2016 NFL WEEKLY GAME PREVIEWS: WEEK 8

There have been 80 games, through seven weeks, that were within one score in the fourth quarter. That is an all-time record (previously 77 in 2013). The Ravens, Panthers, Lions, Colts, giants, Titans and Redskins have been within one score every game this season in the fourth quarter.

Quarterbacks have a 63.5 completion percentage, the highest in league history through seven weeks. The league average of 7.25 passing yards per attempt ties the highest mark, set last season, in the Super Bowl era.

The Lions have come from behind in the fourth quarter to win 3-straight games at home in 3-straight weeks. They became only the 5^th team to pull off that trick.

There are 16 teams with a winning record. Eighty-seven percent of the 312 playoff teams since 1990 have had a winning record through seven games.

Here's a link to the Fantasy Alarm WEEKLY PLAYER RANKINGS.

Here’s a link to the DFS NFL PLAYBOOK PRO.

** Game recaps are from NFL Media.

** All times listed are EDT.

*** Any reference to fantasy points is for a PPR setup.

BYE WEEK: Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, NY Giants, Pittsburgh, San Francisco

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Blake Bortles has eight scores and two picks in four games versus the Titans including 332/5 the last meeting. Bortles has two scores and three picks, along with a fumble, his last two games. He’s failed to throw for 275 yards once in four games with an average of 230 yards. He’s a mess right now.

Allen Hurns has one score this season. He’s also failed to reach 50-yards in ¾ games and over the last four he’s caught more than four passes in an outing once.

Chris Ivory has one rushing score this season while averaging just 3.4 YPC. He’s yet to run for 50-yards and has averaged just nine carries per game. Ivory has appeared on 51 snaps the last two games. The Titans allow just 89 yards a game on the ground and three rushing scores all year.

Marqise Lee leads the Jags with 337 receiving yards and he’s caught 13 of 14 passes the last two games. He is still searching for his first score. For more on Lee see this Daily Dive video. 

Allen Robinson has scored three times in the last game against the Titans with 10 catches for 153 yards. He’s gone for 100-yards in 2-straight against the Titans. He’s caught five passes for 58 yards the last two games and has failed to reach 60-yards the last five games. The Titans are the second worst team in football in pass coverage according to PFF.

Julius Thomas has scored the last two times he’s faced the Titans. He scored last week against the Raiders but has only one score in four games. His last three outings: seven receptions, 61 yards.

T.J. Yeldon went for 136 yards from scrimmage the last meeting with a touchdown (79 rec., 57 run). He has appeared on 75 snaps the last two weeks, 24 more than Ivory. Yeldon hasn’t scored once in five games and the last two weeks he’s carried the ball 12 times for 45 yards while catching two balls for nine yards.

Tennessee Titans

*DVOA lists the Jaguars as the fourth worst defense in football.

Derrick Henry has done even less than normal the last two games with three carries and two receptions for 30 yards. He’s merely a caddy.

Marcus Mariota ran for 112 yards in the last matchup while throwing for three scores. Mariota has tossed eight touchdown passes the last three games with just one pick and he’s also scored once on the ground. He’s still failed to throw for 235 yards in 4/5 games. The Jags allow just 215 passing yards a game though they’ve picked off only three passes.

Rishard Matthews has scored twice in three games. He’s yet to catch more than four passes in a game. In 2/4 games he’s produced 70-yards. In 2/4 games he’s failed to reach 40-yards. He’s seen more than four targets just once in four games. The Jags have allowed eight scores in six games to wideouts and the 4^th most points a week.

DeMarco Murray the last five games has scored five times and has average 100 rushing yards and 20 receiving per outing. He leads the NFL with 33 rushing scores since 2013, most in football. He’s scored five times in five games. The Jags allow the 10^th fewest points a week to runners.

Tajae Sharpe caught four passes for 59 yards last week. That was his first four catch efforts since Week 2, and his first over 50-yards. He still hasn’t scored.

Delanie Walker caught seven passes for 84 yards and a score last week. He’s gone at least 5-66-1 in 2/3 games. Walker has 16 grabs and 201 yards with a touchdown the last two matchups. He’s seen eight targets in ¾ games. The Jags allow the fifth fewest points to ends a week this season. That includes just one score.

Kendall Wright went from an 8-133-1 line to 2-12 last week. He’s useless.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016

Washington Redskins

Kirk Cousins ran for a score and threw for 301 and another score last week. He has posted a QB Rating of 100 in 5/6 road games. Cousins has turned the ball over once a game but he’s also thrown for 260 yards in 6/7 games as he’s consistently solid.

Jamison Crowder stepped up for a 7-108 line last week. He’s only scored once in four weeks while catching three or fewer passes ¾ games. He’s also failed to reach 55-yards in ¾.

Josh Doctson (Achilles) is useless.

Matt Jones, Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson will all have roles this week. Jones has lost two fumbles his last three games. He’s also alternated scoring every week since the second game. In 2/4 games he’s run for 115 yards. In 2/4 games he’s failed to run for 35 yards. He’s also dealing with a knee that is causing some soreness while cutting. Thompson produced 113 yards from scrimmage last week with 19 touches, seven receiving. For more on Thompson see the Big-3 video. Kelley scored last week on a short grab and would appear more likely to handle goaline work, as well as the first and second down workd, than Thompson if Jones loses the work. The Bengals are allowing a poor 4.6 YPC and six rushing scores a game.

Pierre Garcon has scored three times his last five road games. Alas, he’s scored only once this season. Twice in three games he’s caught at least five passes for 55-yards. In 2-of-4 games he’s failed to reach 40 yards.

DeSean Jackson has averaged eight targets the last three games. He’s failed to reach 60-yards in any of those three games and over his last four outings he’s failed to reach 60-yards or to score. The Bengals have allowed the fourth fewest points to wideouts in football.

Jordan Reed (concussion) may or may not play. Vernon Davis the last two games – scored in Week 6 and then went for 6-79 in Week 7. The Bengals have allowed four TE scores and the 8^th most points a week to the position.

Cincinnati Bengals

Giovani Bernard went for 80-yards and a score last week on the ground as he was on the field for 33 snaps compared to 21 for Hill. Bernard also outsnapped Hill 45 to 21 in Week 6. Bernard has carried the ball 32 times the past two games while handling five receptions. The Redskins have allowed a whopping 5.0 YPC, the second worst mark in football.

Tyler Boyd hasn’t scored this season. He has one game over 35 yards in five outings.

Andy Dalton has failed to be picked while tossing up a 100 QB Rating in 4-straight games. His average effort this season is 295 passing yards with a 67.5 percent rate, though he’s only tossed eight scores in seven games. He’s been picked twice. The Redskins have allowed only seven passing scores though they have picked off just four passes while generating 19 sacks.

Tyler Eifert returned from a back issue to 15 snaps last week, his first game back. His role will grow. The Redskins have allowed just one score to tight ends.

A.J. Green went 8-169-1 last week. He has nine games with a 9-150-1 line in his career. The last four games he’s averaged 120 yards and 0.5 scores. He’s seen at least eight targets each game. He could of off is Josh Norman (concussion) is out.

Jeremy Hill carried the ball nine times for 168 yards and a score last week. He has also lost a lot of snaps to Bernard of late, has failed to rush for 40-yards in 2/3 games, and is dealing with a chest/shoulder issue that is lingering. He’s scored 11 times his last 15 games (playoffs included). He’s tied for the NFL rushing touchdown lead since 2014. The ‘Skins have allowed nine rushing scores this season.

Brandon LaFell has scored four times his last three games (he didn’t score his first four). He’s also seen just 10 targets the last two games and in 4/6 games he’s failed to reach 45 yards.  

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Atlanta Falcons

Vic Beasley has 5.5 sacks his last three games.

Tevin Coleman (hamstring) isn’t going to play this week and the Falcons signed Stevan Ridley to add some depth along with promoting Terron Ward from the practice squad.

Devonta Freeman has produced 100-yards from scrimmage in 3/5 games. He has only two rushing scores this season, and one as a pass catcher, but he’s averaging an impressive 4.8 YPC and has caught 11 passes the last three games. The Packers are the fourth best run defense in football according to ProFootballFocus and they allow 72 yards a game on the ground, the best out there.

Julio Jones went 11-259-1 in the last meeting. He had nine grabs for 174 yards last week and he’s had nine grabs and 140-yards in 4/5 at home.

Matt Ryan a 100 QB Rating in 7/9 games at home and has thrown for 300 yards in 4/5 at home. Per game Ryan has averaged 335 yards and 2.3 passing scored while he’s only been picked off four times in seven games. The Packers allow 242 yards a week through the air though their defensive backfield is beat up.

Mohamed Sanu has only score in six outings. He’s caught more than three passes just once this season and has failed to reach 50-yards in 6-straight. The Packers have allowed eight scores in six games to wideouts, though just the 17^th most points to wideouts.

Jacob Tamme scored last week, his third of the year. Alas, he’s caught six passes for 37 yards his last four games.

Green Bay Packers

Davante Adams went 13-123-2 last week the best effort of his career. He’s gone at least 5/85 in two of three games. He’s scored four times his last four games.

Randall Cobb scored last week while producing 116 yards from scrimmage (96 receive, 21 rush). He’s scored twice the last two games. He’s also seen at least 11 targets in 3-straight games catching at least seven passes for each outing (27 receptions the last three games).

Jared Cook (ankle) will not play. Richard Rodgers faces the Falcons who have allowed the 4^th most points a week to tight ends.

Eddie Lacy and James Starks are out. Knile Davis and Don Jackson are the “real” running backs, but Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb have been working a ton out of the backfield. It sounds like Davis will get more work this week, a game after a wideout was in the backfield for 50-of-81 snaps last week. "Well, Knile Davis, he's part of the game plan,” HC Mike McCarthy said. “He's very bright. He's making progress." Sounds like Davis will have a role while Jackson could see some work since his hand isn’t broken. The Falcons have allowed the most pass receptions to runners this season which would lean one to think that the wideouts will see plenty of work out of the backfield this week.

Ty Montgomery caught 66 yards of passes and ran for 60 yards last week. He now qualifies as a running back on multiple fantasy sites. The last two games he’s caught a whopping 20 passes on 25 targets. He still hasn’t scored this season but he’s been all over the field the last two games.

Jordy Nelson has caught just five passes for 77 yards the last two games without a score. He’s caught 10 passes for 115 yards the last three games.

Aaron Rodgers has thrown the ball 143 times the last three weeks (an average of 48 attempts), the most in a 3-week span in his career. Rodgers has thrown for an average of 345 yards and two scores a game in four outings against the Falcons. This week he takes on the Falcons who allowed the 4^th most points a week to signal caller.

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New England Patriots

Danny Amendola has four receptions for 41 yards in four games.

Martellus Bennett has seen his snap percentage go down in 5-straight games. He did light up the Bills for 109 yards in the last meetings but that was with no Gronk. Bennett hasn’t scored in 4-of-5 games and he’s caught six receptions for 53 yards.

Tom Brady is 25-3 against the Bills. The last nine meetings his average effort is 279 yards, 2.11 scores and has been picked off just four times. He’s thrown for eight scores and no picks in three games this season. The Bills have allowed a league low four passing scores.

LeGarrette Blount has eight rushing scores (tied for the league lead), four his last three games, and went for 127/2 last week. The Bills allowed 125 yards a week on the ground and have permitted eight rushing scores in seven games.

Julian Edelman hasn’t scored this season. Since Brady has returned he’s averaged six receptions, on nine targets, for 42 yards. The Bills have allowed only four scores to wideouts this season.

Rob Gronkowski went for 94 and a score last week. Over his last three he’s averaged 5.3 receptions, 121yards and 0.67 TDs. The Bills have gone seven games without allowing a score to the tight end.

Chris Hogan has one score this season. He’s caught eight passes his last five outings.

James White has scored three times through the air his last two games as he’s caught 10 passes for 79 yards on 14 targets. His last three outings he’s averaged five receptions and seven targets a game.

Buffalo Bills

*The Patriots are the best team in football in pass coverage according to PFF.

Charles Clay has caught five passes in ¾ games. He’s failed to reach 50-yards in 5-of-7 games. He’s failed to score this season.

Marquise Goodwin went for 93 yards and a score last week. He has scored in 2/3 games. He suffered a concussion last week and it is uncertain, in fact unlikely, that he will be active this week.

LeSean McCoy (hamstring) is in the same situation as last week – totally unknown. Too bad too since he’s scored five times his last two games at home with an average of 125 rushing yards. "We'll see how he progresses through the week," HC Rex Ryan said. At this point, it’s hard to envision him having a significant role after last week’s setback. Mike Gillislee (foot) was limited at practice early in the week and it even seems that he is likely to start. The Patriots are the second best run defense in football according to ProFootballFocus. They have allowed only three rushing scores this season but they have allowed the third most completions to backs.

Tyrod Taylor has a 99.5 QB Rating in nine starts in the division with 13 passing scores and three rushing scores. He hasn’t been picked in four games. He has failed to throw for 180-yards in four of seven games. He’s gone 3-straight without completed 17 passes. He has run for an average of 47 yards a game the last five, akin to 100 passing yards.

Sammy Watkins is out of his walking boot. He still is weeks away from being able to return.

Robert Woods (foot) returned to practice this week after missing last week. It seems like he should be able to play this week. He scored in his last outing, his only TD of the year, and in three outings in October he’s averaged just five grabs for 53 yards.

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New York Jets

Robbie Anderson hasn’t scored this season. He hasn’t hit 42 yards in a game this season. He has one game with more than three receptions, four two weeks ago.

Eric Decker is out.

Quincy Enunwa leads the club with 32 catches. He’s also seen his reception total decrease in 3-straight: six, four, three and two. He has one score the last six games and has failed to reach 55 yards in 3/5 games.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will once again be the starter with Geno Smith down with a knee injury (ACL tear). Fitzpatrick has three passing scores his last five games. At least he has tossed just one pick in three outings. The Browns allow the second most points a week to signal callers including a league worst 18 touchdown passes.

Matt Forte lit up the opponent last week with 154 yards from scrimmage and two scores. Check out this Big-3 video. Forte has three games of 22 carries, but the four games in between that he’s averaged 12.5 carries. The Jets seemingly have no desire to give the ball to Forte when they are behind on the scoreboard. Very odd indeed. Shouldn’t happen this week. The Browns are allowing the 7^th most points a week to running backs.

Brandon Marshall faces the Browns who have allowed 10 scores to wideouts, second most in football. He’s scored in the last two matchups. He has 16 scores in 23 games with the Jets. He hasn’t scored the last two games while catching only six passes for 109 yards.

Bilal Powell hasn’t scored this season. He hasn’t carried the ball more than four times. He has run for a total of 48 yards the last three games. He’s also caught just three passes for 12 yards the last two games. His role is uncertain from week-to-week and he is dealing with turf toe as well. The Browns have allowed 26 receptions to runners this season. Only two teams that have played seven games have allowed fewer.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) will look to take advantage of the worst pass D in football against the tight ends.

Cleveland Browns

*DVOA lists the Jets as the fifth worst defense in football.

Gary Barnidge has caught five passes in 6/7 games at home. He’s also caught five balls in 4/5 games overall and he’s gone for 57 yards in 5-straight games. He’s yet to score this season. The Jets have allowed the 10^th most points a week to ends, but only two scores.

Corey Coleman is still out. His hand is better though and he was able to practice a bit early in the week. Seems unlikely that he will be active this week.  

Isaiah Crowell had a rushing score last week and has scored four times in seven games. He’s failed to run for 65 yards the last three games while averaging 33.7 yards a game in that three. The Jets lead the AFC with a 74.1 yards allowed on the ground. That effort includes just 3.2 YPC and four rushing scores.

Andrew Hawkins has one score this season. He’s caught five passes for 67 yards the last two games.

Duke Johnson is third amongst runners in catches since the start of last season (89). He’s caught four passes in 2-straight games and at least that many in 5/6. Alas, he has one score this season and has run for a total of 34 yards the last three games.

Cody Kessler (concussion) is hoping to play this week. If he can’t go it would seem that Josh McCown, not Kevin Hogan, would be under center against the Jets who have allowed a 69 percent completion percentage and have picked off just four passes this season. Hogan threw for 100 and ran for 100 last week. McCown said that his collarbone is improving and there is a chance he could play this week. The Jets ranked 27^th against the pass and can be beaten through the air (13 TDs, 4 INTs).

Terrelle Pryor has three scores his last four games. He’s dealing with a hamstring issue that limited him to four targets last week on a mere 31 targets. He’s still scored three times in four games even as he has failed to reach 50-yards in ¾ games. The Jets allow the third most points a week to wideouts including eight scores.

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Detroit Lions

Anquan Boldin has scored his last two games and four times the last five outings. Boldin has averaged 4.6 receptions a game though for just 39 yards.

Eric Ebron (ankle) hopes to return, but that’s just a guess. He will be facing the defense that is allowing the fourth fewest points a week to tight ends.

Marvin Jones has scored in 2/3 games and four times in five outings. He’s seen seven or fewer targets the last four games and during that time he’s averaged just four receptions for 53.8 yards. The Texans have allowed the third fewest points to wideouts in football.

Theo Riddick (ankle) faces the Texans who allow less than three receptions a week to runners, the lowest mark in football. He has caught at least four passes each game he has played with three receiving scores. He returned to practice Wednesday and should return after two missed games.

Matthew Stafford has a QB Rating of 100 in 3-straight during which time he’s tossed eight touchdown passes while avoiding turning the ball over through the air. The Texans are allowing less than 185 passing yards a game. They have only picked off three passes, but with five touchdown passes allowed in seven games, and a 58 percent completion rate, they matchup isn’t favorable.

Golden Tate has gone for at least six and 93 the last two games without Riddick on the field. He caught 14 of 22 targets for 258 yards. His workload could diminish with the return of Riddick.

Zach Zenner ran for a score last week on 32 snaps. Justin Forsett saw 16 snaps though he outtouched Zenner 10 to nine. Dwayne Washington was inactive last week with an ankle issue. The Texans have allowed 10 rushing scores, second most in football.

Houston Texans

*DVOA lists the Lions as the worst defense in football.

Jadeveon Clowney has five tackles for a loss the last four, the most in the league. Whitney Mercilus has 2.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss the last three.

C.J. Fiedorowicz faces the Lions who allow the third most points a week to tight ends including seven scores in seven games. He has scored twice with 133 receiving yards his last two games at home. His last three games overall he’s averaged five receptions for 60 yards. The last four: four receptions, 57 yards.

Will Fuller’s hamstring is said to be OK and he played a full compliment of snaps last week. Fuller has scored three times, once on a punt return, while averaging 97 yards a game as a pass catcher in three at home. The last two games he’s caught five passes for 26 yards and he’s failed to reach 35 yards in ¾ games.

DeAndre Hopkins has caught at least five passes in 3-straight games. He’s also see at least nine targets each game with a total of 27 the last two weeks. He’s scored just once in five games. The Lions have allowed the 8^th most points to wideouts including nine scores.

Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue split work last week when Miller injured his shoulder as Miller saw 31 snaps to the 36 of Blue. Miller has posted an average of 125 yards from scrimmage with two scores his last four games at home. He’s fifth in the NFL with 581 rushing yards. This week they face the Lions who are the third worst run defense in football according to ProFootballFocus. That effort includes 4.7 YPC and the fourth most receptions to the position but, remarkably, they’ve allowed only two rushing scores.

Brock Osweiler had the second lowest yardage total in league history for a passer who chucked it 40-times last week (he failed to hit 132). The Lions are the worst defense against quarterbacks in fantasy this season including just three picks. It likely won’t matter even though Brock is 4-0 at home this year.

Jaelen Strong caught 10 passes in back-to-back games only to haul in three of four targets the last two games.

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Indianapolis Colts

Dwayne Allen missed last week with an ankle issue. He could return this week though he wasn’t practicing early in the week. Jack Doyle has scored his last two games and is tied for the position lead with four scores. He also has only two scores in six games. When Allen is out he’s a big target with 13 receptions and 131 yards the last two games. When Allen is there his role diminishes significantly. The Chiefs have allowed just one score to tight ends.

Josh Ferguson caught nine passes in two games, then bagels since October 9^th.

Frank Gore has three scores in five games. He’s averaging 4.2 YPC and 70.7 yards a game on the ground this season. He’s consistently a RB2 week after week, though he’s only run for 85-yards once. The Chiefs have allowed only three rushing scores though a robust 4.5 YPC.

T.Y. Hilton has averaged 173 yards and a score the last two games at home. Over his last five outings he’s scored four times while averaging 114 yards. The Chiefs allow the most points a week to wideouts per game.

Andrew Luck has thrown for 300-yards in 5/6 home games. He has also thrown 15 touchdowns with a 100.5 QB Rating in that time. His last three games overall he’s only been picked off once and over his last four he’s tossed eight scores. The Chiefs are a mid-level defense against the pass.

Donte Moncrief (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday and sounds likely to play this week. Moncrief is a WR3 option if he suits up this week, especially since Phillip Dorsett (foot, hamstring) is banged up and producing nothing on the field.

Adam Vinatieri has made 43-straight field goals, the most in NFL history.

Kansas City Chiefs

*DVOA lists the Cols as the second worst defense in football.

Jamaal Charles (knee) is a total mess and he might even be behind Charcandrick West at the moment. His knee isn’t right and it’s unclear if he will even be active in Week 8. West has 19 carries for 87 yards this season.

Chris Conley hasn’t scored this season. The last two games he’s caught five passes for 54 yards. He’s been under 54 yards in all but one game this season.

Tyreek Hill scored last week to tie for the rookie lead with three receiving scores. He has three catches for 58 yards the last two weeks.

Travis Kelce is ranked 13^th at the tight end spot in a PPR setup. He’s failed to reach 33 yards in 3-straight games and has only two scores in six games. He’s also caught only five passes in two games. The Colts have allowed the 6^th most points a week to tight ends.

Jeremy Maclin hasn’t scored in five games. He has caught only seven passed for 89 yards the last two weeks. His average effort this season is 4.5 receptions and 55.5 yards. The Colts are worst team in football in pass coverage according to PFF.

Marcus Peters has 10 picks his last 13 games, including the playoffs.

Alex Smith has thrown for five scores in five games. He’s only been picked off once in that time. He has failed to throw for 225 yards in ¾ games. The Colts are the worst team in football in overall defense according to PFF and they have picked off only two passes while allowing a 68 percent completion percentage.

Spencer Ware averages 129.5 yards from scrimmage this season, third in the league. He’s run for at least 75-yards his last four outings and the last two games he’s caught four passes for 86 yards and a score. The Colts are the worst run defense in football according to ProFootballFocus which is saying something considering how bad the Niners are. The Colts have allowed four passing scores to runners.

Albert Wilson has seen two targets in two games.

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Seattle Seahawks

Doug Baldwin has one score in five games. He has failed to reach 70 yards in 4/5 games. His last three he’s averaged 51 yards an outing. He’s caught at least four passes in 4-straight.

Michael Bennett has 14 sacks his last 14 games on the road.

Jimmy Graham has gone for 100-yards in 2/4 games. He has also hauled in at least five passes in 4-straight games. He hasn’t scored in 3-straight games.

Tyler Lockett hasn’t scored this season. He’s caught 13 passes for 165 yards in six games. Why do people keep asking about him?

Christine Michael has scored five times, four rushing, his last four games. The Saints have allowed a league worst 11 rushing scores. Michael has carried the ball at least 16 times in 4-straight games, but the last three he’s run for between 52 and 64 yards each time out.

C.J. Prosise touched the ball three times last week. He has three receptions and two carries this season. Alex Collins has four touches in three games. C.J. Spiller eight touches in a month with the Seahawks. He’s been released Wednesday with Prosise finally healthy. Thomas Rawls (lower leg) still sounds like he might be two weeks away.

Paul Richardson has six grabs in six games.

Bobby Wagner has 10-tackles in 3-straight games.

Russell Wilson has posted a QB Rating of 100 in 4/6 games on the road, but as pointed out in this Daily Dive video, he’s just not right. He has thrown no picks in five games but has only four passing scores in that time. The Saints are bleeding points through the air with 287 yards a game, third most, while picking off just two passes with nine sacks.

New Orleans Saints

* The Seahawks are the third best team in football in pass coverage according to PFF.

Drew Brees threw for 367 and three scores last week. His past five outings at home he’s averaged 403 passing yards and 2.8 scores a contest. He has thrown 11 scores in three games at home this season with an average of 421 yards a game.

Brandon Coleman caught two passes for 16 yards the last two games. He scored. Doesn’t really matter. He’s just not involved.

Brandin Cooks has scored in 2-straight games. He’s caught seven passes in 2-straight games. In three home games he’s averaged five receptions, 110 yards and a score per outing. He has posted 100-yards in 5/6 games at home.

Colby Fleener has scored twice in four games. He’s failed to reach 45-yards in 2/4 games. The other two games he averaged 92 yards and a score. The Seahawks have allowed just one score to tight ends.

Mark Ingram scored last week and he’s produced 100-yards from scrimmage in 2/4 games. He’s scored three times in four games. He’s also seen steady work with 15, 18, 16 and 16 carries his last four games. Moreover, he’s caught four passes in 4/5 games. The Seahawks are the third best run defense in football according to ProFootballFocus.

Willie Snead hasn’t scored in 3-straight. He’s gone for 55 yards once in four games. He saw 11 targets last week after just eight the previous two outings. The Seahawks have allowed three scores to wideouts this season.

Michael Thomas caught 10 passes for 130 yards last week giving him 4-straight games with a touchdown or 130 yards. He leads rookies with 36 receptions and 437 yards. The Eagles have allowed the sixth fewest points to wideouts in football.

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Oakland Raiders

Derek Carr has 13 touchdown passes and two interceptions in the last seven starts on the road. This year it’s seven scores and one pick in four games. He’s only tossed two scores the last two games as he’s thrown for just 425 yards and he’s failed to thrown for 230 yards in ¾ games. The Bucs have picked off just four passes and a mere 238 passing yards a game.

Amari Cooper is on pace for 91 receptions and 1,400 yards. He has one score this season. The past three against the NFC he’s averaged 109 yards and 0.67 scores. The past three overall games he’s averaged seven receptions and 98.7 yards.

Michael Crabtree caught eight balls for 96 yards and a score last week. He has racked up five touchdowns his last four games. He’s also scored four times his last two outings on the road. Tampa has allowed a significant nine scores to wideouts in six games.

Khalil Mack has 13 sacks his last 13 games.

Latavius Murray scored twice last week while touching the ball 20 times. He has five rushing scores in five games. Last week Murray saw 42 snaps, DeAndre Washington 13 and Jalen Richard just four in a rather remarkable return to normalcy after week after week of shared backfields. Over his last 21 games Murray has averaged 4.0 YPC, but in five outings this season he’s failed to run for 60-yards in a single outing. The Bucs are the 4^th worst run defense in football according to ProFootballFocus.

Seth Roberts hasn’t scored in three games though he has caught seven of 15 targets the last two games.

Clive Walford faces the Bucs who have not allowed a score to ends this season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cameron Brate takes on the Raiders who have allowed four scores to ends and the 7^th most points a week to the position. Brate has scored twice in his last two games at home. Alas, he’s gone 3-straight without a score overall and has seen just six targets the last two games turning them in to four receptions for 57 yards.

Mike Evans caught eight balls for 96 yards and two scores last week. He’s a weekly WR1 who has scored in five of six games. The Raiders allow the 5^thmost points a week to wideouts.

Adam Humphries has caught four passes for 32 yards the last three games. He hasn’t scored this season.

Doug Martin (hamstring) continues to be sidelined. Ditto Charles Sims (knee). Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber take on the Raiders, another good matchup for the Bucs on the ground as they allow 5.0 YPC and the 5^th most yards a week on the ground (128.3). The last two games Rodgers has touched the ball an insane 62 times. He’s run for 256 yards the last two times out. Barber carried the ball 12 times for 84 yards the last time on the field. He also scored the touchdown last week on the ground.

Russell Shepard takes on the Raiders who have allowed more yards to wideouts than any team in football. Shepard caught five balls for 77 yards a score last week. For more see this Daily Dive video.

Jameis Winston threw for three scores with 269 passing yards last week. That’s just four scores in three games for Winston though he’s tossed only one pick the last two games. Winston has also failed to toss 220 yards of passes in 2-of-3. The Raiders are lit up through the air though at a pace of a league worst 302 yards. They have also allowed 13 passing scores in seven games.

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San Diego Chargers

*The Broncos are the second best team in football in pass coverage according to PFF.

Travis Benjamin was held to three catches for 17 yards in the last matchup. He has caught seven of 10 targets the last two games for 71 yards. He hasn’t scored in five games. The Broncos have allowed one score to wideouts this season.

Joey Bosa has four sacks in his first three games.

Antonio Gates has scored four times his last five games in the matchup. Travis Henry (concussion) caught six passes for 83 yards and a score in the last matchup, but his availability to play this week is in question. The Broncos have allowed just one score to tight ends.

Melvin Gordon scored three times, one as a pass catcher, with 121 yards from scrimmage (68 rush, 53 catch). He leads the NFL with 10 touchdowns, six the last four outings. He’s carried the ball 49 times the last two weeks for 162 yards. Remove the 48 yard run he has in Week 6 and that’s 48 carries for 114 yards or 2.38 yards per carry which is abysmal. Denver is allowing 4.2 YPC and 117 yards a game on the ground. They have also allowed six scores in seven games on the ground

Melvin Ingram has 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles his last 12 games.

Dontrelle Inman continues to see a ton of snaps. The production ain’t great though. He has caught five passes for 72 yards the last three games. He has one score this season.

Philip Rivers threw for just 178 yards and a score in the last matchup. Rivers has just two passing scores the last two games. The Broncos have permitted just 175 passing yards a game with 22 sacks. Both numbers lead football. They have also allowed four passing scores in seven games, again the best mark in football.

Tyrell Williams takes on the Broncos who allow the fewest points a week to wideouts in football. Williams went 3-28 in the last matchup though he caught seven passes for 140 yards last week. His past two on the road he’s averaged six receptions and 129 yards a game with 0.5 scores.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are 7^th in rushing attempts this season. C.J. Anderson (16 touches) and Devontae Booker (18 touches) both scored in Week 7 with Booker holding a 35-28 snap count advantage. For more on this duo see this Big-3 VIDEO. “I think C.J. has been playing well,” HC Gary Kubiak said. “We’re more comfortable with [Booker] on the field in pass protection right now. We’re just growing as a group.” Anderson has scored three times his last four at home. Anderson ran for 37 yards on 10 carries last time the teams met. However, he’s going for a second opinion on his knee issue that was caused in his last game. It sounds like an injury that could cause him to miss the game if not more. Booker has averaged 4.8 YPC this season and would be a must start of CJA is out (Kapri Bibbs would likely become the backup). The Chargers allow only 90 yards a week on the ground but the third most rushing scores (nine). The Chargers have also allowed the most receptions to runners this season.

Virgil Green didn’t catch a pass in Week 7. He’s a blocking tight end folks.

Von Miller has 12 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss in his last 11 versus the Chargers.

Emmanuel Sanders went 4-40 in the last matchup. He hasn’t scored in three games. He’s caught at least four passes in 5-straight games and has gone over 80-yards in 4/5 outings.

Trevor Siemian attempted 50 passes in the last meeting but only threw for 230 yards and a score. His last four games he’s tossed seven scores without a pick. However, he’s only tossed a single score in each of his last three outings. He’s just a guy. San Diego has picked off eight passes while allowing a mid-level 11 passing scores.

Demaryius Thomas caught just give passes for 35 yards without a score in the last matchup. He’s still scored in 4-of-5 games in the matchup and he’s gone for 100-yards in 4/7 against the Chargers and he has eight scores in the last nine meetings. He’s also seen 10-targets in back-to-back games after 5-straight with seven or less.

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Arizona Cardinals

*The Panthers allow the second most points a week to runners. It won’t matter this week.

Jaron Brown is done for the year with a knee injury.

John Brown hopefully will return after missing Week 6 with a leg issue. He hasn’t scored this season. Only once this season has he produced 75 yards, and three times in six games he’s caught exactly one reception.

David Johnson posted 171 yards from scrimmage last week, his seventh 100-yard effort in a row. He leads the NFL with 1,004 yards from scrimmage and is tied with eight rushing scores for the lead. He also averages four receptions a game.

Larry Fitzgerald caught nine passes last week, a third consecutive game with six grabs. He’s averaged 7.3 receptions and 68.6 yards a game this season. He’s scored twice in three games but only twice in five games.

Michael Floyd injured his hammy last game and is missing practice early in the week. He caught five balls for 65 yard the last game, and he scored the outing before that. Still, we’re in Week 8 and he has scored just three times, has one game of five receptions, and is yet to have reached 70-yards in an outing.

Carson Palmer threw four picks the last time the teams met and he had two scores and seven interceptions in two outings against Seattle last year. He will be without at least one Brown, maybe a Floyd too, from the looks of it. The Panther actually allow the third most points a week to signal callers and Palmer has a QB Rating of 100 in 2/3 road games.

Carolina Panthers

*DVOA lists the Cardinals as the fourth best defense in football.

Cameron Artis-Payne didn’t touch the ball last week. Fozzy Whitaker carried the ball once last week with one catch. The last two games include eight touches and 57 yards.

Kelvin Benjamin caught eight balls for 86 yards in the last game. The previous three games he caught eight balls for 109 yards. Benjamin also has one score in four games. The Cardinals have allowed five scores to wideouts and the 9^th fewest points a game.

Devin Funchess scored in his last game. He has one game this season with 30-yards.

Ted Ginn has scored this season. He has 14 receptions for 191 yards this season.

Cam Newton threw for 322 and scored three times (one rushing), in his last game. He has a QB Rating of 100 in 5/6 games at home. He’s only tossed three scores his last three games overall. The Cardinals rank as the top pass rush according to ProFootballFocus. The Cards also allow 193 passing yards, third best, while permitting five scores. They’ve also picked off nine passes, second most in football.

Greg Olsen takes on a Cardinals defense that allows the fewest points a week to tight ends, including zero scores. Olsen leads NFL tight ends in catches (39) and yards (610). He’s caught at least six passes in 4-straight games.

Jonathan Stewart ran for 85 yards and two scores in his last game. The Cards allow just 3.8 YPC on the ground and 97 yards a game on the ground. The Cardinals are the fifth best run defense in football according to ProFootballFocus.

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Philadelphia Eagles

Nelson Agholor hasn’t scored in five games. He has failed to hit 35 yards in 4-straight games.

Zach Ertz continues to do absolutely nothing. Since returning he has five receptions on just nine targets for 73 yards in three games. The Cowboys have allowed the 5^th most points a week to tight ends.

Dorial Green-Beckham scored on a goaline grab last week. He caught two passes for eight yards. He has yet to eclipse three catches or 45 yards in a game this season.

Ryan Mathews has fumbled late in 2/3 games. The HC says he still has faith in Mathews. Mathews has scored five times his last six games on the road but… Mathews has not scored on the ground in 4-straight games this season. The last three outings he’s averaged 11 carries for 52.7 yards a game. The Cowboys have allowed only two rushing scores this season.

Jordan Matthews went 9-133-1 in the last meeting. He’s scored four times his last four against the NFC East. He has just one score his last five games overall, and in two of four games he’s failed to hit 20 yards (he was at 65 and 75 yards in the other two outings). The Cowboys allow the 13^th most points a week to wideouts.

Wendell Smallwood has touched the ball nine times the last two games after 17 touches against the Steelers.

Darren Sproles has one touchdown this season as a runner/receiver. The last three games he’s hauled in seven throws for 50 yards. The Cowboys have allowed the third fewest receptions to runners.

Carson Wentz has one touchdown in two games. The last two outings he’s averaged 159 passing yards, 0.5 touchdowns and one pick. He’s completed 27 passes in that time. That’s 4/5 games in which he’s failed to throw for 195 yards. The Cowboys rank as the second worst pass rush according to ProFootballFocus.

Dallas Cowboys

*DVOA lists the Eagles as the best defense in football.

Cole Beasley scored twice last week and he’s scored in 2-straight (three total). He has three scores in six games. He also went 9-112-2 in the last meeting with the Eagles. He’s been between 53 and 75 yards in all six games this season.

Dez Bryant should return from his knee injury this week. In three games this season he’s averaged less than four catches a game and 50.0 yards with one score. The Eagles have allowed the fourth fewest points to wideouts in football.

Brice Butler has scored twice in three games. His role vanishes if Bryant plays.

Ezekiel Elliott has run for 130-yards in 4-straight games, a rookie record. His total of 703 rushing yards through six games is the second most in NFL history for a rookie. The Eagles have allowed three rushing scores and are the best defense according to DVOA. Oddly, they give up 4.5 YPC, a big number.

Alfred Morris has one catch this season. He’s failed to run for 35 yards in 5-straight games.

Dak Prescott has posted a QB Rating of 100 in 5-straight. He has produced 10 scores in six games (three rushing). The last three games he has six touchdown passes. He’s still failed to posted 250 passing yards in 5/6 games. The Eagles rank as the second best pass rush according to ProFootballFocus. They are also stingy allowing just six passing scores and a mere 204 passing yards. They also have 20 sacks.

Terrance Williams has one score this season. He’s caught four of five passes in 4-straight games. He’s gone for 70 and 75 yards the last two games.

Jason Witten has caught at least six passes in 3-straight against the club from Philly. The Eagles have allowed a league worst 15 receptions to the tight end.

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Minnesota Vikings

Matt Asiata has a rushing score in 2/3 games. He also dropped two passes last week and blew four blocking assignments that led to Bradford being hurried four times in Week 7. Asiata has run the ball 26 times for 110 yards the last two weeks and has scored two times in three games. He also has nine receptions the last two games. For more see this Big-3 video. Jerick McKinnnon (ankle) role this week is totally up in the air after he injured the ankle and then re-injured it last week. The Bears allowed just 3.9 YPC with a mid-level 107 yards and six rushing scores.

Sam Bradford has a QB Rating of 100 in 4/6 games. Per outing he’s averaged 22.4 completions with a 67.5 completion rate and 243 yards a game. Only twice in five games has he thrown two scores and he only has one pick this season. The o-line needs to be much better than they were last week. DVOA has the Bears ranked 19^th.

Stefon Diggs scored twice in the last matchup. He hasn’t scored his last three games this season and just once in five outings. He’s been held to less than 50-yards in three straight games after posting 285 yards the first two games. The Bears have allowed the most receptions to wideouts and the second most fantasy points.

Charles Johnson has six receptions this season for 92 yards.

Cordarrelle Patterson has actually scored in 2-straight games. He’s seen six targets or more in 3-straight games. He went for seven grabs and 67 yards last week and there’s his average the last three: five catches, 48 yards.

Kyle Rudolph has scored in 4/7 games against the NFC North. He hasn’t scored the last two games but does have three in his last five games. In ¾ games Rudolph has caught at least five passes for 55 yards.

Adam Thielen followed up his breakout effort with two receptions for 52 yards. He’s been under 55-yards in five of six games.

Laquon Treadwell – still waiting.

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler (thumb) will be back under center after Brian Hoyer broke his forearm. The Vikings pose an obvious threat as they have allowed the following numbers: 56 percent completion rate, five touchdowns allowed, nine interceptions and 198 yards a game.

Alshon Jeffery should once again be peppered with targets by Cutler with whom he has a nice rapport. Jeffery hasn’t scored this season. He has seen 24 targets the last two games and he’s been over 75-yards in 2/3 games. The Vikings allow the second fewest points a week to wideouts.

Jeremy Langford returns to practice this week from an ankle that has caused him to miss four games. Jordan Howard is second in the NFL with 352 rushing yards. He saw 22 snaps last week, an outing after seeing 55 snaps. Meanwhile, Ka’Deem Carey saw 25 snaps in Week 6 followed by 26 last week. That’s three runners and zero clarity as to how the touches will play out. The Vikings have allowed 3.7 YPC and three rushing scores on the way to 81.7 yards a game.

Cameron Meredith faces the Vikes who have allowed three scores to wideouts. He’s caught 21 passes in three games, but just one last week and now there’s a QB change and the matchup is a difficult one.  

Zach Miller (ribs) has been held to eight receptions for 76 yards the last two games. He’s failed to score in three games. The Vikings have not allowed a score to tight ends this season.

Eddie Royal (toe) didn’t play last week and it’s uncertain how much, if any, he will play this week.