What We Saw: Week 9 2018

Texans vs. Broncos

Texans

Watson almost hands Denver game

Anyone watching football knows QB Deshaun Watson has a good amount of talent. However, I’d add that with the type of offense he is running, his ability to read defenses and sift through progressions quickly leaves a lot to be desired. It seems by the time he looks through each progression, he’s either already gone to his first read or he’s held onto the ball far too long and is now scrambling for his life. It reminds me of QB Russell Wilson, who certainly has a bit more proven pedigree, but still struggles in that judgment of when to keep the play alive or throw it away. Week nine against Denver was another example of a game where the Texans should have won a bit more handily had Watson not taken four sacks, of which I’d pin most of the blame on him. His offensive line has done much better as of late, but protection can only hold up for so long. Credit the Denver coverage, as well, but Watson would have helped himself out by executing plays better. Watson should not abandon his aggressiveness when he decides to run and he’s still pretty young, but the lack of decisiveness in the pocket or the decision to abandon the pocket too soon can be costly. Luckily, Denver has a questionable decision-maker on their sideline, which resulted in a pretty far field goal attempt at the end. Watson finished 17 of 24 for a pedestrian 213 yards and two touchdowns, but also added 38 yards on the ground. He’ll look to rebound in Washington, who just got sliced up by QB Matt Ryan.

DT gets his revenge

It’s no secret of how newly acquire Texans’ WR Demaryius Thomas felt about being on the winning side of the game. He criticized his old team for being passive at the end of the game, which ended in futility for the Broncos. Thomas didn’t have a monster game, but caught three passes for 61 yards. I think with another week of practice under his belt, look for him to be targeted more against the Redskins this upcoming week.

Run game takes major step back

I apologize if you started RB Lamar Miller in this one – he finished with 12 carries that translated to 21 yards. That’s pretty pathetic by anyone’s standards, especially after two 100 yard efforts prior. I cited how Denver was pretty vulnerable to the run game this year, but it seems either they prepared well or the Houston offensive line forgot how to get upfield with any success. Either way, I’d be a bit more hesitant this week against a Redskins team that has been somewhat problematic for opposing rushing attacks.

-Joe Hanretty

Broncos

Heuerman Steps Up After Demaryius Trade

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TE Jeff Heuerman was surprisingly the biggest beneficiary after the trade of WR Demaryius Thomas, absorbing a whopping ten of 11 targets for 83 yards and a touchdown. Heuerman has been steadily targeted on the year but had failed to produce before week nine’s matchup against the Texans. His two previous weeks Heuerman combined for one catch for four yards on five targets. He has seen impressive red zone usage but previously had failed to capitalize. With the Broncos upcoming bye week, some of the excitement of adding him on waivers is lost. He probably deserves a roster spot in deeper leagues, however.

Sanders, Sutton Disappoint

After the trade of Thomas, rookie WR Courtland Sutton was a heavily hyped week 9 option that many analysts presumed would take over a larger role. Sutton’s usage was right in line with his previous games though, and he finished with three catches on five targets for 57 yards. Sutton did see 85% of Denver’s offensive snaps and was their most used deep threat, so it’s not all bad news. Sutton should have some big weeks ahead, but he is still a rookie that has yet to exceed three catches in a game. At this point, he is more of a bye week fill-in or cheap daily fantasy gamble.

WR Emmanuel Sanders seemed like a potential target hog against Houston, and while his nine targets were solid, he was ultimately a disappointing fantasy option with only six catches for 47 yards. While Sanders is held back by the play of his quarterback, his remaining schedule features some excellent matchups for him to exploit (PIT, CIN, SF, CLE, OAK), so better days are surely ahead.

Running Game Shows Promise In Tough Matchup

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Against a Texans run defense that has locked down opposing running games, RB Phillip Lindsay still managed 17 carries for 60 yards as well as two catches for 24 yards. Although he failed to score a touchdown, Lindsay continues to dominate usage with RB Royce Freeman out for the second straight week. While the numbers weren’t flashy, Lindsay looks like a starting running back. Freeman participated in practices last week, though, making him a good bet for a week 11 return, which could diminish Lindsay’s value.

RB Devontae Booker managed to vulture a touchdown from Lindsay, giving him an acceptable fantasy day for any owners desperate enough to start him. With only 5 touches and a fumble lost, what little value Booker had will be hurt even further with the return of Freeman, although Booker will likely retain some passing game work.

Remaining News And Notes

Despite throwing 42 passes, QB Case Keenum produced an uninspiring 290 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans. Keenum is a low-end two-quarterback league option.

The Broncos defense only allowed 19 points and recorded four sacks, but no turnovers made anyone streaming them disappointed overall. With a bye week followed by matchups against the Chargers and Steelers, the Broncos can be dropped in almost every league.

K Brandon McManus missed two 50+ yard field goals, including the potential game-winner. He has only exceeded 10 fantasy points in three games this year, and with his upcoming bye can be dropped in all leagues.

-Erik Smith