Tim's Takeaways: Week Four

Cordarelle Patterson, very much a thing 

    Despite playing no more than 40 percent of snaps in any game this season, it seems apparent that Cordarelle Patterson is the Falcons most effective offensive weapon thus far. I say offensive weapon because I’m not really sure what to call him. He can be played at both WR and RB in most leagues, he gets carries (at least six attempts in all four games so far, one rushing TD) but he also lines up as a WR and runs routes (has at least six targets and is averaging 74 rec. yards over last three games, four rec. TDs). Not to mention, he has already entered the ‘greatest returner of all time’ discussion. So what else can you call him but a damn weapon?

     Sure, Mike Davis has been solid, leading the backfield in snaps and carries, scoring no less than 10.2 points in any game this season, but it’s clear Patterson is the “RB/guy getting touches out of the backfield” to own in Atlanta. He has now outscored Davis three weeks in a row. He is simply too dynamic to ignore with his current volume/usage. After exploding for 34.6 points and three TDs in week four, he is averaging 24.9 PPG over his last three games, and is a must-add to all rosters. 

Sam Darnold...fantasy monster?

    Leaving the Jets was the best thing that could have ever happened to Sam Darnold. Who could have guessed that, right? Through four games, the former USC Trojan has 10 total TDs, (five rushing, most in the league) and just three turnovers. As of Sunday, he now has three consecutive games with 300+ passing yards. To put that into perspective, in his entire Jets career (38 games) Darnold threw for 300+ yards just four times. Right now, he’s 3/4 in that category to begin his Panthers career.
     He’s averaging 297.1 passing yards, and 23.7 fantasy points per game, with no less than 18.9 points in any game this season! With a receiving core as loaded as his, and Adam Gase no longer holding him back, it’s no wonder the talented young QB is having success. Darnold is quickly working his way into the fantasy QB1 discussion. Currently, he is QB5 just behind Tom Brady, and is *checks notes* available in over 80 percent of ESPN leagues… You know what to do people. 

Najee Harris is a bonafide RB1

    If you drafted Harris as an RB1, looks like you got what you bargained for. While it’s true his efficiency is leaving much to be desired (has yet to rush for over 65 yards, could probably be blamed on his O-line). Still, he is averaging 22.8 fantasy points per game over the last three weeks. So, how’s he getting it done you ask? The answer: elite volume. The rookie workhorse is averaging 21.3 touches per game during the aforementioned span.  
    The craziest part about his last three games? Harris has 25 receptions. Not only is that more than anyone on the Steelers weeks 2-4, it’s more than anyone in the league… DJ Moore is second with 24.
    No other Steelers RB is even coming close to Harris in snaps or touches this season, so I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t continue. Just like Chancellor Palpatine said to a young Anakin Skywalker, “Najee, we will watch your career with great interest.”


Start: Jameis Winston vs Washington Football Team

   Since his 5-TD performance in week one, Winston has cooled off significantly, but I think he heats back up this week. Coming off a season-high 226 yards passing, expect his numbers to continue their upward trend against a WFT secondary that is quickly making a case as worst in the league. Washington has allowed an average of 307 pass YPG, a TD-to-INT ratio of 10:1, and a league-high 27.8 fantasy PPG to opposing QBs. Most recently they were torched by Matt Ryan for 300 total yards, four TDs and 29.02 fantasy points. This is as good a week as any for Jameis to rack up points. Let’s just hope Taysom Hill doesn’t steal all the TDs again. - Tim

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