The last two weeks of the NFL have been mindboggling. Some of the biggest upsets of the year have delivered some big changes in the standings. We have got off relatively unscathed on the predictions front, coming in with a 13-14 record for weeks eight and nine. Here are some of my takeaways to get the mind moving before we crack into the week ten waiver wire targets.

Seriously, does anyone know what’s going on?

If you thought week eight was bad for upsets, week nine just entered the chat. We’ll start with Duval and the Jacksonville Jaguars beating the MVP favourite and his merry men in a 9-6 slog. The Bills had outscored their opponents by 120 points entering into this game and the Jags had only beaten the weary Dolphins. This was a defensive contest with both QBs having underwhelming performances, as Allen threw for 264 yards and two INTs, while T-Law threw for 118 yards. This is obviously a bad loss for the Bills in terms of optics, but it also opens the door for the Patriots who are now on the same number of wins (5), but with one extra loss. Get it together Allen. Finally, if you predicted the Jaguars to beat the Bills on Sunday night, the FBI would like to speak with you

Lads, how good are the Broncos? I’ve been saying it all year. Top tier team beating one of the favourites in the NFC… – another performance experts were not expecting. Denver moved the ball with ease, as Jeudy and Bridgewater connected on six occasions, while Javonte Williams was a one-man wrecking machine. As you know, the North Carolina RB has caught my eye, so he gets his own section in this article, which you can see below. On the Cowboys offensive side of the ball, what the hell happened to one of the most high-powered offences in the league? Dak was held under 235 yards passing, Zeke had 51 yards rushing and no wide receiver went over 37 yards receiving. The Broncos are a good defensive team, but even Washington in week eight scored more points that Dallas. While the score doesn’t look statically horrendous at 30-16, the Cowboys did score all 16 points in fourth quarter garbage time. The AFC West is looking interesting with all teams on five wins!

Hands up if you saw James Conner leading the league in TDs at the mid-way point…. When the Cardinals needed him to step up, Conner delivered in spades against the faltering 49ers. With Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins both out with their respective injuries, Conner delivered a standout three TD performance. The Cardinals have amazing strength in-depth, which I’m sure they will continue to lean on as the season progresses.

I am giving up calling Saints games. One week ago, they had Tom Brady wrapped around their little finger and the next they can’t beat an inconsistent Falcons team. I do acknowledge that the Falcons are getting better, I just did not see them winning this game. But props to Ryan and co on getting an important W. After their slow start, they are now in the NFC seventh seed and current playoff picture.

The Packers learn what life will be like without Aaron Rodgers

Troy Aikman went to town on Jordon Love while calling the Packers and Chiefs game on Sunday night. The Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer didn’t hold back, as Love struggled against the poor Chiefs’ defence. Love completed 19 of 34 passes for 190 yards, one TD and one INT, in the 13-7 loss in Arrowhead. Love’s one touchdown came late in the fourth quarter and was the result of Allen Lazard making a play, rather than the quality of Love’s throw. While we shouldn’t overreact to Love’s performance, this is certainly not what Packers’ fans were hoping for from the performance.

The Titans are the real deal – even without King Henry

Dammmnnnnn Tennessee, that was a big result. To defeat the Rams, who are on a four-game winning streak, in their home field and without your best player, takes some guts. The Titans defence showed up in a big way, as no one on the offensive side of the ball had a huge statistical game. The Rams were bad on the penalty front, but the Titans fully exploited their opportunity and have firmly put themselves in the conversation for Superbowl contender. The Titans have now beaten the Rams, Colts, Chiefs and Bills in the last four weeks. If the Packers or Ravens achieved that four-game stretch, people would be losing their marbles. Respect Tennessee.

Lamar Jackson is clutch

Sunday’s game against the Vikings was the third double digit comeback from the Ravens this season and the key has been Lamar Jackson. He has been dynamic in both the passing and running game. Lamar Jackson being Lamar Jackson just makes these types of performances seem normal. Marcus Spears of ESPN made a great point following the game, saying that Lamar Jackson is a victim of the Lebron James effect. We normalise greatness because we are just so used to these guys producing unreal performances day in and day out. Lamar Jackson isn’t Lebron James, but Lebron didn’t win his first MVP until year six. Lamar won his in year two.

Javonte Williams is my new favourite player

I am definitely going to be a little biased here, as I picked Javonte Williams to be one of the rookie RB stars of the 2021 season, but even the naked eye can see that this guy is going to be an elite RB1 one day. He flat out runs over people and cannot be stopped easily – he is straight-up electrifying. His 111-yard rushing performance against the Cowboys on Sunday night was his game of the season and I can’t wait to see how he gets on for the rest of 2021 and into the future. Do the right thing Fangio and trade a currently productive and valuable, Melvin Gordon and give the keys to Pookie.

Week Nine Waiver Wire Hits

• Brandon Aiyuk: 19.10 (finally)
• Pat Freiermuth: 18.80
• AJ Dillon: 11.00

Week Ten Waiver Wire Targets:

RB:

Devonta Freeman – Freeman was the clear lead back on Sunday night against the Ravens, rushing the ball 13 times, also catching two pass. The veteran RB put up a very impressive 6.1 yards per carry in his 15.30-point display, which included a receiving TD. The Ravens play the Dolphins this Thursday night, so Freeman should get plenty of opportunity in some important parts of the field.

Devin Singletary – Singletary had a solid 9.40-point display against the Jaguars on Sunday night, despite the low scoring game. The Bills play the Jets next, who just gave up one billion yards to Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines. Singletary has certainly played second fiddle to Zach Moss this season, but there will be plenty of food to go around against the team who concedes the most points to RBs.

WR:

Elijah Moore – this is it people! It’s happening! Moore is breaking out just like I said he would. Only about nine weeks later. Moore put up his best statistical performance of the season by far on Thursday night against the Colts, putting up 84 yards and two TDs from seven receptions, for 23.90 points in half-point PPR leagues. Unfortunately for Moore, the Jets play the Bills next. The number one ranked Fantasy defence against WRs.

Donovan Peoples-Jones – DPJ is Baker Mayfield’s clear deep threat target, as his 60-yard bomb on Sunday night against the Bengals would prove. DPJ has put up at least 15.60 points in his last two games, even hitting 24.10 against the Cardinals. With OBJ gone, DPJ is definitely putting his hand up for a solid week in, week out performer.

Honourable mentions –

Rondale Moore – D-Hop and AJ Green’s injuries are something to track closely. Even with those guys in, Moore has been averaging 10.01 points per game, so is a semi-reliable WR3 resource. He is due a big week as well.

Bryan Edwards – with Henry Ruggs released, Edwards is definitely going to get more ball. Renfrow will be WR1, and Waller will be target number one, but the amount Carr throws the ball will present an opportunity for Edwards to pump up his numbers.

Take care.

J.