Seattle @ Atlanta:
Congratulations to Seattle for playing such a well-rounded football game. Geno Smith threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns and led the offense on sustained drives. Kenneth Walker had 69 yards rushing and a touchdown, as well as two receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown. DK Metcalf was having a fantastic game with 99 yards and a touchdown until he injured his leg in the second half. That is something that will absolutely need to be monitored. Jake Bobo could become a starter if Metcalf is out.
The Falcons lost this game because they fell too in love with the running game and forgot how to throw the football when they needed to. They ran for 155 yards against Seattle’s defense, but when they needed to complete a big pass, they couldn’t. Kyle Pitts played very well, catching 7 passes for 65 yards, and Drake London had 6 catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. The other big problem for the Falcons is that they cannot pressure the quarterback. They were only able to get one sack and had no interceptions. If their defense doesn’t step up, they’re not going to win the big games.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns passes during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Titans 27-3. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cincinnati @ Cleveland:
Cincinnati played well enough to win, but they weren’t spectacular. Their defense had four sacks and two interceptions, which certainly helped the cause. Tee Higgins led the way with four receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Chase Brown out-carried Zach Moss 15 to 6.
Sadly, Deshaun Watson left the game with a horrific Achilles injury and is expected to be out for the year. Although I never root for any type of injury, I do think that this will re-energize the Cleveland offense and help its receivers out, as Watson was having the worst season of his career. David Njoku had 10 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown, and Cedric Tillman had eight catches for 81 yards. I mentioned Tillman as a player to watch in our FAAB report as well as on the radio, and Heat Override was talking him up on his Bring the Pain Podcast! Where else can you get that kind of insight?!
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Miami @ Indianapolis:
Miami so desperately misses Tua that his return is the only thing that can salvage the season. Tyler Huntley once again was horrible throwing for 87 yards and left the game with an injury in the second half. The only two bright spots were De’Von Achane, who had 15 carries for 77 yards, and Jonnu Smith, who had seven receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. I’m really questioning what Mike McDaniel is doing on offense, as he’s giving the ball to a fullback in critical situations when he has all these playmakers. He’s trying to be too cutesy, and it’s not working.
Anthony Richardson single-handedly kills the value of his entire team. Richardson threw for 129 yards on 10 completions and had no touchdowns. Michael Pittman had 63 yards, and Josh Downs only had three yards. The only fantasy bright spot was Tyler Goodson who had 51 yards rushing in a touchdown.