The Sun’s getting real low for some teams now…

By Martin Richardson

Unless you’re in Dallas of course. I don’t know what is more disappointing if you’re a Cowboys fan, the fact your top dollar QB is now on season ending IR, or the fact the sun is now being used as an excuse for not being able to catch a ball. Wait, no I’ve got it, it’s the fact that that stadium actually has curtains that are used to block the sun, but they are used in any other sporting event or concert, other than football. Yeh, that’s the one.

Anyway, back to teams that are relevant in 2024.

Christian McCaffrey announced his return with a solid showing against a Bucs defense that force any kind of stop. To the point that even when he missed 3 field goal attempts, Jake Moody steps up to win the game after some Baker Mayfield heroics.

The Cardinals romped to a huge win over the utterly dreadful New York Jets, with people now questioning if anyone has ever fired an interim head coach before? If anyone can, the Jets can.

Jared Goff single handedly cost fantasy players everywhere their matchups with five, yes FIVE, interceptions on Monday night football, but somehow the Texans managed to throw the game away and Dan Campbell’s knee cap biting team march on.

Mike Williams proved to people that maybe it wasn’t actually him that was a problem in New York with a big touchdown catch for the Steelers as they beat the impressive Washington Commanders in a 27-28 thriller.

And in all of this, some things are still going under people’s radar. Let’s take a look.

DARNELL MOONEY

Who would have thought Darnell Mooney would have been a top 10 fantasy wide receiver? Certainly not me. And there are some people who have not picked him up as he is available in 10% of leagues.

But, those who have picked him up have had a steal all season. His highlights include a top double performance against the Buccaneers, with over 110 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first matchup and nearly 100 yards and a touchdown in the second game. He’s also managed nearly 100 yards against the Cowboys and Eagles with touchdowns in both of those games too. Even last week against a revitalized Saints team, with no touchdown, he amassed just shy of 100 yards, so he’s getting fantasy players those much needed points as a solid WR2 or even WR1 in some cases.

With games coming up against an up and down Broncos defense, a mean Chargers team and the hot and cold Vikings, Mooney has an opportunity to carry on that form for fantasy players to make that final push for the playoffs, or cash in for trades if your deadline is approaching.

TREY MCBRIDE

This may seem a weird one, as there is no way a player like McBride is going under the radar. But, for me, what is going under the radar just how good McBride has been this season for a very good Cardinals team this season.

Even though he has only one touchdown this season, and this was a fumble recovery against the Rams, he has over 500 yards on the season and is picking up solid and consistent TE points for fantasy players. His highlights this season include a massive 124 yards against the Dolphins from 11 targets and 9 receptions. He also moved the chains against the Jets and made Sauce Gardner look decidedly average as he mowed down the field.

BAKER MAYFIELD

Did I have Baker on my fantasy roster? Yes, I did. Did I have to drop him because of injuries to other players? Yes, I did. Do I regret that? Yes, yes I do. Baker Mayfield is a top three fantasy QB on ESPN and is flying this season, even if the Buccaneers are not.

Prior to the hard to take loss versus the 49ers, Baker has lost both his star wideouts, a run game that couldn’t get going, and an absent TE playbook. And looking at his fantasy numbers, you couldn’t really tell.

That absent TE in Cade Otton has stepped up big time, helping Mayfield go for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns against the unbeaten Chiefs, 330 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Falcons, 370 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Ravens. Now all of these were losses, as in there he also had a total of 4 interceptions, but he is wracking up points for fantasy players everywhere. And, unless you are a Bucs fan, that is all that matters.

Looking ahead, if you’re sitting pretty with Mayfield after the bye, he has the fairly easier schedule of the Giants, Panthers and the Raiders, all of whom are going through their own issues and the Bucs needs to capitalize if they are thinking of making the wildcard of the playoffs.

UNDER THE RADAR: PLAYERS GOING AWOL

Tyreek Hill: this may seem harsh, but this week I want to see a big game from Tyreek. Tua is back, they got a win against the playoff chasing Rams, but he only managed a 1 yard touchdown and celebrated like he was winning a championship game. I want to see the old Cheetah, the one who was on for 2000 yards last year, the one scoring touchdowns for fun. Fantasy players will be watching with hope, but I’m not convinced that we’ll see it.

CeeDee Lamb: Look at this, two of the top thee fantasy picks who are potentially going to destroy playoff hopes for fantasy players everywhere. Who would have thought? But, if Lamb is going to be considered one of the greats in his position, he needs to step it up against teams irrespective of who is throwing the ball to him, whether it is Cooper Rush or forgotten first rounder, Trey Lance. Lamb needs to step up in a big spot to help his team and probably keep their head coach in a job next season.

MARTIN RICHARDSON

NFL/FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST

A Yorkshireman living in Lancashire, Martin is a massive NFL fan but his heart belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also a huge Fantasy Football enthusiast and spends far too long crunching the numbers! Follow him at @MRBucsFan31

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