After seven weeks, it’s clear just who’s becoming a pretender or a contender in the NFL, with the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Rams leading the way.
After a collapse from the Kansas City Chiefs and a strong effort by the New Orleans Saints offense and quarterback Joe Burrow, The Journal suffered a loss to the Western Gazette last week. However, with Josh Allen returning to action this week and standout wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on the roster, The Journal should have a chance to return to the win column.
Here are this week’s picks.
Starters: $98
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Coming off a bye week, Josh Allen has seven touchdowns in the past two games—a stellar record that also includes a statement win over the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Dolphins having one of the worst defences in the league, Allen should have no trouble asserting himself this week.
Aaron Jones, Running Back, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones has become a critical part of the Packers’ offense, even more so with Davante Adams out with COVID-19. Jones has six touchdowns this season, including a fourtouchdown performance in week two. Facing the Arizona Cardinals in a potential shootout, Jones should find the endzone often.
Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase is having an Offensive Rookie-of-the-Year-calibre season so far, including a 201-yard performance against the Ravens last Sunday. With a rejuvenated Joe Burrow on the roster and the team facing the lowly New York Jets, Chase should continue to shine this week.
Mike Gesicki, Tight End, Miami Dolphins
Mike Gesicki has been a decent part of the Dolphins’ offense, including scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons last week. Gesicki’s yardage per game has trended upwards throughout the season, as has his production. If any player on the Dolphins is going to shine against the Bills, it’ll be Gesicki.
Los Angeles Rams Defence
The Los Angeles Rams face off against the lowly Texans this week, a team that’s continued to struggle while relying on its third-string quarterback, David Mills. For a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, this matchup should offer a chance to pad some team statistics.
Bench: $85
Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert faced his toughest loss yet last week against the Baltimore Ravens, throwing only one touchdown and being sacked twice. While that loss was likely an aberration, the New England defence has been strong all season, which should give Herbert another tough test this week.
Saquon Barkley, Running Back, New York Giants
Saquon Barkley—along with the rest of the New York Giants—has continued to struggle this season. Barkley has only two touchdowns in five games and his previous injuries have hampered any further production. Even facing a poor Kansas City Chiefs defence, Barkley should have a quiet game.
Robert Woods, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
Robert Woods has been inconsistent this season, having only three touchdowns in seven games. He also had two games in which he recorded over 75 receiving yards. While the Houston Texans’ defence remains poor, Woods should struggle to find targets with fellow receiver Cooper Kupp in the game.
Robert Tonyan, Tight End, Green Bay Packers
Robert Tonyan has had two touchdowns over the past seven games, including one last week against the Washington Football Team. Tonyan’s receptions have topped five only once this season. Facing off against a top-ranked Arizona Cardinals defence, he should struggle to find a role in the offense this outing.
Philadelphia Eagles Defence
The Philadelphia Eagles defence ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing over 26 points per game so far this season. Facing off against a Detroit Lions offense that’s slowly pulled itself together, the Eagles should find a challenge in Jared Goff, TJ Hockenson, and D’Andre Swift.
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