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This was a bittersweet game for my as a fantasy owner.
Related: Week 7 Fantasy Recap: Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys
At times, I was happy, but for the majority of the game, I either had my face inside my palm, or I was questioning the world as we know it. However, while it may not have been the best game for me, others likely had success, as there were a ton of points scored in this contest.
Washington Redskins, 45, Chicago Bears, 41
Bears: I was absolutely thrilled to start Jay Cutler in my main league this week. A red hot Cutler plus a struggling Washington defense would obviously result in fantasy gold, right? In fact, I was so high on Cutler this week, I started him over Matt Ryan. Idiot. Cutler started off slow, throwing for just 28 yards and an interception, but after taking a sack, Cutler awkwardly landed on groin area, forcing him to leave the game. Of course, knowing my luck, he did not return to action. Cutler could barley walk to the locker room under his own power, so keep tabs in his status. Josh McCown spelled Cutler, but you aren’t starting/adding McCown because, duh. The absence of Cutler would hurt the values of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, but don’t tell that to running back Matt Forte, who had a monster game. Forte rushed for 91 yards and three (count ‘em) touchdowns. He continues to play like a top-five fantasy back, and under head coach Marc Trestman, he shows no signs of slowing down. I own Forte, hence the bittersweet feeling. For those worried about vultures, backup Michael Bush failed to see a carry for the second consecutive game.
As for the wideouts, Jeffery bounced back pretty nicely with a four-catch, 105-yard day, but failed to find the end zone. Marshall hauled in six balls for 75 yards. Tight end Martellus Bennett caught the only Chicago touchdown pass of the day, but it was his only grab of the day.
Redskins: And here comes the annoying. Alfred Morris ran pretty well (19 carries, 95 yards), but of course, the day after I write an article showing the snap count between Morris and Roy Helu, this happens. Helu carried the ball 11 times for just 41 yards, but scored three scores as well. They were all inside the 20-yard line (Morris territory) and none of them came during catchup situation. You guessed it, I own Morris, so this made me sick. I think Helu is a bigger part of this offense as people realize, and if he starts cutting into Morris’ red zone touches, it could lead to a mess. Coming into this game, Helu had only played seven less snaps than Morris on the season, and has been the premiere passing-downs back (9.5 target percentage).
It was Robert Griffin III’s best fantasy day of the season against Chicago. He threw for 298 yards and two scores, and it appears he wasn’t kidding about running more, as the sophomore rushed 11 times for 84 yards. He looked more explosive with the ball under his arms, and slid or went out of bounds at the right times. With an uptick in running on the horizon, RG3 should be considered a top-10 option, especially considering he’ll be throwing quite a bit as well (defense is atrocious).
As for the tight ends, welcome to tight end one territory, Jordan Reed. Many have been hyping him up for a while, and he didn’t disappoint. A breakout game for Reed, who caught all nine of his targets for 134 yards and a score. It was a career day for the rookie, who has completely taken over the starting tight end job. Fred Davis was a healthy scratch, and even if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have played much. Davis hasn’t even seen 100 snaps this year. Reed, meanwhile, is a freak athlete will great speed, size and hands. Run, don’t walk, to your local waiver wire to add him. Also, Pierre Garcon had a solid day, catching five balls for 58 yards. However, Garcon is quietly on pace for almost 200 targets, which will continue to give him superb volume. Keep starting him.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
