New England Patriots vs Washington Redskins
New England Patriots
Quarterback
- Tom Brady: 28/42, 348 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
After a rough week, Tom Brady bounced back today in a big way. To be fair, it was against the winless Redskins, but it’s not like his schedule gets significantly harder. He gets a juicy matchup against the Giants next week, and keep in mind he gets to play the Dolphins and Jets again this season. Brady had some bad moments today, but he also looked decisive and accurate with other throws. Due to the Patriots’ scheme, receivers will often be running wide open for Brady to throw to. And although their elite defense may make some shy away, all it means is more possessions for Brady and the offense. Due to his passing volume and talent, he has a floor of low-end QB1 most weeks. I see last week’s fiasco as more of an anomaly against a good defense than a sign of the end for Brady.
Running Backs
- Sony Michel: 16 carries, 91 yards, 1 touchdown | 3 targets, 3 receptions, 32 yards
- James White: 6 carries, 26 yards | 9 targets, 6 receptions, 46 yards
- Brandon Bolden: 5 carries, 13 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 29 yards, 1 touchdown
After fantasy owners were likely at their wit’s end with Sony Michel, any who stuck with him for this week were rewarded. Michel looked much more like the force he was during last year’s playoffs than the inefficient, low-volume player he has been so far this season. He looked faster and stronger, with the offensive line opening up holes and allowing him to burst ahead for numerous positive games. It’s frustrating to know what to do with Michel. I think part of this breakout game was Rex Burkhead being injured; Burkhead has been a thorn in Michel owners’ sides this entire year. I think Michel will have games like these, but he will be a headache each and every week for his owners. Now might be the time to sell high if you have someone willing to pay up. One thing to pay attention to, however, is his 3 targets; if he continues to get targeted in the passing game, this bodes well for his future prospects. It remains to be seen if this can continue.
James White had his usual pass-catching role in this game. He continues to present a safe weekly floor but does not have the upside that Michel does. He’s the epitome of a safe flex/bye-week fill in. Keep an eye on Burkhead’s availability for the next game, because believe it or not, Michel and White are hugely impacted by his presence. Please drop Damien Harris if you have him. I know he will have a random 3-TD game in week 15, but for now, he is taking up valuable bench space. Brandon Bolden continues to vulture touchdowns and infuriate fantasy players everywhere.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Julian Edelman: 9 targets, 8 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
- Josh Gordon: 8 targets, 5 receptions, 59 yards
- Ryan Izzo: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 39 yards, 1 touchdown
Julian Edelman had a highly efficient game, as is his custom; today he was able to catch a touchdown as well. Edelman is a high-end WR2 who has a floor safer than almost any wide receiver in the league. His rapport with Brady will give him consistent targets, which will almost always lead to double-digit points. Anyone outside of Edelman, however, is a question mark. With Philip Dorsett out, a Josh Gordon breakout game could have been in the cards, but it was not. It appears as though Gordon and Brady have occasional miscommunications, so Gordon is a risky play each week. Brady overthrew a wide-open Gordon by inches on a would-be touchdown as well. Elsewhere, Ryan Izzo managed to catch the first Patriots tight end touchdown since Rob Gronkowski retired, but the tight ends are not part of the offense at all.
Washington Redskins
Quarterback
- Colt McCoy: 18/27, 119 yards, 1 interception | 2 carries, 14 yards
Colt McCoy drew the start this week and predictably looked awful against the lockdown Patriots defense. Head coach Jay Gruden may be out the door sooner or later, meaning we could see rookie Dwayne Haskins, Jr. start at some point this year, although he looked just as awful last week. No one in the Redskins offense can be trusted except for a certain wide receiver we’ll talk about further down. If Haskins starts the next game, there will have to be a new head coach that comes with him for me to have any sort of interest.
Running Backs
- Adrian Peterson: 7 carries, 18 yards
- Chris Thompson: 4 carries, 21 yards | 7 targets, 5 receptions, 17 yards
- Wendell Smallwood: 6 carries, 27 yards
McCoy was not helped at all by his running game. Adrian Peterson is at the end of his career, and I believe he will retire either during or after the year. Chris Thompson should be rostered in every PPR league, but you can’t play him as more than a bye-week fill in. He gets consistent targets, but as you can see he was only able to average a putrid 3.4 yards per catch. Unless there is a new offensive scheme in Washington, I’m not trusting Peterson, Thompson, or Derrius Guice if he comes back from injury. Wendell Smallwood inexplicably showed up and took some carries, too, which illustrates perfectly how tough times have been for the Redskins.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Terry McLaurin: 7 targets, 3 receptions, 51 yards
- Trey Quinn: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 15 yards
- Steven Sims Jr.: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 1 yard | 1 carry, 65 yards, 1 touchdown
Terry McLaurin’s stats may not jump off the stat sheet, but watching this game it’s clear the Redskins have at least one thing going for them. McLaurin was consistently targeted and made the most of any accurate throws. Accounting for almost half of McCoy’s passing yards, McLaurin is being held back by his offense. I’ve been hesitant to trust McLaurin, but it seems as though he has a good floor with potential for more in plus matchups or if Haskins begins to start. Haskins and McLaurin played together at Ohio State, and who knows if that can translate to the NFL, but it is an upgrade at the very least in my eyes. Outside of McLaurin, none of the receivers or tight ends warrant being on a fantasy team. Trey Quinn could be a good slot receiver for a competent team, but not here. Steven Sims, Jr., a player I’ve never heard of, scored a fluky touchdown on an end-around that resulted in the Redskins’ only score of the day.
-Ryan Comeau