RADIO
Bold predictions are always meant to be taken with a grain of salt, but ideally, they are not a bunch of takes thrown like you-know-what at a wall with the hope of sticking.
These predictions come with backing to make them somewhat substantiated with the obvious caveat that it's playing into a range of outcomes that seem likely but is not guaranteed.
Most of all, it's just fun and should not change your process too much on a week-to-week basis. If you enjoy them or have questions, feel free to follow me on Twitter (@RotoSurgeon) for more!
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Tua Tagovailoa Finishes as a Top-5 Fantasy QB
The Atlanta Falcons are bottom-3 in total defense (by DVOA) while Tua is another week removed from his rib injury. Last week, against a lowly Jaguars team in his first game back, Tua managed to drop 329 passing yards, 22 rushing, and two TD (along with one INT). Assuming the Falcons keep this game relatively competitive with their slightly improved offense post-bye, we can expect similar passing out from the Dolphins given that they hardly utilize their running backs on the ground.
Also, DeVante Parker is possibly returning this week to give Tua somewhat of a full offensive stable. The Falcons struggle heavily with their pass-rush and just lost Dante Fowler Jr. to IR. With all the hoopla surrounding the Dolphins, Deshaun Watson, and Tua, we might see a motivated starting QB try to prove a point this Sunday.
Miles Sanders Hits 150+ Total Yards and Scores At Least Once
This is somewhat of a "squeaky wheel" as head coach Nick Sirianni has been saying the team needs to get Sanders more involved in the offense. While Sanders did hit a season-high 83% of the Eagles' offensive snaps in Week 6, he only touched the ball 11 times.
The biggest issue for Sanders is that the Eagles continue to shoot themselves in the foot early in games, then rely on Jalen Hurts' hero-ball to dig themselves somewhat out of holes. In the process, Sanders is mostly a decoy while Hurts scrambles out of the pocket and runs off to make his own decision. Sanders, to his credit, has been good this year when he does touch the ball with 4.7 yards-per-carry and 5.3 yards-per-target. He just has not hit pay-dirt due to a discombobulated offense. If the Eagles legitimately script plays and keep the Raiders in check, Sanders should expect to see a major bump in usage Sunday as the team looks to balance their attack and get their talented weapons more involved.
David Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins Both Find End-Zone in Dual Revenge Game
This is purely narrative-driven. There is likely still bad blood for DeAndre Hopkins and his former team despite finding himself in a much, much healthier organization. Hopkins had a major issue with the Texans' top brass (particularly, owner Bob McNair) and demanded an out. His wish was granted but the return was notoriously light for what many considered the best WR in the league at the time.
David Johnson, being part of that criticized return, has likely had enough of the "That's it???" talk and wants to prove that he's still got something in a game where plenty of eyes will be tuned in. Johnson and the Texans are both hoping for a solid showing so they can let go of a major mistake and move on with the trade deadline looming in early November. What better way for both of these players to get their moment of glory/revenge than in the end-zone with all eyes on them.
Matthew Stafford Scores First Rushing Touchdown in Rout of Lions
Who doesn't like another good narrative, baby! Well, we all know that the Rams and Lions have a particular connection due to the Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff trade and that will likely be all that is discussed throughout the game and leading up to it.
Not that a blow-up game from Stafford like five TD or 400 passing yards wouldn't be "bold," but would it really shock anyone against Detroit's defense? What's really bold is Matthew Stafford rushing one in for the first time since 2016 and taking in a score done by himself against the team he played 12 grueling seasons for. This isn't revenge, but more so, freedom. Stafford has had a few attempts to score inside the red zone this year with 6 total rushes and one inside 5 yards but has not converted.
Panthers Score More Defensive TDs than Giants Do Offensively
This game is ugly. The Panthers have completely regressed offensively since Christian McCaffrey's injury while the Giants are down basically their entire starting offense. Who isn't out is either to list than who is at this point for New York. Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Saquon Barkley, and Andrew Thomas are all out while Sterling Shepard, who re-aggravated his leg injury in practice, is questionable.
Carolina's top-8 defense is adding former shut-down CB Stephon Gillmore to the mix after losing first-round pick Jaycee Horn a few weeks ago. It is very hard to imagine New York scoring much in this contest while Carolina should have a solid grasp on turnover-prone Daniel Jones, a turnstile OL, and backups' backups at the skill positions.
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