Yes! NFL football is back and so is the Week that Was in fantasy football! So, without further delay . . .
Lamar Jackson , QB BAL: I know the Dolphins do not seem to be trying but 17-of-20 for 324 yards and five TDs is good no matter what team is on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Nice work Mr. Jackson. However, the real question is what's next? Is Jackson now a bona fide pocket passer? Let’s not get carried away. Watch the film. Jackson was hitting guys so wide open that even this recreational league QB of the past might have hit some of those. I need to see more before I am running him out there every week. Next up, the Arizona Cardinals who gave up 385 yards passing at home to Matthew Stafford but seemed to stiffen on D with the game on the line. I doubt I will have Jackson ranked as a QB1 just yet but will keep an open mind.
Jameis Winston , QB TB: From good to bad -- and boy was Winston bad. Playing at home against a 49ers team that is hardly feared around the league, Winston laid a giant egg...194 yards, one TD, and three INT. Gross. All the things about bad Winston you worry about came to pass this week – happy feet, ill-advised throws, panic in the pocket. Ugh. Am I giving up? No. Winston is as inconsistent as they come and Coach Arians will continue to let him fire away. However, I am now officially worried. With a short turn around for a Thursday game on the road against the Panthers, I am going to be very reticent to run Winston out there. Very.
Dak Prescott , QB DAL: How about them Cowboys? Travis Frederick back at center, Jason Witten back as a safety blanket, and new weapon in Randall Cobb . Oh and a porous Giants D on the other side. Christmas in September! Well, Dak took advantage to the tune of 405 yards, four TDs, and no INT. I am not so sure Kellen Moore is the new boy-genius of the NFL after just one game of play-calling. However, what I did see, was Prescott calmly going through his progressions when the play was not there and throwing the ball before receiver breaks on quick-hitting passing plays. With dates against Washington and Miami on the slate next, Prescott will be a QB1 for me.
Ben Roethlisberger , QB PIT: Back to the bad as road Ben reared his ugly head Sunday getting trounced by the Pats. No touchdown, one INT and just no fantasy fun at all is what happened here on national TV. I know there were no signs Sunday and I know the Seahawks are a good defensive team but I like Ben to put up home Ben numbers against a team traveling across the country to play the early slot next week. Call it a hunch if you will but Roethlisberger is a likely future hall of famer for a reason, so I am going to roll him out there at home Sunday.
Nick Foles , QB JAC: Well, that stinks. More for Foles and the Jags than fantasy owners but it stinks to see a star player leave in Week 1 with an injury. Before he left, Foles looked pretty good, even connecting with rookie D.J. Chark for a score. Reports after the game indicate that it is a broken left clavicle for Foles meaning a lengthy absence (which unless managed carefully can lead to re-injury – see Romo, Tony 2015). Who is Gardner Minshew, II? Honestly, I do not know but 22-of-25 for 275, two touchdowns, and an INT is not too shabby for his first action. That said, it will be a tough day on the road in Houston for the newbie next week.
Kyler Murray , QB ARI: And in the neither good nor bad category, Murray. In the end, Murray hit 29-of-54 for 308 yards and two scores. He looked skittish and unsure in the first half but got it together for drives that ended up tying the game (including two sweet throws for a TD and then game-tying conversion). Game flow caused Kyler to throw more often than anyone would like. Look for more David Johnson and less emphasis on Murray in the weeks to come. I saw things I liked but am in no hurry to play Murray over more established NFL names in fantasy just yet.
Ok, since I know you have been waiting for this, Schultz says (as he does every year): “Hey!!! Who turned the lights off down here? Did we move? Glenn?? I want to talk about the Indians and their playoff push!! Where did the baseball go?? Helloooooooooooo!!!!”
Response: Well, I guess it is easier being an Indians fan than a Browns fan. Ok, seriously, have no fear, we will still present the end of baseball season “All-Schultz” awards in October!