🏈 The Fall of the King

Good morning everyone, especially “Derrick” Gore.

Congrats to Sam H. and Greg M., the two legends who won a free NFL jersey of their choice through our referral program!!

Not Cool

Now the tough stuff. We’ve lost Derrick Henry for the season. He joins Calvin Ridley, Robert Tonyan, Tutu Atwell, Danielle Hunter, Kylin Hill, and Jameis Winston on a long list of players whose 2021 season ended abruptly in Week 8.

Hands up if you have Calvin Ridley in a league. What about Derrick Henry? Guess who has both in their home league…

The only good news this weekend? My shares of Damien Harris, A.J. Brown, and Elijah Mitchell are now up almost 40% on Prediction Strike (the stock market for fantasy football).*

A moment for King Henry

Derrick Henry took an additional 20+ carries, including this massive effort to convert 4th and 1, on a broken foot to help his team bury their biggest rival on the road. Henry is a living legend. We’ll miss you, king.

Week 9 Waivers

If Michael Carter is available, he’s the #1 priority add.

QB: Taysom Hill

Jameis Winston’s injury opens the door for the fantasy football cheat-code that is Taysom Hill. Once he returns to 100%, it’s Taysom’s job. He’s a must-add.

Hill averaged 21.6 fantasy points per start last season and posted legendary points per dropback numbers. For perspective:

In his starts, Hill scored 11.2 ppg from rushing alone. His athletic comps are somewhere between Darren Waller and LaDainian Tomlinson. Don’t believe me? Click here. During his four starts last season, Hill led all QBs in carries & rushing TDs.

• His upside is massive, but he is still recovering from a concussion. Sean Payton when asked if Hill was going to play the next game: "We'll see" & “He’s progressing well”

I wrote an entire newsletter about Hill’s story last year.

RB: Adrian Peterson

As Julius Caesar may have said: One tweet changes everything. Yesterday, it was the announcement that the Titans signed Adrian Peterson to replace King Henry. While he doesn’t catch many passes, AP’s ability to run between-the-tackles is a perfect match for this role in the Titans offense. AP had five games last season with at least 15 touches and can handle a large workload, plus still has some burst.

• Peterson was effective over the past few seasons, rushing for 2,544 yards with 4.1 YPC between 2018 and 2020

Peterson has a best-case scenario of the Elijah Mitchell/Damien Harris tier. Not bad for age 36. If you want a refresher on one of the greatest RBs of all time:

• Don’t buy Jeremy McNichols, whose role shouldn’t change much. 90% of his snaps come in the passing game (and he averages less than 1YPC under center)

RB: Carlos Hyde

James Robinson (foot) avoided a serious injury but is questionable to face the Bills in Week 9, leaving no-one’s favorite player Carlos Hyde as the top dog:

Despite playing only eight snaps, Robinson recorded the Jaguars' two longest plays of the day, which is sad. Robinson entered Week 8 as the highest-rated rusher in the entire NFL per PFF. Hard to overstate this loss.

• Urban Meyer said they’ll be careful to not rush Robinson back and risk further problems, so it’s likely Hyde starts with Dare Ogunbowale as the third-down back this Sunday.

TE: Dan Arnold

Arnold led the Jaguars in receiving yards and saw a team-high eight targets, and sees the volume to be a top-10 fantasy TE rest of season. If he’s available, you have to add Arnold.

Worth Mentioning

• WR: Brandon Aiyuk should be in the top tier, but we didn’t want to jinx it. Aiyuk recorded season highs in targets and receiving yards, but more important was his Week 8 usage: 88% snap rate (season high), 97% route rate (season high), 25% target share (season high).

• TE: Evan Engram - If the Giants seriously wanted to move Engram they would sit him. Unlikely he gets moved, but he’s still valuable on the Giants injury depleted roster. Big upgrade if he’s traded (to the Packers).

• RB: Boston Scott must be mentioned but feels greasy. Scott played only 7 snaps more than Gainwell.

• QB: Justin Fields had his best game as a pro with Matt Nagy miles from the stadium. Unfortunately, Nagy returns to the Bears sideline this week.

• RB: Ty Johnson has seen 13 targets in the two games Mike White has played.

Mike White. Man, myth, hero.

8 years ago, Mike White gave Payton Manning a warning:

What happened Sunday? The Jets’ backup QB tossed 405 yards and 3 TDs.

• List of QBs to have 400 Pass Yards and 3 Pass TD in their first career start, since 1950: Mike White. List finished.

• His 37 completions are the most by any player in their first career start in NFL history.

• White is the 1st QB since Steve Young (1985) to be trailing by double digits with 5:00 remaining in his first career start to come back and win the game.

• A bettor put $1K on White to lead the league in passing for Week 8. They won $125K.

• White got the game ball during the postgame celebration (video).

• "It's Mike f'ing White. He's a savage, he's a dog, he's an animal. I said it on Monday, I'll say it again. I'm gonna keep saying it." - Jets RB Ty Johnson

Players to keep an eye on this week

Deebo Samuel (calf) will be limited in practice this week. Elijah Mitchell is also expected to be limited with a rib injury. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy expects Dak Prescott (calf) will be "full go" for practice, while Sean McDermott called Dawson Knox (hand) "day-to-day".

Quick Slants

• Robert Saleh said he believes Zach Wilson (knee) will practice before the team's Week 10 game against the Bills. WHO CARES, ITS MIKE WHITE SZN.

• Rams acquired OLB Von Miller from the Broncos in exchange for second and third round 2022 draft picks. Miller will rock #40 after receiving the blessing of the family of Rams great Elroy Hirsch.

• Bears fans can’t stop rewatching this Justin Fields touchdown (video).

• If I’m going to move Elijah Mitchell in dynasty, the conversation starts at a 1st round pick…if not more.

After this weekend, I need a laugh

• What injury? Jameis Winston had the post-game celly of the year (video).

• Myles Garrett wore a list of all the quarterbacks he's sacked on his costume.

• Only the Dolphins can pull this off (video).

• One legendary fantasy football compilation

We’ll run the subscriber giveaway again sometime later this season & everyone who referred someone remains eligible to win. Those who hit 12 referrals will be sent their custom ring case & championship rings. Thanks for helping grow the Huddle!

- Jake

PS: After checking my team post-injury

*Sponsored by: Prediction Strike, who’s offering all subscribers a free share with a $50 deposit - use code HUDDLE. Who needs Tesla why you can literally buy shares of A.J. Brown & Adrian Peterson.