The Vibe:Ā Happy Halloween! The ultimate fear in fantasy isn't ghosts or goblinsāit's the Thursday night start/sit decision that haunts you all weekend. Milton confesses this weekly dread, while breaking news ofĀ Terry McLaurin'sĀ re-injury makes the nightmare a reality for his managers.
TNF Recap:Ā TheĀ RavensĀ dismantled theĀ Dolphins 28-6, a horror show for Miami.Ā Lamar Jacksonthrew 4 TDs,Ā Mark AndrewsĀ caught two, and the Ravens D/ST finally woke up, leaving many managers who benched them kicking themselves.
The News:Ā A spooky mix of front-office changes, trades, and injuries.
Front Office Shakeup:Ā Dolphins GM Chris GrierĀ is out after over 20 years with the team.
Trade Deadline Moves:Ā TheĀ JetsĀ acquireĀ John Metchie, theĀ PatriotsĀ trade pass-rusherĀ Keion WhiteĀ to theĀ 49ers.
Injury Horrors:Ā Terry McLaurinĀ (quad) is out again.Ā Travis HunterĀ is on IR and may miss the regular season.Ā Rhamondre StevensonĀ (toe) is ruled out.
Positive Signs:Ā J.J. McCarthy, Jayden Daniels, Nico Collins,Ā andĀ Puka NacuaĀ are all on track to return.
The Game Script:Ā Navigating the Week 9 fright fest:
Bears at Bengals (+2.5):Ā A potential shootout ifĀ Joe FlaccoĀ (shoulder) plays. If not, the Bears D/ST becomes a sneaky streamer.
Saints at Rams (-14):Ā New QBĀ Tyler ShoughĀ starts for New Orleans. It can't get much worse forĀ Alvin Kamara, but don't expect a miracle.
Chiefs at Bills (+2):Ā A classic AFC showdown with major playoff implications.
MNF: Cardinals at Cowboys:Ā A potential shootout against a Cowboys defense that is one of the worst in the league.
The Depth Chart:Ā Your treat bag of sneaky starts:
WR:Ā Tre TuckerĀ (LV - vs. shaky Jags secondary),Ā Michael Pittman/Josh DownsĀ (IND - vs. Steelers' 26th-ranked coverage)
RB:Ā Kimani VidalĀ (LAC - vs. TEN's league-worst run D),Ā Kareem HuntĀ (KC - lead back with Pacheco out),Ā Kyle MonangaiĀ (CHI - heavy favorite to score vs. worst rushing D)
TE:Ā Colston LovelandĀ (CHI - vs. CIN, the best matchup for TEs),Ā Oronde GadsdenĀ (LAC - target share and red zone role growing)
QB/DEF/K:Ā Caleb WilliamsĀ (vs. CIN's 30th-ranked pass D),Ā Sam DarnoldĀ (vs. WAS's soft secondary). Stream theĀ ChargersĀ (vs. TEN) orĀ LionsĀ (vs. MIN) D/ST.
Lock It In:Ā Our strongest picks to conquer your fears areĀ Kimani Vidal,Ā Colston Loveland, and theĀ Chargers D/ST.
Tune in for the full breakdown to set a lineup with no regrets. Stick to your guns, laugh in the face of danger, and just like the Miami Dolphins' season, we areĀ DONE!