Photo by Kyle Emery/Icon Sportswire
Each week throughout the NFL season, our staff at QB List will be watching and reviewing all the games from every week and offering up our takes on the fantasy-relevant things that happened. Here’s what we saw in Week 6.
Cardinals vs. Broncos
Cardinals
Editor’s note: Entry coming soon
-Michael Collins
Broncos
Sanders Sparks Broncos
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The Denver Broncos jumped on the Arizona Cardinals from the start and never looked back, rolling to a 45-10 victory on Thursday Night. Not only did Emmanuel Sanders dominate the receiving work of the Broncos in week seven, but he also sparked them early with a long passing touchdown to Courtland Sutton. The 28-yard catch would be Sutton’s only reception on three targets, though he did later get a red zone target.
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Sanders accounted for 102 of Case Keenum‘s 161 passing yards on the day, with 64 yards coming on a long touchdown to start the second quarter and end any hopes the Cardinals had for a comeback. Sanders led the team with seven targets and six catches, and no doubt would have had more usage in a competitive game. Sanders is the Broncos best passing game option and should be started in all formats.
Broncos Defense Demolishes Cardinals
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Denver’s defense held Arizona to 10 points and recorded six sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns to lead all fantasy defenses in week seven. Todd Davis opened the game with a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first minute of the game, and Chris Harris made it 21-3 with his 53-yard interception above. Rookie Bradley Chubb exploded for the second straight week with two sacks and a forced fumble, which Von Miller one-upped with two sacks and two forced fumbles. Arizona looked awful of both sides of the ball, and this game caused them to fire their offensive coordinator. Denver may struggle in tougher matchups, but their pass rush will cause big-time problems against most teams.
Lindsay Separates From Committee
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Phillip Lindsay saw an increased workload in week seven with 14 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown on 59% of the Broncos running back snaps. Although his pass game usage dropped to one catch on one target for six yards, Lindsay’s snap count is very encouraging. Coupled with an ankle injury to Royce Freeman, Lindsay may be pulling away from the running back committee. Lindsay would be an exciting option next week against the Chiefs regardless, but if Freeman were to miss he would be a popular daily fantasy play and a must-start in season-long leagues.
Freeman gave anyone brave enough to start him what they were looking for with a touchdown on 13 carries for 37 yards. His ankle injury is worth monitoring, as it has been described as a high ankle sprain, but coaches have also called him day to day and downplayed the injury. The Broncos have two more games before their bye, so if this injury lingers it could make sense to hold him out until week 11.
Devontae Booker was barely seen in week seven with no carries and one catch on only 10% of the offensive snaps. Booker is the passing game back, which limits his usage in blowouts. He would see an increased role if Freeman were to miss time, but Lindsay is clearly the superior player.
Thursday Night Leftovers
Case Keenum disappointed fantasy owners with only 161 passing yards on 21 attempts, with a touchdown and an interception. The blowout definitely hurt him, since he was not needed to pass in the second half. But with Keenum’s struggles this year and an improving pass rush, this Broncos team does not want to see him throwing 40 passes unless absolutely necessary, lowering his fantasy floor.
Demaryius Thomas had five catches on six targets for 42 yards in week seven and is an uninspiring fantasy option most weeks. He lacks the big play ability that Sutton has, and is not good after the catch like Sanders is. He is a touchdown-dependent WR3 in most leagues.
Tight end Jeff Heuerman did not see a target and is not a fantasy option even at a weak position. He will likely catch a short touchdown occasionally but is not a big enough a part of the offense to score consistent points.
Brandon McManus made all six extra points and added a late 41-yard field goal against the Cardinals. McManus is an accurate kicker, making him worthy of a fantasy play in the matchups.
-Erik Smith