Thursday Night Observations
That was lucky in a way. I wanted to take the Steelers +4.5 in the Circa Millions but because it was a Thursday game — and I would have had to submit all my picks early in that case — I skipped it. Condolences to those who bet the under too. (Real man had the over and gloats shamelessly about it.)
The other issue is I started Pat Freiermuth in three leagues. If you didn’t have him you might not have noticed he didn’t get a catch until the last two minutes of the game. He was on the field almost every snap, but he was blocking. By some miracle he caught two passes for 41 yards on the Steelers last drive, and 6.1 points (while disappointing) is far different than taking a zero. I consider it a win, of sorts.
I also have David Njoku on my bench in one league, but for Kyle Pitts. If Pitts has another clunker, that’ll be a Week 4 decision I do not look forward to making.
Jacoby Brissett played the game of his career. He made good decisions all night and even showed a little zip and accuracy on a couple throws, though a few were late and/or behind his receivers. And I’m buying the idea he’s especially good at QB sneaks (poor man’s Tom Brady.)
Amari Cooper (11-7-101-1) looks just fine with Brissett. I had written him off once Deshaun Watson was suspended 11 games, but it’s a good reminder to bet on talent and opportunity even if the team context seems bleak. (It’s similar to the rule of thumb I use in playoff drafts wherein you take star players at a discount on teams projected to exit early.)
Nick Chubb (23-113-1) is a bowling ball, always chugging forward for extra yardage. I have him in one league, but he’s the enemy of my 35:1 Saquon Barkley-to-lead-the-league-in-rushing-yards bet.
Kareem Hunt (12-47-0, 4-3-14-0) has a different style, but he’s also so tough to bring down. He almost had the TD too, but was stopped just short, and Chubb cleaned it up on the next play.
Njoku (10-9-89-1) had his breakout game. People were talking this preseason how Brissett loves to lean on the TE, and it looked that way. Remember, Njoku was a first-round pick, and tight ends develop more slowly. I’m sold.
When Deshaun Watson comes back, the Browns will be a dangerous team, but while they should have beaten the Jets last week, they should *not* be 3-0 because they were gifted a Week 1 win by terrible officiating in Carolina.
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