The NFL landscape is buzzing as The Athletic provides live coverage of the highly anticipated matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos during this week’s Thursday Night Football. Fans are eager to see how the game unfolds, especially with several player performances that could impact fantasy leagues across the board.
In the spotlight is Rico Dowdle, who has taken on the role of the workhorse running back for the Carolina Panthers. As promised by coach Dave Canales last week, Dowdle has proven his worth, finishing as the fantasy RB2 against a formidable Green Bay Packers run defense. Despite being significant underdogs on the road, Dowdle has managed to rank third in the league for rushing yards, all while only starting three games this season.
With Dowdle's performance, he has solidified his status as an RB1 for the remainder of the season. This week, if he remains healthy, he could potentially rank as a top-five fantasy back. However, his participation in practice was limited due to a quad injury he played through last week, though it seems precautionary.
Another major storyline is the status of Kyler Murray, who has been placed on the injured reserve list due to a foot injury. Coach Jonathan Gannon has confirmed that Jacoby Brissett will take over as the starting quarterback, regardless of Murray’s health. Brissett performed commendably against the Dallas Cowboys, and his play has been consistent even against teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers.
While Brissett faces a tough matchup against Seattle, fantasy managers should consider benching him for this week. However, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison could see significant benefits from this quarterback switch. McBride has only one less touchdown catch (4) from Brissett than from Murray, despite receiving 226 fewer targets. Harrison has shown a marked improvement in his performance, significantly boosting his catch rate and PPR production since Brissett’s arrival.
Shifting focus to the Chicago Bears, Kyle Monangai made headlines by leading the league with 176 rushing yards in the previous week, showcasing his talent against a struggling Bengals defense. Despite this impressive performance, the Bears’ backfield situation remains complex as D'Andre Swift is expected to return from injury. While Monangai has been a standout, a potential split in carries could complicate matters.
The Bears face a New York Giants defense that has allowed the third-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to running backs, making both Monangai and Swift viable fantasy options. However, fantasy managers would prefer not to navigate a full-blown committee approach in Chicago’s backfield.
In Jacksonville, the status of Brian Thomas is uncertain after he suffered an ankle injury. His performance has been disappointing, and the potential emergence of Parker Washington could shift the receiving dynamics. Washington has stepped into a more prominent role, especially with Thomas sidelined, and has shown promise in terms of target share.
The recent acquisition of Jakobi Meyers adds another layer of complexity to the Jaguars’ receiving corps, creating a competitive environment for targets. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence providing catchable targets, there’s potential for fantasy upside among Jacksonville’s receivers.
Turning to Seattle, the goal-line situation has shifted, as Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet vie for carries. While Walker’s workload remains significant, Charbonnet has been more frequently utilized in goal-line situations, raising questions about the running back hierarchy moving forward. Walker’s explosive playmaking ability is crucial to his fantasy value, particularly as scoring opportunities arise.
In Buffalo, James Cook has been a standout with impressive rushing yards, but his recent ankle and foot injuries have raised concerns for fantasy managers. If Cook cannot play, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson will likely share the workload, making it essential to monitor their performance and snap share closely.
For the New York Jets, Garrett Wilson returned to practice after missing several weeks with an injury. If he is cleared to play, Wilson could immediately become a top fantasy option against a favorable matchup with Cleveland. His strong target share and ability to excel against man coverage position him as a potential WR5 if he returns to action.
Finally, the Los Angeles Rams have seen some shifting dynamics in their backfield, with Kyren Williams leading in snap share and carries. Despite concerns about a committee approach, Williams remains a valuable asset. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua has returned to limited practice, and his health will be crucial for fantasy managers as he continues to impress with his remarkable reception pace.
As the NFL season progresses, monitoring these player situations will be vital for fantasy managers looking to optimize their lineups and secure victories in their leagues.