4 teams with uncomfortable quarterback decisions to make
We’ve come to that point in the season when teams have to start thinking about more than just short-term solutions. Four teams might need to take a long look at their quarterback situation, which could definitely impact fantasy owners.
Changing signals
Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears: He’s already taken over the job from Jay Cutler and posted over 300 yards and two scores in each of his first three starts. In Indianapolis, his 397 passing yards Sunday were second only to Tom Brady. The only tough defense he faces over the next five weeks is the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. Hoyer offers more consistency and production than the Bears have received from the quarterback spot in years.
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers: After four consecutive losses, Blaine Gabbert is on the verge of losing his starting job. He threw for 162 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions in a home loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and coach Chip Kelly is no longer defending him. While there is some call for Christian Ponder to get a shot, Kaepernick is the better choice thanks to a better arm and more mobility. Kaepernick would step in at an opportune time with the 49ers facing the Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints next.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: He’s steered the Cowboys to a 4-1 record and has yet to throw an interception. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, he threw for 227 yards and a score and ran for a touchdown for the third time this season. However, the Cowboys have been adamant Tony Romo will reclaim the starting job, likely in Week 8. That means Prescott would have one more start — in Green Bay — before turning over the reins during the Week 7 bye.
Charlie Whitehurst, Cleveland Browns: Another Cleveland quarterback is injured. Cody Kessler was hurt Sunday when he received a hard hit to his chest. That forced the Browns to call in 34-year-old Whitehurst, who threw for a credible 182 yards and one score long after the New England Patriots had the game in hand. But he hyperextended his knee and went to the sideline before returning later. By this point, it is evident that the Browns are never going to keep a quarterback for more than a few games and that Terrelle Pryor is reliable for some passing yardage as the last man standing every week or two.
Backfield committees
Atlanta Falcons: Despite winning their last four games, the Falcons aren’t getting much production from their receivers — outside of Julio Jones, who is not above the odd bad game. But running backs Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman have been productive this year, despite turning in at least one bad game each. Determining which one will have a big day or bad game is nearly impossible.
Freeman is clearly the primary rusher but Coleman scores more and is the NFL leader in receiving yardage by a running back. Facing the Seattle Seahawks this week will likely lower at least one of their fantasy outputs. But then the San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers and Buccaneers are up next.
Minnesota Vikings: This is starting to resemble 2014, when Adrian Peterson missed the season and Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata shared the load. The Vikings want faster and shiftier McKinnon to handle the primary rushing role. In Sunday’s win against the Houston Texans, McKinnon gained 36 yards on 20 runs and caught a 10-yard pass. Asiata ran 14 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, plus added three catches for 46 yards.
The Vikings have a Week 6 bye but return to face four road games over the following six weeks. That’s likely to result in inconsistent results for both backs playing in tougher venues.
New York Giants: Rashad Jennings remains out with a thumb injury and the workload is shifting every week. The loss of Shane Vereen gave Bobby Rainey more work as a receiver, and he was the most effective rusher Sunday with 22 yards on five carries.
Orleans Darkwa was used more in Week 4 when he ran 12 times for 48 yards, but then only managed 11 yards on seven runs. Paul Perkins still only gets three or four touches despite being more effective. Jennings will return soon, pushing Darkwa to the bench, but this backfield has lost all consistency.
Oakland Raiders: Latavius Murray is out with a turf toe, and he’s been held to 10 carries or fewer since the opener. DeAndre Washington got the start for Week 5 that he earned with 13 carries for 103 yards over the previous two games. But Washington only rushed nine times for 23 yards and added five catches for 29 yards in the win against the San Diego Chargers. Jalen Richard had been quiet since the opener but ran for 31 yards on eight attempts and added 66 yards on six catches. The return of Murray is not going to improve this ever-changing backfield.
Denver Broncos: The season started with C.J. Anderson assuming a heavy workload (20 runs for 92 yards and a score in the opener). Devontae Booker was only used for relief. But that ratio shifts with every game.
In Sunday’s loss to the Falcons, when the Broncos always trailed and needed their best players, Anderson rushed 11 times for 41 yards and added three catches for 21 yards. But Booker ran six times for 23 yards. And he caught four passes for 36 yards.
Booker’s six targets trailed only wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. This shift in workload comes right before the schedule becomes very attractive. Up next are the Chargers (away), Texans, Chargers (home), Raiders and Saints. There could be plenty for both backs.
Receiver breakouts
A number of wideouts turned in better-than-usual stats and deserve more scrutiny.
Andrew Hawkins, Browns: In his best game of the year, Hawkins caught four passes for 56 yards and one touchdown in the loss to the Patriots. But the ever-changing quarterback situation and the presence of tight end Gary Barnidge and Pryor removes all reliability despite the obvious need.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Vikings: His history is all about being a star returner and a bust as a receiver. But the former first-round pick is being included in the game plan again, and while he totaled just 77 yards on nine catches over the last two weeks, he did score once. And he is getting six targets per week. There has never been a reason to question his speed, but the Vikings are trying to find ways to use him on offense. Sam Bradford has had more success connecting with Patterson than Teddy Bridgewater did.
Rishard Matthews, Titans: He was a pricey acquisition during the offseason, but Matthews disappointed for the first three weeks. In Houston, he only caught two passes but gained 82 yards, and in the win in Miami, he caught four passes for 32 yards and one touchdown. That’s hardly the making of a fantasy star but at least Marcus Mariota is trying to target his wide receivers more and is using Matthews the most.