Week 10 was an interesting week to say the least. There were plenty of games hindered by bad weather that resulted in low scoring affairs or games where teams constantly pounded the rock. While running the ball was a big trend, there were also plenty of big receiver days and receiving back days. Here are my picks for the players who are worth picking up going into Week 11.
Salvon Ahmed- In the second week of, which Dolphins back will get touches, Salvon Ahmed answered the call. Ahmed received most of the work netting 75% of snaps, resulting in 21 carries for 85 yards, a catch for five yards and a touchdown. Myles Gaskin will miss Week 11 against the Broncos, expect Ahmed to lead the backfield once again. It is worth mentioning that Matt Breida will most likely return, but I do not see that cutting into Ahmed’s role too much.
Scoville Units: Fatali- 325,000
Rex Burkhead- Like most years, predicting the lead running back in the Patriots backfield is like taking a name out of a hat, it could be any back on any day. Much to the dismay of James White owners, the two guys for New England have been Damien Harris and Burkhead. Harris provides the ground and pound, and Burkhead provides the passing option. While any rain game is difficult to take stock in, Burkhead caught 4 balls for 35 yards and 2 scores. He also received 6 carries for 31 yards. In PPR formats and any running back shy teams, Burkhead is worth the roster spot and possibly a matchup start.
Scoville Units: Thai Pepper- 100,000
Nyheim Hines- Jonathan Taylor who?
As much as it pains me to say, the Colts do not trust Taylor enough to give him the 18-plus carries per game he needs to be productive. He is a lot like fellow Wisconsin back Melvin Gordon in the sense that his yards per carry may not be there, but volume could make up for it.
However there is one player that can make a splash with limited volume and that is Nyheim Hines. Hines received 12 carries for 70 yards and touchdown on the ground, and that’s not even where he excels. Hines excels in the air, where he caught five of six targets for 45 yards and another touchdown. If Hines can manage to continue this uptick in volume he is an extremely intriguing fantasy option.
Scoville Units: Habanero- 275,000
Marquez Valdes-Scantling- MVS, Most Valuable Speedster. Most valuable maybe not, but a beneficiary of a pass heavy offense, definitely. The first eight weeks of the season were the Packers attempting to find a viable option other than Davante Adams. The last two weeks were MVS finally stepping into that role. Hands have never been a strength of his, but his big play potential is apparent. MVS caught four passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, last week and 53 yards and two scores two weeks ago. If he keeps getting the volume on the Packers, he is worth the add.
Scoville Units: Scotch Bonnet- 270,000
Michael Pittman Jr.- The Indianapolis Colts offense has been an interesting one, T.Y. Hilton has been out, Jack Doyle is out, and as I alluded to earlier, the backfield is a mystery. Last week most of the pieces fell back into place, Pittman and Hilton were healthy and it showed with a win against the Titans. Pittman went for 7 catches, 101 yards and one carry for 21 yards. The team’s willingness to incorporate the high second round pick into the offense is encouraging.
Scoville Units: Habanero- 275,000
Jakeem Grant- With Preston Williams placed on the injured reserve last week with a foot injury and Isaiah Ford traded to New England, the Dolphins receiver depth chart was wide open leading into this week. Jakeem Grant jumped straight into a useful role. He saw his snap percentage jump up 57 points from 48% to 75% and caught four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. As long as Williams is out, Grant has all of the chances to make an impact.
Scoville Units: Jalapeno- 8,000
