Doug Kyed: Pats' focus will probably be Darren Waller

Sep 25, 2020

In his weekly Patriots mailbag column, Doug Kyed of NESN.com was asked who he thought would be Bill Belichick's focus on defense: RB Josh Jacobs or TE Darren Waller. "I would probably say tight end Darren Waller, though I could certainly understand if the Patriots stack the box and try to slow down running back Josh Jacobs," wrote Kyed.

"As for Waller, I think we’ll see a combination of cornerback/safety Joejuan Williams (with help) and cornerback Stephon Gilmore covering the big, speedy tight end. Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips and Terrence Brooks also could get some reps against Waller, but I think Williams and Gilmore are the best matchups for the Patriots."

Fantasy Impact:

It is no secret that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has no problem shutting down one player on the opponent's offense. After Waller's double-digit catch performance on Monday Night Football, it is clear who QB Derek Carr likes to target. This could be an issue for the Raiders offense that is relying on two rookie wide receivers and a 7th-round slot receiver.

yesterday

Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson officially Out for Week 12

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 4:12 PM EST

Cowboys list TE Jake Ferguson as out for Sunday’s game vs. Washington due to his concussion.

Related Players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

This puts Schoonmaker more or less in TE streaming consideration, but there are far better options this week, which puts him low on the totem pole.

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith officially Out for Week 12

Mike Garafolo

yesterday · 4:04 PM EST

Eagles ruled out WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) for Sunday against the Rams.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Dallas Goedert

Fantasy Impact:

It's a bit of a crapshoot as to who the "WR2" on the offense will be, but now that he's ruled out, Brown and Goedert should get a nice boost to their bottom line. That would lock Goedert into a no-doubt TE1 role in Week 12.