Thursday Night Observations
That game went pretty well for me — my biggest regret is not using the Titans in the Circa Millions, though it’s tough to use the Thursdsay night game because then you have to submit all your picks early.
On Tuesday, I made the line Titans plus three, so I wasn’t on it initially, but when I went to submit for my home picking pool, it hit me: sell high on the Packers off the Dallas win, and take the Mike Vrabel Titans, who show up almost every week, every year, getting points. But all I have to show for it is 1-0 in the low-stakes picking pool.
I had Christian Watson going in two leagues, which was nice, and despite some drops Allen Lazard did enough for me too.
Aaron Rodgers still passes the eye test for me. He moves well in the pocket and still has a strong enough arm. The offense is just a bit stagnant, and other than Watson, there’s no one who can make a big play.
Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon also look fine to me. The Packers just need to sustain more drives and have more red zone chances.
For the second week in a row, Watson (6-4-48-2) put up a lot of fantasy points on only four catches. I’m glad I used him, but this isn’t 2021 Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had six straight games of double-digit targets, just yet. He also doesn’t entirely pass the eye test for me, as he looked awkward on his jet sweep and isn’t especially smooth. Maybe it’s just rookie jitters.
Lazard (11-5-57-0) is never open. On one play Rodgers hit him on a perfect pass down the field, and he only caught it because of where the ball was placed. He’s fine as a No. 3 or 4 receiver, but totally miscast as a No. 1.
Ryan Tannehill is good, and the Titans have been good ever since he took over for Marcus Mariota a few years ago.
Derrick Henry (28-87-1, 2-2-45-0) wasn’t efficient on the ground, but he had a big reception and also threw a TD pass. He changes the defense and opens things up for the rest of the team even when he’s having a modest game. (I was also happy to see him do damage as a receiver instead of a rusher because I have Saquon Barkley at 35:1 to win the rushing title, and Henry is probably his biggest threat.)
Treylon Burks (8-7-111-0) was Tannehill’s go-to this week. Robert Woods (7-6-69-0) was also in the mix, and his one target that didn’t turn into a catch was in the end zone.
Tight end Chig Okonkwo (2-1-31-0) makes plays on the rare occasion his number is called. File that name away.
I’m disappointed Josh Lambo missed a PAT in Lambeau Field. I was hoping he’d kick eight 50 yard field-goals, so they could rename it without changing the pronunciation.
