Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Week 9 stats: 297 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, one interception and six rush attempts for 43 rushing yards
Week 10 matchup: Tennessee Titans
Although the Packers lost to the Colts in week nine, Rodgers has shown much improvement over the past three weeks. During this time span, he has 10 touchdown passes and just one interception. He has carried the offensive burden of a team with virtually no running game. The Packers now sit on a record of 4-4 at the midpoint of the season and need to start compiling some wins in a wide open NFC North to have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. In week 10, Rodgers faces Tennessee and is poised for another big performance in a favorable matchup versus a struggling defense.
Richard Rodgers, tight end, Green Bay Packers
Week 9 stats: six receptions and 64 receiving yards
Week 10 matchup: Tennessee Titans
Richard Rodgers had nine receptions on the year prior to his strong performance in week nine. Fans have been waiting for this sort of effort in an offense headed by two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. This breakout performance is a good sign, especially with the Packers immersed in a pass-heavy offense. He goes against the Titans in week 10, who are team struggling greatly defensively. Yet, he is still a fantasy risk because of his continual inconsistency. In addition, fellow Packers tight end Jared Cook should be back for this weekend’s game.
Marvin Jones, wide receiver, Detroit Lions
Week 9 stats: one reception and five receiving yards
Week 10 matchup: bye week
Jones has been in a funk the past few weeks for Detroit, facing off against some tough defenses in Houston and Minnesota. In addition, fellow Lions receiver Golden Tate is re-establishing himself in the offense and is re-emerging as Detroit’s No. 1 receiver with solid showings the past few weeks. Jones is now getting defensive attention from opposing defenses’ top cornerback, adding a shade of clarity to his massive dip in production. Jones no longer looks like the fantasy star he was at the start of this NFL season. In week 10, the Lions are on a bye week and return with a week 12 matchup versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
DeSean Jackson
Week 9 stats: bye week
Week 10 matchup: Minnesota Vikings
The Redskins return from bye week with a week 10 matchup versus the Vikings, who have lost their past three games. Jackson is currently questionable for this weekend’s matchup with injury, and his inconsistency makes him a fantasy football enigma. Additionally, this matchup against Minnesota is very unfavorable, as it is a top-flight defense. Jackson is on the path to a very disappointing year highlighted by inconsistency rather than a plethora of big-time games.
Former Bear makes his NFL debut
Bryce Treggs, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 9 stats: two receptions and 69 receiving yards
Week 10 matchup: Atlanta Falcons
Treggs made his NFL debut in week nine for the Philadelphia Eagles. He hauled in just two receptions on the day with one of the catches going for an impressive 58 yards, showcasing his top-flight speed. During his pro-day at Cal, he clocked an impressive 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Treggs could be the aerial threat the Eagles have been searching for the past few seasons and another offensive weapon for rookie quarterback Carson Wentz to add to his arsenal. Treggs is in a position to become more involved in weeks to come and emerge as a key player in the Eagles receiving corps.
Is it Jared Goff’s time?
The Rams are 3-5 and show no signs of playoff contention. Los Angeles started the season 3-1 but have since been on a downward trajectory, losing four games in a row. Starting quarterback Case Keenum has struggled along with the team collectively over the past several weeks. To add insult to injury, fellow rookie quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott are performing well for their respective teams, which puts pressure on Los Angeles to let their own rookie take the reigns of the team. The team may need to give Goff the keys to the car sooner rather than later. After all, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, who the Rams selected with the intent of changing the fortunes of their struggling franchise.
