Hot Fantasy Updates
Cam Newton- QB- Carolina- “SuperCam” was just that on Sunday against Washington, completing 21 of his 34 passes for 246 yards and a remarkable five passing touchdowns while avoiding any interceptions. Newton also added 16 rushing yards on four carries. There’s not much else to add here. Cam is on top of his game and is one of the best QB’s out there. Enjoy watching him tear up the Cowboys next week.
Doug Martin- RB- Tampa Bay- Owners may normally be disappointed when their running back doesn’t score a TD, but this is one of those days where that is not the case. Martin pounded his way to 235 yards on 27 carries, slashing through the Eagles run defense. This was a nice bounce-back for Martin, who had not topped 3.5 yards per carry in his previous three games, but broke out for runs of 84 and 58 yards in this one. He’s a high-end RB2 for next week against the Colts.
Delanie Walker- TE- Tennessee- Another touchdown-less day to be happy about here. Walker hauled in eight catches for 109 yards, topping the century mark for the first time this season. Walker has been a steady producer, particularly in PPR leagues, thanks to his high volume, and that paid off in Thursday’s contest. He should be an enticing option next week against the porous Raiders pass defense.
Thomas Rawls- RB- Seattle- Rawls took full advantage of Marshawn Lynch sitting out on Sunday by running for 209 yards on 30 carries, including a 31-yard rushing touchdown. Making things even better, Rawls caught all three of his targets for 46 yards and a receiving touchdown as well, landing him in hot fantasy news. He may earn more touches in the coming weeks even with a healthy Lynch, but if he’s out again next week, expect Rawls to put up a solid performance.
Not Fantasy Updates
Devonta Freeman- RB- Atlanta- Freeman’s spot here comes with the caveat that he left the game early with a concussion. Freeman gained 43 yards on just 3 carries, but his day ended prematurely and left those who justifiably started him disappointed. Concussions usually do not have precise timetables, so stay tuned to ASL's sporting news prior to next week’s matchup against the Vikings.
Amari Cooper- WR- Oakland- The rookie has been a consistently top-tier performer at wideout, but had his worst game of his young career on Sunday. Cooper snagged just one of his four targets and totaled just four yards. The Lions defense had not done a good job containing wide receivers this season, but Cooper ended up having a rough day. Write this week’s performance off and expect better things over the rest of the season.
T.Y. Hilton- WR- Indianapolis- Usually a deep threat, Hilton’s upside has been curbed with Andrew Luck sidelined. This week in particular did not end well against a stingy Falcons defense, as Hilton only had 21 yards while catching two of four targets. The combination of backup QB Matt Hasselbeck and the Falcons defense likely contributed to the bad performance. Tampa Bay’s defense should pose a bit less of a challenge next week, and if you’re still in the playoffs by the time Luck returns, Hilton may make a good championship week play.
Lamar Miller- RB- Miami- Miller’s streak of five consecutive games with at least one touchdown ended Sunday against the Cowboys, as he only carried the ball seven times, gaining 44 yards. Miller also had only two catches for 11 receiving yards. Backup Jay Ajayi was being rumored for more work Sunday, but Miller owners can take solace in the fact that he had only four carries and 36 total yards between the ground and passing games. Miller should have a tough matchup next week against the Jets, but his schedule looks good otherwise, so as long as the job is his, he should put up RB1 numbers.
