• A week of big names returning: Jonathan Taylor, Cooper Kupp and Jameson Williams made their season debuts and produced mixed results.
• Two backup running backs on the rise: Two running backs have taken significant playing time from the starters on their teams in the past two weeks.
• A big rebound for tight ends: Several tight ends who were highly drafted put together big games this week, and two of them accomplished that despite their playing time falling significantly in each of the past two weeks.
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These are my 10 biggest reactions to the games from the Sunday slate. To get a more in-depth breakdown, check out my full Sunday recap.
Ezekiel Elliott breaks even with Rhamondre Stevenson
The two running backs were close to even in offensive snaps and rushing attempts.
- The Patriots’ running backs had generally been rotating by drive, but Stevenson often plays snaps on some of Elliott’s drives, particularly on third downs.
- New England hasn’t been as happy with Stevenson on passing downs, leaving Elliott to typically play all of the snaps on his drives, unlike in the first few weeks of the season.
- Stevenson started the game, but Elliott’s drives were roughly as successful as Stevenson’s, leading the two to split time.
- Stevenson has graded out better as a receiver this season and has four first downs compared to none for Elliott. However, Elliott has a much higher target rate (22%) than Stevenson (14%) this season.
- If Stevenson can get back to his receiving prowess of last year, his playing time will likely bounce back. Until then, he probably isn’t going to be a consistent fantasy starter.
Jonathan Taylor has a quiet return
Taylor ran the ball only six times for 18 yards and caught a 16-yard pass in his return to the Colts.
- Taylor returned this week off the PUP list and signed a three-year contract extension.
- Indianapolis released Jake Funk to make room for Taylor.
- Taylor was a full participant in practice all week, which made it seem like he would play a significant role this week.
- Instead, Zack Moss started and played the majority of the game. Taylor took only one snap in the first quarter compared to Moss’ 10. He was worked in a little bit more as the game progressed.
- Given how well Moss played in this game, we might see a committee in Indianapolis longer than most fantasy managers would like.
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