TNF TakeAway: Familiar Faces showing flashes

   Just four seasons removed from finishing as WR five in fantasy, Allen Robinson displayed flashes of his former-self on Thursday Night Football. It was almost familiar to see him acrobatically snagging jump balls, making plays on back-shoulder throws, making defenders miss after the catch... Just like the good ol' days. 

    In the first game of the season, Robinson finished with seven receptions for 102 yards (17.2 points). Mitchell Trubisky attempted 45 passes, he targeted Robinson on 13 of them (28.9%). 

     Injuries have hindered any consistent fantasy production from Robinson in recent years, but it looks like, at least for the moment, he is healthy and at 100 percent.  I’m still not sold on the Bears offense, but Robinson is worth keeping an eye on. If he catches fire, he'll be a problem.

   Speaking of players looking like their former selves, how about Jimmy Graham? Aaron Rodgers connected with Graham for the first touchdown of the 2019 NFL season. The play was a 50/50 ball, which was more like a 60/40 ball because of Grahams basketball-player size and Rodgers passing IQ. It was easy money. In fact, Rodgers targeted him on several plays deep downfield in the game. For me it begs the question: why has Graham’s stock reached an all-time low? I mean, the guy’s still over here scoring touchdowns and hurdling defenders.
   Its true Graham struggled last season (TE11) and theres no excuse, he played a full 16 games. But people are quick to forget that 2018 was just the second time in the past nine seasons Graham failed to finish as a top-seven fantasy tight end (top-five in six of last eight seasons).

    Rodgers targeted Graham on 20 percent of his passes in week 1. He finished with just three catches for 30 yards... But he scored.

    It's a small sample size, but if Grahams involvement keeps up, last season could prove to be nothing but a blip on the radar. If the Rodgers-Graham connection can continue to blossom, double-digit touchdown upside isn't the craziest thing to imagine. 

Green Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham (80) hurdles Chicago Bears free safety Eddie Jackson (39) in front of Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and Bears strong safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) in the second quarter Thursday, Sept. 5,at Soldier Field in Chicago. Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports