In fantasy, players who carry high expectations can sometimes have surprisingly underwhelming performances. Let’s take a look at some players who disappointed in Week 9 but are candidates to bounce back in Week 10 of fantasy football.
Week 9 Bounce-Back Candidates was a success for the most part. Alvin Kamara, Jake Ferguson and Geno Smith all exceeded their weekly projections, while Amari Cooper ended up missing Week 9 due to a wrist injury.
Week 10 Fantasy Football – Bounce-Back Candidates
Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams has been a true workhorse this season. He has seen over 20 carries in most games and currently ranks as the RB6 in half-PPR scoring. Williams saw his season-long touchdown streak end in Week 9, as he scored single-digit fantasy points for the first time this year. Williams and the Rams will face the Dolphins in Week 10, who have a bottom-five run defence. The Dolphins have been especially weak in the red zone, allowing 10 rushing touchdowns this season to running-backs. Expect Williams to get back on track (and in the end zone) on Monday Night Football in Week 10.
Brian Thomas Jr. – Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr. was dealing with a chest injury last week sustained in Week 8, resulting in an underwhelming fantasy outing. Thomas Jr. only caught two passes for 22 yards in a Week 9 loss to the Eagles. Nonetheless, Thomas Jr. has been a rookie revelation this season and should have a bounce-back against a porous Vikings pass defense. The Vikings are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) and nearly 200 yards per game to wide receivers. Expect Thomas Jr. to make some big plays in what could be a high-scoring affair.
James Cook – Buffalo Bills
James Cook didn’t play a huge role in the Bills thrilling Week 9 win over the Dolphins. The third-year running back rushed only 10 times for 44 yards, scoring 9.4 fantasy points. Back-up running-back Ray Davis stole the spotlight, scoring a 63-yard touchdown as he continues to see some touches. However, Cook is still the clear lead back in Buffalo and gets an advantageous matchup against the Colts in Week 10. The Colts are allowing over 120 rushing yards per game to opposing RBs. Expect Cook to see more carries (17 in Week 8) and break free on some shifty runs, with the Bills also likely to be in a positive game script.
Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears
Opting for another risky pick at quarterback in this week’s edition, as Caleb Williams and the Bears have been truly abysmal over the last two weeks. Williams was sacked six times in Week 9, throwing for 217 yards and zero touchdowns. The rookie quarterback hasn’t thrown a passing touchdown since before the Bears’ Week 7 bye in what has been a rough offensive showing (for everyone not named D’Andre Swift). Nevertheless, the Bears will face the 2-7 Patriots in Week 10, in what has to be a get-right spot for this lethargic offence. The Patriots rank middle-of-the-road against opposing QBs this year, but just allowed interim QB Mason Rudolph to throw for 240 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9. Williams faces a make-or-break game in Week 10, as he should look to utilize a very capable wide receiver group if the Bears are to remain competitive this season.
*Cracks knuckles*
Over the last two weeks among 33 qualified QBs:
Caleb Williams:
58.2 PFF pass grade (30th)
-0.290 EPA per dropback (32nd)
-6.5% CPOE (31st)
5.4 YPA (32nd)Bryce Young:
67.7 PFF pass grade (24th)
-0.022 EPA per dropback (26th)
+4% CPOE (16th)
6.3 YPA (28th)— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 5, 2024
Main Photo Courtesy of Eric Hartline – Imagn Images
