 32 times over the previous three games before being shadowed by Patrick Peterson last week. The Colts sport the No. 28 pass defense DVOA and are without Vontae Davis and Rashaan Melvin, so Dede Westbrook is also a nice cheap alternative…And if you’re concerned about game script here (the Jags shut out the Colts in Indy the last time these teams met), then making Leonard Fournette the foundation of your DFS lineup this week makes sense.

Buccaneers vs. Packers: Start DeSean Jackson, as the Packers have been getting smoked by outside receivers lately, and there’s sneaky shootout potential in this game. Sit Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard, as it’s unclear if Jameis Winston’s return will lead to a change in the TE hierarchy, and Green Bay has ceded the fewest fantasy points to the position.

Start Jamaal Williams, who’s averaged 22.7 touches over the past three games and gets a Tampa Bay defense that’s bottom-three in the league. Aaron Jones could possibly return, but he sprained his MCL just a few weeks back…Davante Adams should also be treated as a top-10 WR start this week.

Panthers vs. Saints: Sit Greg Olsen, who returned to practice Friday but is in the midst of a lost season and is playing nowhere close to full strength against a New Orleans defense that’s defended tight ends well.

Start Michael Thomas, who hasn’t scored over his past seven games (and has yet to reach the end zone at home this season) but continues to see a bunch of targets and faces a Panthers defense that ranks No. 24 in DVOA against No. 1 wide receivers.

Browns vs. Chargers: Sit Josh Gordon. He reportedly ran a 4.35 forty while training for his return, and there’s undeniable upside here despite Cleveland’s QB situation. But it’s best to take a wait-and-see approach given the long layoff and the Chargers’ tough cornerbacks.

Start Hunter Henry, whose targets remain frustrating (he hasn’t seen more than five in a game since Week 6) but scored last week and gets a Cleveland defense that continuously gets beat by tight ends.

Rams vs. Cardinals: Sit Sammy Watkins, who was productive last week with Robert Woods sidelined but should mostly be lined up against Patrick Peterson this week. Play Cooper Kupp with confidence.

Start Ricky Seals-Jones. He’s obviously tough to trust considering how off the radar he was as recent as three weeks ago, but he’s scored three touchdowns over the past two games and remains cheap in DFS.

Giants vs. Raiders: Sit Orleans Darkwa, who played just 19 snaps last week, his lowest since Week 3. It’s a plus matchup, but the Giants are 8.5-point underdogs on the road and starting Geno Smith at quarterback.

Start Seth Roberts, who scored 10 touchdowns over the past two years despite acting as a third WR and should step into a much larger role Sunday with Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper out against a shaky Giants defense now missing Janoris Jenkins…Jared Cook is also primed for a big game.

Eagles vs. Seahawks: Sit Jay Ajayi, who’s now totaled just 20 carries over three games since getting traded to Philadelphia, including bottoming out with only five last week. Seattle remains tough against the run.

Start Russell Wilson, who’s accounted for 25 of Seattle’s 26 touchdowns this season and has been unstoppable at home, where he’s averaged 353.0 yards from scrimmage with 13 scores over five games. The Eagles should be able to put up points, so this could easily turn into a high-scoring affair during a game in which the Seahawks are more than three-point underdogs at home for the first time since 2012.

Steelers vs. Bengals: Sit Ben Roethlisberger, who’s played better than usual on the road this season but still sports a modest 8:5 TD:INT ratio over six games and gets a Cincinnati secondary that’s allowed 6.4 YPA (third lowest in the NFL).

Target A.J. Green in DFS, as the Steelers’ defense has been gashed for big games against No. 1 wide receivers since Joe Haden has been out.

Follow Dalton Del Don on Twitter. 

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Patriots vs Chargers: The Key Matchups to Watch

Each week the game comes down to the match-ups. This is the top match-ups that will determine which team emerges victorious.

The New England Patriots had their strongest all-around performance last week when they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-7 in their long-anticipated Super Bowl 51 rematch. Of course, the victory came with a high price as defensive captain linebacker Dont’a Hightower tore his pectoral muscle in the victory and will be lost for the season.

They stay at home again this week and welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon in their first of three consecutive games against the AFC West. After the home game they have their bye week, then play on Sunday night in Denver. The next week they are in Mexico City to face the Oakland Raiders (no word on whether Mexican media member and Tom Brady Super Bowl jersey pilferer will be on hand).

After opening the season 0-4 the Chargers have won three straight and had a decisive 21-0 shutout of their AFC West rivals the Denver Broncos. Winners of three straight games, they will present a tough match-up for the Patriots.

This week’s match-up will be broadcast by CBS and can be seen on WBZ-TV Channel 4. While Ian Eagle will ably handle play-by-play duties, it is his color analyst who will again draw the ire of Patriots fans. Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts as the color analyst. Fouts delivered arguably a brutal broadcast a few weeks back against the Jets. Evan Washburn will work from the sidelines. This appears to be a game many fans will want to listen to the radio broadcast instead of Fouts.

On the radio, this week’s game will be broadcast to a national audience on ESPN Radio. Adam Amin and former Indianapolis Colts general manager and card-carrying member of the “I hate the Patriots club” Bill Polian will call the game (not much better than Fouts!). Locally, the Patriots’ flagship station 98.5 FM the Sports Hub will carry the game on the Patriots Radio Network as always. The Patriots are on the radio on 40 stations throughout the nation and will feature broadcasters Bob Socci doing play-by-play and local media member and former Patriots backup quarterback Scott Zolak adding color.

Now that you know how to watch and listen to the game, here is the key match-up to watch that will determine if the Patriots continue their winning ways against the Los Angeles Chargers or if Philip Rivers will pull off the upset. NE CB Malcolm Butler and CB Stephon Gilmore vs LAC WR Keenan Allen and WR Tyrell Williams

The Los Angeles Chargers spent the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft pick on speedy wide receiver Mike Williams. Unfortunately, due to injuries Williams has not been able to get on the field for the first quarter of the season and is playing limited snaps only. Fortunately for the Chargers, while they waited for their first-round draft pick to get on the field they already had a suitable replacement in third year undrafted free agent Tyrell Williams.

Last season Williams was thrust into a key role with starter Keenan Allen injured in the first game of the 2016 season and on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Williams finished 2016 with 69 catches for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns (all stats from Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted). So far in 2017, he has 21 receptions for 298 yards.

Opposite Williams is veteran Keenan Allen. Allen is on pace to play a full season for the first time since 2014 and has fought through a shoulder injury in recent weeks despite not missing any games. Allen leads the Chargers with 36 receptions for 487 yards through seven games. The cagey veteran lacks high-end speed, but even before injuries, it was the reason he dropped to the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Allen is a master route-runner and is a large target at six-foot-two and 2016 pounds. Quarterback Philip Rivers has a strong bond with Allen and is usually looking his way on third down. Allen had a tough week last week, but so did every receiver for the Chargers as they faced the stingy Broncos secondary.

Allen should see a lot of cornerback Malcolm Butler in coverage. Butler struggled early in the season like the rest of the New England secondary. His improved play the past three weeks has coincided with the defense playing some of its best football of the season.

Butler had a strong game in coverage against the Falcons. Unlike the Super Bowl where he primarily covered slot receiver Doug Gabriel, Butler was on either Julio Jones or Mohamed Sanu for much of the game and competed hard in coverage while limiting yards after the catch and not allowing any big, game-changing receptions. Per Doug Kyed at NESN.com he allowed just five receptions for 44 yards and was credited with a pass breakup.

On the other side, it was surprising starter Johnson Bademosi for the second week in coverage of Sanu and Jones. Bademosi allowed just three receptions for 31 yards per Kyed. While Stephon Gilmore is expected to retake his starting role now that he has been removed from the concussion protocols, Bademosi may have proven he is much more than just a special teams player.

Gilmore had improved his play before the concussion after a dreadful start to his career in New England. Blown assignments were his forte with a wide open wide receiver scoring easily each week. Gilmore is an important asset this week as he has the size and wingspan to cover the six-foot-four and 205 pounds Tyrell Williams.

Whatever the combination of cornerbacks (and do not discount slot cornerback Jonathan Jones who shut down Tyler Gabriel), the Patriots need to step-up in this match-up to hold down the potent passing attack of the Chargers.

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NFL Today, Week 7

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NFL Today, Week 7

SCOREBOARD

Monday, Oct. 23

Washington at Philadelphia. Carson Wentz and the Eagles (5-1) lead the NFC East, are first in the conference and enter having won four straight games, including an impressive 28-23 victory at Carolina. Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins and the Redskins (3-2) look for some revenge after losing to the Eagles at home in Week 1.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, right, celebrates with Doug Baldwin after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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STARS

Passing

– Russell Wilson, Seahawks, went 27 of 39 for 334 yards and three touchdowns to lead Seattle to a 24-7 win over the New York Giants.

– Blake Bortles, Jaguars, threw for 330 yards and a touchdown in Jacksonville’s 27-0 victory at Indianapolis.

– Jameis Winston, Buccaneers, had 384 yards passing with three touchdowns and an interception in a losing cause as Tampa Bay fell to Buffalo 30-27.

– Drew Brees, Saints, went 27 of 38 for 331 yards with a TD and two INTs in New Orleans’ 26-17 win at Green Bay.

– Dak Prescott, Cowboys, tossed three touchdown passes in Dallas’ 40-10 rout of the 49ers in San Francisco.

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Rushing

– Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys, ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a 72-yard TD pass to help Dallas rout San Francisco 40-10.

– Le’Veon Bell, Steelers, had 134 yards on 35 carries and added three catches for 58 yards in Pittsburgh’s 29-14 win over Cincinnati.

– Aaron Jones, Packers, rushed for a career-best 131 yards on 17 carries and added a TD in Green Bay’s 26-17 loss to New Orleans.

– T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars, helped fill in for the injured Leonard Fournette by running for 122 yards and a score on just nine carries in Jacksonville’s 27-0 win at Indianapolis.

– Latavius Murray, Vikings, ran for 113 yards and a TD on 18 carries in Minnesota’s 24-16 victory over Baltimore.

– LeSean McCoy, Bills, had two TD runs and rushed for 91 yards on 23 attempts in Buffalo’s 30-27 win over Tampa Bay.

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Receiving

– Ted Ginn Jr., Saints, had seven catches for 141 yards in New Orleans’ 26-17 win at Green Bay.

– O.J. Howard, Buccaneers, caught two touchdown passes and finished with six catches for 98 yards in Tampa Bay’s 30-27 loss at Buffalo.

– Kenny Stills, Dolphins, had two TD receptions to help Miami rally past the New York Jets 31-28.

– Doug Baldwin, Seahawks, made nine catches for 92 and a touchdown in Seattle’s 24-7 win over New York Giants.

– Deonte Thompson, Bills, had four catches for 107 yards to help Buffalo to a 30-27 win over Tampa Bay.

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Special Teams

– Stephen Hauschka, Bills, kicked a 30-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining to help Buffalo beat Tampa Bay 30-27.

– Travis Benjamin, Chargers, returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown in Los Angeles’ 21-0 win over Denver.

– Cody Parkey, Dolphins, kicked a 39-yard field goal with 22 seconds to go to give Miami its first lead of the game – and the win – in a 31-28 victory over the New York Jets.

– Kai Forbath, Vikings, kicked six field goals to lift Minnesota to a 24-16 victory over Baltimore.

– Ryan Succop, Titans, made his fourth field goal of the game – a 47-yarder with 1:55 left in overtime – to extend his NFL record for makes inside 50 yards to 55 straight and sent Tennessee past Cleveland 12-9.

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Defense

– Eddie Jackson, Bears, became the first player in NFL history with multiple defensive touchdowns of 75 or more yards in the same game, running back a fumble recovery 75 yards and returning an interception 76 in Chicago’s 17-3 win over Carolina.

– Kevin Byard, Titans, had three interceptions in Tennessee’s 12-9 overtime win at Cleveland.

– Tre’Davious White, Bills, forced and recovered a fumble to set up Stephen Hauschka’s 30-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining in Buffalo’s 30-27 victory over Tampa Bay.

– Cameron Wake, Dolphins, had 2½ sacks in Miami’s 31-28 win over the New York Jets.

– Yannick Ngakoue, Jaguars, had 2½ of Jacksonville’s franchise record-tying 10 sacks in a 27-0 rout at Indianapolis.

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STREAKS & STATS

Buffalo’s Stephen Hauschka tied an NFL record by making 12 consecutive field goals from 50 yards or longer by hitting a 52-yarder in the Bills’ 30-27 win over Tampa Bay. The record is shared by Blair Walsh, Robbie Gould, Justin Tucker and Matt Prater. Hauschka has not missed an attempt from beyond 50 yards since missing a 50- and 52-yarder in a 35-6 win over Arizona on Dec. 21, 2014. … Jacksonville matched its franchise record with 10 sacks in a 27-0 win at Indianapolis. Jacksonville joined the 1984 Chicago Bears and 1967 Oakland Raiders as the only teams to record 10 or more sacks twice in the same season. The Jaguars, who also had 10 against Houston in the season opener, also got their first shutout since a 41-0 victory over the New York Jets on Oct. 8, 2006. Indy was shut out for the first time since a 41-0 loss to the Jets in a playoff game on Jan. 4, 2003. … With his first catch in Arizona’s 33-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at London’s Twickenham Stadium, a 16-yard reception on the fourth play from scrimmage, Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald has now caught a pass in the NFL in 40 different stadiums. … The Los Angeles Chargers beat Denver 21-0, sending the Broncos to the franchise’s first shutout defeat since a 24-0 loss to the Los Angeles Raiders on Nov. 22, 1992. … Jones’ 1-yard touchdown reception with 4:09 to go ended the schneid, and he hurled the football high into the mist as if to say “at last.”

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MILESTONES

Eddie Jackson became the first player to score multiple defensive TDs of 75 yards or more in a game, leading the Chicago Bears to a 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He’s also the only rookie in NFL history with two 75-yard defensive touchdowns in a season. He ran back a fumble recovery 75 yards on the game’s opening possession and returned an interception of Cam Newton 76 yards for a score early in the second quarter to give Chicago a 14-0 lead. He became the first Bears player since Fred Evans in 1948 – and the first NFL player since Tennessee’s Zach Brown in 2012 – with two defensive TDs in a game. … Tennessee’s Ryan Succop extended his NFL record for makes inside 50 yards to 55 straight with a 47-yarder with 1:55 left in overtime to lift the Titans past Cleveland 12-9 in overtime. … New Orleans’ Drew Brees threw a touchdown pass in the Saints’ 26-17 win at Green Bay, adding another milestone to his impressive 17-year career by becoming the fourth player in NFL history with at least 500 touchdown tosses, including the playoffs. He joined Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Tom Brady. … Minnesota’s Kai Forbath kicked six field goals and Justin Tucker had three for Baltimore in the Vikings’ 24-16 win, with the nine combined field goals tying an NFL record for most in a game.

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SUPER MISMATCH

In a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl, the New England Patriots kept on keeping on against the Atlanta Falcons with 23-7 victory. They extended their consecutive points streak vs. Atlanta to 54 before allowing Julio Jones’ 1-yard touchdown reception with 4:09 to go. New England scored the final 31 points to win the NFL championship in February. Jones’ TD also ended a streak in which Atlanta allowed 43 consecutive points to opponents, including 20 straight points in last week’s loss to Miami, and then 23 in a row to New England.

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KICKIN’ IT

Dallas lost kicker Dan Bailey to a right groin injury in the first half of its 40-10 win at San Francisco, forcing coach Jason Garrett to scramble a bit. Dallas went for the 2-point conversion following their first TD after Bailey’s injury and couldn’t convert. Safety Jeff Heath handled the kickoff duties after that and reached the goal line on his first kick. Heath got his shot at extra points in the second half and made two out of three. Heath is the first non-kicker or punter to make multiple extra points in a game since former Houston linebacker and current Packers GM Ted Thompson made four in 1980.

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EDDIE’S READY

Chicago rookie safety Eddie Jackson became the first player to score multiple defensive TDs of 75 yards or more in a game, leading the Chicago Bears to a 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He’s also the only rookie in NFL history with two 75-yard defensive touchdowns in a season. Jackson’s big day came exactly one year after he broke his leg playing for Alabama against Texas A&M. Jackson ran back a fumble recovery 75 yards on the game’s opening possession and returned an interception of Cam Newton 76 yards for a score early in the second quarter to give Chicago a 14-0 lead. He became the first Bears player since Fred Evans in 1948 – and the first NFL player since Tennessee’s Zach Brown in 2012 – with two defensive TDs in a game.

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COWBOY UP

Ezekiel Elliott gained 219 yards from scrimmage and tied a career high with three touchdowns just days after a legal reprieve put his suspension on hold and the Dallas Cowboys beat the winless San Francisco 49ers 40-10. Elliott was granted his second temporary restraining order on Tuesday, putting his six-game suspension over domestic violence allegations on hold and then gave the Cowboys a big boost on the field. He matched his season total of rushing touchdowns with two in the first quarter and then took a short pass from Dak Prescott 72 yards for another touchdown on Dallas’ first possession of the second half to put the 49ers away. Elliott ran for 147 yards on 26 carries to go with the big catch, setting a career high in scrimmage yards in a game.

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SHADY SEES DAYLIGHT

Buffalo’s LeSean McCoy had two touchdown runs in a 30-27 win over Tampa Bay to end a six-game scoreless drought that matched the longest of his career and dated to the final game of last season.

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STEPPING IN

Brett Hundley, making his first NFL start in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers, rushed for 44 yards on three carries, including a 14-yard touchdown run, but finished 12 of 25 for 87 yards in the 26-17 loss to New Orleans. Rodgers is out indefinitely with a broken right collarbone. … Matt Moore replaced an injured Jay Cutler and threw two touchdown passes in the final 12 minutes to lead the Miami Dolphins to a comeback victory over the New York Jets. Cutler left the game due to a chest injury with his team trailing 21-14. After the Jets took a two-touchdown lead, Moore threw scoring passes to Kenny Stills covering 28 and 2 yards to tie it.

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IRON MAN STOPPED

Cleveland left tackle Joe Thomas sustained a serious injury to his left triceps and could miss the remainder of another losing season for the Browns. The 10-time Pro Bowler had played 10,363 consecutive snaps when he was forced to leave the field in the third quarter of a 12-9 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans. He will undergo an MRI on Monday, but it’s safe to assume that the 32-year-old will miss weeks if not months.

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COMEBACK KIDS

Miami erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and rallied to beat the New York Jets 31-28. It was the second consecutive comeback win by the Dolphins, who overcame a 17-point deficit in the second half a week ago for an upset victory at Atlanta. They’ve won 12 games in a row when the margin is seven points or fewer. The NFL record is 14 consecutive games.

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QB WOES

Cleveland’s quarterback issues remain uncertain after DeShone Kizer started after a one-week benching because of turnovers – and then was benched again. He threw two picks before coach Hue Jackson had seen enough, pulling him for Cody Kessler, who was inactive for the first six games after making eight starts last season as a rookie. Kizer was 12 of 20 for 114 yards. Kessler 10 of 19 for 121.

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YO, ADRIAN?

Adrian Peterson, in his second game for Arizona since being acquired via a trade with the New Orleans Saints, was held to just 21 yards on 11 carries in the Cardinals’ 33-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It was a contrast from a week ago, when he ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Tampa Bay.

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LONDON STALLING

The Los Angeles Rams’ 33-0 shutout of the Arizona Cardinals marked the second time in as many games in Britain that an opponent has failed to score. The Saints defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-0 at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 1 – the 18th game held in the country. Los Angeles had not shut out an opponent since a 24-0 road victory against the Washington Redskins on Dec. 7, 2014, while the Cardinals had not failed to score since a 58-0 loss at Seattle on Dec. 9, 2012.

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CATCHING ON

Pittsburgh rookie wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had a 31-yard touchdown catch in the Steelers’ 29-14 win over Cincinnati. Smith-Schuster, who doesn’t turn 21 until Nov. 22, has three career touchdown receptions – the most in NFL history by a player before his 21st birthday.

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SIDELINED

Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer broke his left arm in a 33-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium, leaving Drew Stanton to take over after the team returns from its bye week. Palmer will require surgery on the arm and coach Bruce Arians said he expects the quarterback to miss eight weeks. … Cleveland left tackle Joe Thomas sustained a serious injury to his left triceps and could miss the remainder of the season. The 10-time Pro Bowler had played 10,363 consecutive snaps when he was forced to leave the field in the third quarter of a 12-9 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans. … Miami quarterback Jay Cutler left the Dolphins’ 31-28 win over the New York Jets with what is believed to be a cracked rib that will force him to miss at least one start. … Baltimore wide receiver Mike Wallace left the Ravens’ 24-16 loss at Minnesota with a concussion and did not return. … Dallas kicker Dan Bailey suffered a groin injury in the Cowboys’ 40-10 win at San Francisco and didn’t return.

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SPEAKING

“It’s kind of unbelievable. I thought he was a superhuman, where nothing could happen to him. There were about 30 seconds out there where I teared up. It’s tough because he’s the best player on our team.” – Cleveland left guard Joel Bitonio on teammate Joe Thomas, who had played 10,363 consecutive snaps when he was forced to leave the field in the third quarter of a 12-9 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans with a triceps injury that could sideline him the rest of the season.

___

“I don’t want to think about it. It makes me sick. To come out on the road and get going like we did and then finish it like that is frustrating.” – Josh McCown after the New York Jets blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead and fell to the Miami Dolphins 31-28.

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For more AP NFL coverage: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Buffalo Bills kicker Stephen Hauschka (4) boots the winning field goal during the second half of an NFL football game as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Robert McClain (36) looks on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Chicago Bears free safety Eddie Jackson (39) celebrates a touchdown on a fumble recovery against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (Rick West/Daily Herald via AP)

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7 winners and 3 losers from Week 3 in the NFL

Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

Matthew Stafford is out here playing the best football of his career.

One of the more curious stories of the offseason was the behind-the-scenes feeding frenzy around Matthew Stafford. Teams furiously made calls to Detroit as soon as it became clear the Lions were ready to rebuild and let him free. The Panthers, Broncos, Colts and 49ers all made attempts, but in the end it was the Rams with the firepower to make the deal.

It’s not that Stafford was bad, obviously far from it, but when you have so many teams eager to get a 33-year-old quarterback it’s clear the entire league is thinking the same thing: This guy has plenty left in the tank, and desperately needs a change of scenery.

Three weeks into the season it’s not just the best trade of 2021, but one of the best in YEARS. Stafford is playing better than he ever has before, and the now 3-0 Rams have a much-needed statement win against the Buccaneers, which was billed beforehand as a battle between the NFC elite.

I really hate projecting stats this season, because it just feels wrong. In a few years we’ll get a better sense for benchmark numbers, but as it stands I’m still in favor of normalizing projection for a 16 game season, just because it feels right. So, just know that the following numbers would be bumped up even more.

As it stands, if Stafford keeps up this pace he would finish with:

5,024 yards (highest since 2011, 2nd highest of career)

48 touchdowns (career high)

5 interceptions (career low)

78 percent completion (career high)

10.12 yards-per-attempt (career high)

130.63 passer rating (career high)

To be clear, this would not be a good season by Matthew Stafford standards, it would be the greatest quarterback season of all time. Saying this will all hold is like predicting a game of Jenga after the first move, but outside of touchdowns (which he’s still within striking range of) Stafford’s 2021 would eclipse Tom Brady’s 2007 and Peyton Manning’s 2013 in every other statistical area.

I think it’s been far too easy to overlook Los Angeles this season, as tends to be the case with a lot of west coast teams. They get forgotten in the discussion and it’s not until the end of the season everyone gets surprised they’re really good.

It’s time to start paying attention to what’s happening with the Los Angeles Rams. Beating Brady and the Buccaneers will go a long way to earning some attention, but beyond that Stafford might finally get the credit he’s deserved for a long time.

Winner: Justin Herbert

The Chargers have been the bridesmaid in the AFC West for as long as I can remember, but it’s starting to feel like things are turning, and the biggest force of chance is Justin Herbert.

I had the game between the Chargers and Chiefs circled as one to watch, and I’m glad I did — because dang it was fun to watch Herbert play. He finished the day with 281 passing yards and four touchdowns, spreading to scoring love to three different receivers.

Herbert is showing no signs of dropping off following his record-breaking rookie season, and in fact he’s getting better. While he’s on pace to throw more interceptions than a year ago, he’s also upped his passing yards, completion percentage, yards-per-attempt, and touchdowns.

It helps that Los Angeles has done a great job putting weapons around their rookie, and it’s paying huge dividends. On any given play Herbert has no fewer than three significant receiving threats to find, and they can be swapped out for a diversity of players to give defenses really tough looks to manage.

With the Chiefs struggling so far we could be seeing a power shift in the division. Even if we don’t quite reach that zenith it’s clear the Chargers are close, really close.

Loser: Expecting a rookie QB to carry you

It really felt like we were turning a corner after Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert changed their team’s fortunes in their first season. That came off 2018 and 2019 when Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray got the job done respectively. Now we’re learning in the glorious, charred remains of hubris that quarterbacks stepping into the NFL and excelling is really, really difficult.

It’s no so much about Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and Mac Jones struggling, as much as it’s a testament to the fact that the NFL, despite best guesses, as not been “solved.” Sure, college offenses are more advanced than ever, and rookies better prepared than at any point in modern football — but still they walked out onto the field Sunday and all got their asses spectacularly kicked.

Trying to decide who was the worst of the crew is a fool’s errand. Like eating five variants of earwax ice cream and deciding which is the most palatable. Let’s just instead combine the rooks into a cerberus of mediocrity. If all four were one player, here’s the stat line:

77-of-140 (55 percent completion), 717 yards (5.1 yards-per-attempt), 2 touchdowns, 7 interceptions — 51.2 passer rating

If you match that up to the closest modern era player you get ... Jimmy Clausen. I’m sure at least one of two of these guys will be good when the dust settles, but goodness right now these teams are not benefitting from starting a rookie who has that deer in the headlights look. It brings us to ...

Loser: Pass blocking

If you follow along the league you’d see roughly 20 fanbases complaining about not having a good offensive line, and it comes with cause. The league’s lack of good QB protection is remarkably pronounced this season.

Part of this comes from there being so many first and second year quarterbacks still adapting to the league’s speed and what they can get away with under center, but nonetheless the result has been absolutely staggering.

From 2010-2020 the average number of pass rushers who finished the season with 10+ sacks was 20. As it stands there are currently 39 players on pace to finish with double digit sacks.

In addition, six players are on pace to finish with 20.0+ sack seasons (reduced for a 16 game schedule). That’s a mark only 21 players have achieved in NFL history, and over a quarter could be added to this list by the end of the year.

In short: The league is in dire need of more pass blocking, and there’s a serious brain drain at the position.

Winner: Justin Tucker

You need to do something pretty special to get a nod as a kicker, and, well ... Justin Tucker did something pretty special.

This angle of @JTuck9's record-breaking kick is incredible. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/H1udG62DFi

— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021

Tucker drilled the 66-yard field goal with a little assistance of a bounce, but I don’t give a crap about how this happened. It wasn’t at elevation, there was no tailwind to benefit — just a dude with a leg that didn’t fly off when he obliterated the ball into the next century.

Winner: The Tom Brady Adele promo

Oh, this was bad. It’s a winner though because I am a huge fan of terrible movies. Just enjoy this work of art.

pic.twitter.com/FN4Wf0TuUg

— clips for con (@clips2021) September 27, 2021

The entire overwrought package was so bad it left Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth speechless — which is no easy feat. I know everyone really, really wants to make Brady vs. New England a thing in Week 4, but it’s looking like it’s just gonna be sad.

Winner: Changes of scenery

We’ve already talked about what Matthew Stafford has done for the Rams, but Sam Darnold is balling in Carolina, Teddy Bridgewater is surging in Denver, and heck, even Jared Goff is finding his footing on a Lions team that’s much more competitive than anyone gave them credit for.

The major QB shuffle that happened this offseason is paying some serious dividends, and adding another layer of fun to an already wild season.

Loser: Pittsburgh Steelers

This was a 12-4 football team a year ago! Now they’re losing to the Bengals inside their division. That’s not supposed to be a knock on Cincinnati, it’s just, like, nobody in Pittsburgh should be happy with how this team is playing. At 1-2 they can definitely still turn the season, but the AFC North is such a rough division and now the Steelers hit a rough stretch against the 3-0 Broncos, the 1-2 Seahawks who are in a similar position of desperation, and then return to the divisional slate with the Browns.

The wheels really could fall off this soon.

Winner: Jaguars accepting their fate

I watched a really fascinating documentary last week on the benefits of psychedelic drugs being used in therapeutic settings, and how researches are struggling against lingering stigma from the 1960s to secure funding.

Inside this one of the most fascinating elements was the use of psilocybin mushrooms by terminal cancer patients. To make a long story short, using the drugs was shown to have significant mental benefits to those facing death, making their acceptance of mortality and peace as their condition worsened much, much easier.

So when I saw this tweet, it reminded me of that.

Jaguars WR Marvin Jones with a message for everyone: “go home and drink some wine”

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) September 26, 2021

Acceptance is such an important part of the process.

Winner: Football fans

I don’t care which team you support, three weeks in this season has been spectacular. On Sunday another five games were settled by a single score, taking the league total this season to 21.

If you want to be cynical about the league, fine ... I get it, but when you have over 20 percent of games being close it means we’re in for a wild ride. Furthermore, I don’t know if anyone has firm feelings about who is good, and who isn’t. It feels like there are as many amazing teams with losing records as paper tigers with winning ones, which keeps the intrigue flowing for the next 13 weeks.

I think we’re still holding to have a very special season.

[yahoo-roto-arcade-blog]

Week 7 Fantasy Sleepers: Darkwa a bright light in Giants backfield

Sorry Wayne Gallman, but Orleans Darkwa may have kicked you to the curb. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Week 7 Fantasy Flames: Hundley to cash for sleeper seekers

Each week the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week (Scoring thresholds – QB: 18 fpts, RB: 12 fpts, WR: 11 fpts: TE: 10 fpts; .5 PPR). If you’re a member of TEAM HUEVOS, reveal your Week 7 Flames in the comments section below.

Brett Hundley, GB, QB (5 percent started, $20 in Yahoo DFS) Matchup: vs. NO (Game over/under: 47)

Any aspiring NFL quarterback who happened to splash a quarter in a wishing well would ask to be jettisoned to a handful of ripe locales – New England, New Orleans, Green Bay … With Aaron Rodgers likely sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a broken collarbone, Hundley parachutes into an ideal scenario. When he came out of UCLA in 2015, scouts questioned his ability to process and properly assess progressions. He was tabbed “inaccurate” and “ineffective,” a short field focused passer who, despite his plus athleticism (4.63 40-yard) and size (6-foot-3, 226 pounds), would only develop into an average backup. It’s those knocks that explain why he plummeted to Round 5 of the NFL Draft. However, he made noticeable strides in Year 3, evidenced by his excellent Preseason play. Yes, it was practice football against fellow second-stringers, but his observational learning behind a generational quarterback clearly paid dividends. He completed a respectable 63.2 percent of his attempts, was an advantageous runner and took more shots downfield. Now thrust into a favorable fantasy situation, Hundley has a chance to silence his harshest critics. He didn’t electrify at Minnesota in Rodgers’ absence, but the unexpected expanded role, scaled down playbook and uninviting environment were definitely influential. With a week to prepare and a bevy of terrific weapons around him, he could surprise. The matchup also isn’t too shabby. The Saints D, though on an upward track thanks to Marshon Lattimore and its aggressive pass rush, has given up 7.9 yards per attempt, 290.6 yards per game, nine touchdowns and the seventh-most fantasy points to QBs. In a game with shootout written all over it, the dual threat comes up green.

Fearless Forecast: 230 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 turnovers, 31 rushing yards, 18.1 fantasy points

Marlon Mack, Ind, RB (13 percent started, $15 in Yahoo DFS) Matchup: vs. Jax (Over/Under: 44)

Father Time is and forever will be undefeated. All of the fantasy generation’s great ones – Priest Holmes, Shaun Alexander, LaDainian Tomlinson – eventually wear down and are rendered statistically useless. Sadly, Frank Gore is slowly trending in that direction. Though he remains upright and continues to contribute substantive snaps, the eleventh hour has nearly arrived for the Colts’ elder statesman. Mack, ascending rapidly, is the only Indy rusher to roster henceforth. That is, if Chuck Pagano will remove head from keyster. The indecisive head coach said late last week Mack wasn’t ready for an expanded role, but quickly changed his mind leading up to Monday’s game in Tennessee hinting he would increase the rookie’s touches. The result: TWO carries. Of course, Mack ripped a 20-plus yard run, his fifth of the season and second only to Kareem Hunt, then effectively disappeared. Dumbfounding. On a team desperate for playmakers outside T.Y. Hilton, he should receive double-digit touches at a minimum. He’s tallied a sensational 3.7 YAC/att and forced eight missed tackles … on just 27 carries. But apparently Pagano is the “genius” with all the answers. What do we stat nerds really know? This week, maybe, just maybe, the light in the attic flips on for Chuck. Despite showcasing one of the finest secondaries in the land, the Jags remain vulnerable up front. On the season they’ve given up 5.36 yards per carry to RBs. Admittedly, it’s a risky recommendation, but Mack is someone I would roll the dice on in the FLEX.

Fearless Forecast: 10 carries, 55 rushing yards, 1 receptions, 7 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 12.7 fantasy points

Orleans Darkwa, NYG, RB (4 percent started, $16 in Yahoo DFS) Matchup: vs. Sea (Over/Under: 39)

Equipped with a name reminiscent of a Marvel Universe villain, Darkwa, and his Giants teammates, pulled off a stunner of unfathomable proportions. They marched into Denver with a Big Sky-level offense, mostly dominated and scored their first victory of the season. Ah, the NFL, where nuttiness is the norm. Thought to be merely a change-of-pace option after Wayne Gallman’s emergence, Darkwa now possesses the upper hand. Against the Broncos, he blasted and burrowed his way to 130 yards on 22 touches. His supportive 3.3 yards after contact per attempt was extraordinary, but what made the night particularly special; he achieved it against numerous overloaded boxes. According to NFL NextGenStats, he saw eight or men in the box a week-high 80.9 percent of the time. Credit to Darkwa. Credit to New York’s often lambasted offensive line. Gallman and Shane Vereen will remain involved, but, at this juncture, the backfield climber is starter-worthy in 12-team leagues. Seattle ranks No. 5 in fewest fantasy points allowed to RBs, but the standing is deceiving. Despite Bobby Wagner’s excellent gap coverage (No. 5 in runs-stop%), chunk plays by opposing rushers have been commonplace. On the year, the ‘Hawks have given up 4.84 yards per carry to RBs. Assuming the trench mound movers continue to create space, Darkwa has excellent odds of cracking the 80-yard mark with a possible score. Ride the hot hand.

Fearless Forecast: 15 carries, 72 rushing yards, 1 reception, 9 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.6 fantasy points

Nelson Agholor, Phi, WR (24 percent started, $15 in Yahoo DFS) Matchup: vs. Was (Over/Under: 48.5)

Not long ago fantasy breakout soothsayers always trumpeted the “third-year wide receiver.” Earlier this century, before spread formations and college concepts invaded NFL playbooks, the learning curve for even the most talented pass-catching prospects was rather steep. It’s why many took multiple seasons to reach their full potential. But due to explosive first-year performances by the likes of Odell Beckham, Mike Evans and Michael Thomas, to name a few, in recent campaigns, unfair and often unreachable expectations have been placed on rookie wideouts. Don’t pay an instant dividend and your image will be forever tarnished. Agholor exemplifies this mentality. Ballyhooed out of USC, he’s blossomed in his third season. The game is slower. Philly’s system is now a fluent language. Chemistry with his quarterback is established. For some guys, it simply takes time. Through six weeks, the overlooked target is quietly WR16 in fantasy. He’s lured just 13.2 percent of the targets share, but the premium looks he’s received have cashed. His 2.63 fantasy points per target and 11.6 yards per target rank top-10 at the position. Most impressively, connections from Carson Wentz to Agholor have resulted in a 147.9 passer rating. It might not be McNabb-to-Owens, but what they’ve achieved thus far is quite commendable. Matched this week against a rigid Washington secondary allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs, the Eagle is still a trustworthy WR3. Josh Norman may not return and his likely adversary, Bashaud Breeland (94.7 passer rating allowed), is also a possible no go. Fly, Eagle. Fly.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 59 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.9 fantasy points

Bennie Fowler, Den, WR (1 percent started, $10 in Yahoo DFS) Matchup: at LAC (Over/Under: 42)

The injury imp’s wickedness knows no bounds. From David Johnson to Beckham to Rodgers to Emmanuel Sanders, no position is ever safe from its wrath. When misfortune strikes, we’re all pressed into previously unthinkable situations. Starting a largely unwanted receiver tied to an average quarterback with red-zone issues in a conservative offense is certainly one of them. But with Sanders ruled out (ankle) and a pair of teams on bye (Detroit and Houston), Fowler possesses deep-league fantasy appeal. Yes, his 13.0 targets share and minimal contributions since Week 1 are difficult to ignore, but he’s the primary beneficiary of Sanders’ absence. He’s trusted inside the 20, undeterred in traffic and, right now, the best receiving option Trevor Siemian has outside a banged up Demaryius Thomas. C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker and Jamaal Charles will be leaned on, but Fowler is a suitable TD candidate against the Chargers. Recall he torched the division rival for a pair of scores Week 1. Throw in Casey Hayward (107.5 passer rating allowed) and Co.’s struggles defending the pass – they’ve surrendered nine touchdowns, a 64.3 catch percentage and the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this year – and a WR3 return seems entirely possible. With 27.6 percent of the Sanders’ targets allotted elsewhere, Fowler could morph into a golden fantasy goose.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 50 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.0 fantasy points

WEEK 7 SHOCKER SPECIAL (Under 10-percent started)

Dion Lewis, NE, RB (6 percent started, $17 in Yahoo DFS) Matchup: vs. Atl (Over/Under: 55)

Chucky, Jason Voorhees, Bill Belichick. What do the all have in common? Every fall their evil hijacks television screens. When it comes to running backs, Beelzichick may be child’s play compared to former “Lucifer,” Mike Shanahan, but he’s certainly no saint. James White, Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee and Lewis have comprised a brain-racking backfield. Predicting who stands out from the crowd any given week is usually an exercise in futility. However, between the blurred lines lies clarity. Gillislee’s fumble lost last week in New York paved the way for the plucky Lewis to gain more opportunities, which he instantly took advantage of. On 11 carries he gained 52 yards, found the end zone, notched 3.7 yards after contact per attempt and posted a 135.5 elusive rating, the fourth-highest of the week per Pro Football Focus. Snake slithery, Lewis is one of the toughest RBs to corral. He sports impeccable vision, a sick jump cut and terrific burst. Pound for pound, he’s the best RB on New England’s roster. And he deserves more run. Due to Belichick’s rascally ways, the Pats will continue to employ a hard-to-read RBBC. Still, based on the recent uptick in snaps played (14-18-29 last three weeks), Lewis is a highly useful RB2 in 12-team and deeper leagues. New England’s Week 7 opponent, Atlanta, is one of the league’s most generous run defenses. On the year, the Falcons have allowed 4.32 yards per carry, 145.8 total yards per game, four total touchdowns and the eighth-most fantasy points to the position. In the Super Bowl rematch, look for Lewis to do his best White impersonation.

Fearless Forecast: 13 carries, 64 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 13 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.7 fantasy points

BONUS WEEK 7 FLAMES

  #TEAMHUEVOS PICKS OF THE WEEK Each week one fortunate guest prognosticator will have a chance to silence the Noise. Following the rules stated above, participants are asked to submit their “Flames” (1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 TE, 1 D/ST) by midnight PT Tuesdays via Twitter @YahooNoise. How large are your stones?

Goff, McFadden, D. Lewis, Doctson, Stills, O’Leary, Saints

— Quentin Babb (@quentin_babb) October 17, 2017

Fan Week 6 results: My Week 6 results: 1-11 (Season: 27-38; W: ASJ L: Donte Moncrief, Washington, Kevin Hogan, Alvin Kamara, Andre Ellington, Taylor Gabriel, Alex Smith, Ricardo Louis, Willie Snead, A.J. Derby)

Want to bull rush Brad? Follow him on Twitter @YahooNoise. Also check out his TV show, “The Fantasy Football Hour,” now available in 75 million households on Fox Sports Regional Networks, and his new podcast, “The Fantasy Record.”