Fantasy Football Takeaways: Saquon Barkley, Jordan Love, Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud

The Giants' Daniel Jones may be out for the season with a torn ACL, making the team a non-factor in fantasy football. Young quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Jordan Love have shown inconsistency, while the Buccaneers' defense struggles against the pass.

The fantasy football playoffs are quickly approaching, and Week 9 of the NFL season provided us with new insights to consider. Running backs were the main focus of attention, as a group of unheralded backs had breakout performances in blowout wins. Additionally, a former top-ranked running back showed promising underlying data in a comfortable victory. Quarterbacks also had their fair share of notable moments in Week 9.

Looking ahead, it seems that the New York Giants will not be a factor in fantasy football. Daniel Jones, who had just returned from a neck injury, may be out for the rest of the season with a suspected torn ACL. With Tyrod Taylor already on the injured reserve list, the Giants had to turn to Tommy DeVito as their quarterback. While they recently signed Matt Barkley to their practice squad, he is not expected to significantly impact fantasy options. Saquon Barkley, the Giants' running back, may still receive a decent workload but lacks touchdown potential in what could be one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Overall, the Giants offer limited fantasy options and are not an exciting choice.

It's important to remember that quarterback development is not always a linear process. Bryce Young, who had an impressive performance in Week 8, had a disappointing game in Week 9. This serves as a reminder that young quarterbacks often experience setbacks and inconsistencies in their growth. Other examples include Jordan Love, who started strong but then struggled, and Will Levis, who had a great debut but struggled in his next game. While it can be rewarding to take chances on young quarterbacks, it's crucial to understand the risks and volatility involved.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a pass-funnel defense that struggles to defend against the pass. According to RotoViz's pace app, their opponents have been passing on 61% of their plays in a neutral game script from Week 1 to Week 8. In a high-scoring game against the Houston Texans in Week 9, the Texans attempted 42 passes compared to just 17 rushes. This vulnerability was evident when C.J. Stroud had a stellar performance, throwing for 470 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. In their last four games, the Buccaneers have allowed an average of 349.25 passing yards per game, along with nine passing touchdowns and only one interception. They are a prime target for fantasy gamers in need of a quarterback until they can demonstrate improvement. Looking ahead, the Buccaneers will face the Titans, 49ers, Colts, Panthers, Falcons, Packers, Jaguars, and Saints for the remainder of the season.

In conclusion, as we approach the fantasy football playoffs, it's crucial to stay updated on the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. Running backs, quarterbacks, and defenses all provide valuable insights for fantasy gamers. The Giants appear to be a non-factor in fantasy football due to quarterback injuries and a lackluster offense. Quarterback development is not always straightforward, and young quarterbacks can experience setbacks. The Buccaneers have shown a weakness in defending against the pass, making them an attractive target for fantasy quarterbacks. By considering these factors and staying informed, fantasy gamers can make the best decisions for their teams in the playoffs.

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