Five Things That Are Blowing Our Minds & Thursday Night Review

The source notes that AJ Brown is down (injured) heading into the Patriots-Jaguars matchup in week three, which affects the Patriots' offensive capabilities and makes the Jaguars' defensive matchup more favorable.

Adam Thielen is ranked as WR7 through two weeks as part of the Panthers' offensive explosion. The source notes that Thielen has been really good and is a key part of the Panthers' passing game, though the source expresses some caution about the overall sustainability of the Panthers' hot start.

The source had Amon-Ra St. Brown ranked after Puka Nacua and Jalen Smith Nabors heading into the draft, but acknowledges that Jalen Smith Nabors has proven unstoppable through two weeks. The source notes that St. Brown is incredibly consistent, though the source was hesitant about whether Jalen Smith Nabors could sustain his elite production with Sam Darnold at quarterback.

Austin Hooper scored a touchdown for the Falcons before halftime, described by the source as 'the once and future Falcon King' making a return to steal a touchdown in the first half.

Baker Mayfield played well against Cleveland on the road in week two, which the source uses as a reference point for evaluating Bryce Young's upcoming matchup against the same Browns defense. The source notes that if Young can perform well against a defense that just held Mayfield in check, it would be more impressive than his first two performances.

Bijan Robinson dominated the Falcons' run game against Green Bay with 114 rush yards in the first half alone; the source notes the film is very flattering to him as a talent, and he was a key part of the Falcons' offensive success that led to a blowout win.

Robinson dominated the Falcons' offensive game plan against Green Bay, beginning the process of changing the game by himself. On the very next play after a Penix interception, he went around the left edge for a 55-yard run showcasing patience, power, and speed reminiscent of Saquon Barkley. The Falcons paid off the subsequent drive with two Robinson runs in tight to tie the score at seven.

Brian Robinson came in as a backup and occasionally wrecked the Packers defense; the source describes him as 'the bathtub on wheels' who won't change direction much but will pound defenders into submission when given a crease, and he scored a touchdown in the mid-third quarter on a slant play.

The source is skeptical of Bryce Young's sustainability despite his QB2 ranking through two weeks. He compares the situation to the 2023 Saints' hot start under Derek Carr, which collapsed after two weeks when injuries mounted. The source notes Young has a history of technical issues—poor footwork, inability to stay in rhythm with receivers, and hitting the top of his drop too early—that have not fundamentally changed. Young was benched for Andy Dalton recently, and the source believes the current hot start is circumstantial and will regress.

Through two weeks, Bryce Young is ranked as QB2 in fantasy scoring, a dramatic turnaround from preseason expectations. The source notes this is particularly surprising given Young was recently benched for Andy Dalton and had significant technical issues with his footwork and timing with receivers. The source ranks Young at QB13 in his personal rankings but acknowledges the on-field improvement has been real.

Bryce Young faces Cleveland in week three on the road with a 42.5-point spread, compared to a 50.5-point spread for the Bills game. The source notes that if Young performs well against Cleveland—a team that just played well against Baker Mayfield on the road—it would be more impressive than his first two performances. The source suggests that four straight weeks of strong performance (including a week four matchup against the Lions) would begin to change his skepticism.

Christian Watson was targeted by Jordan Love on a third-down deep out route in Thursday night's game, but Love missed the throw that should have been completed.

Watson caught a short touchdown on a play-action pass in the red zone, contributing to Green Bay's only lead of the game. The source notes this was part of the Packers' best offensive sequence of the night, though the team failed to build on this momentum.

Chuba Hubbard is ranked as RB8 through two weeks, a dramatic turnaround from being left for dead in the preseason. The source describes Hubbard as the poster child of the RB dead zone, noting that he had not gained yards in five years before this season. His emergence as a top-8 running back is part of the broader Panthers offensive explosion.

The source notes that Dalvin Cook may have one touchdown in the Bills' offense, but Josh Allen is responsible for essentially all of the team's touchdowns through two weeks.

The source mentions that Dalvin Cook may have caught one touchdown in the first two weeks of Josh Allen's dominant performance, but is uncertain whether Cook caught it or if it was a rushing touchdown. This indicates Cook has minimal involvement in the Bills' offensive touchdown distribution.

Darren Waller is ranked as TE8 through two weeks, benefiting from the Panthers' offensive explosion. The source notes that Waller has scored two touchdowns in the first two weeks, contributing to his top-8 ranking.

London struggled early against Green Bay despite the Falcons' offensive success. His first target came on a third-and-eleven late in the first quarter and was not close; he was obviously frustrated. His first catch came on a third-and-long give-up screen for a punt, leaving his performance in question early in the game despite the team's eventual strong showing.

Drake London finished with 9 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay after a frustrating first half; he had a 84-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter on a sideline shot where he got loose on blown coverage, though the source notes he may not be in full game shape yet as he appeared gassed during the run.

The source notes that Jalen Smith Nabors has been incredibly efficient with Drew Lock at quarterback after Sam Darnold's injury, delivering 4 touchdowns and 277 yards on 17 catches through two weeks. The source highlights that this production is remarkable given the backup quarterback situation.

Dotson was targeted on Penix's early interception attempt, receiving a pass on a hero play attempt in the first quarter when Penix fired into coverage with three Green Bay defenders visible ten yards away, resulting in an easy interception.

The source mentions considering Jalen Hurts as an alternative to Justin Herbert in their home league, noting they are close in terms of value. The source ultimately chose Herbert as QB 7 over Hurts and a few other quarterbacks.

The source notes that Jaylen Smith has also looked good in the Chiefs backfield, but emphasizes that Ken Walker is the primary driver of the offense's success. If Walker were not in the backfield, the source would want to see more before being confident.

Jordan Love had a poor performance in Thursday night's game, missing Christian Watson on a third-down deep out that he should have made, leading to a punt on the Packers' second drive. The source characterizes the first drive as 'gross' and notes the team is in dire straits after an embarrassing home loss.

Jordan Love's offensive line is unproven with young players replacing departed veterans; the source wrote in the Almanac that Green Bay is 'playing the hope card up and down their roster,' and the Packers got pushed around on both lines of scrimmage against Atlanta.

Love had a poor performance, throwing 53 times compared to just eight running back runs, indicating the Packers were forced into a pass-heavy game plan due to offensive line issues and lack of running back talent. The source notes Love 'blew the throw that he should make' on a third-down deep out to Christian Watson on the first drive, and made 'a brutal overthrow of Matthew Golden' on the second drive. Love was forced to shoulder an excessive passing load due to team deficiencies.

The source highlights Josh Allen's dominant usage through two weeks: 5 passing touchdowns, 4 rushing touchdowns, averaging 40 points per game, accounting for 79% of the offense and 100% of the team's touchdowns (or nearly all, with Cook possibly having one). This represents a massive increase in Allen's fantasy value and usage.

Through two weeks, Josh Allen has accounted for 5 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns, averaging 40 fantasy points per game and responsible for 79% of the offense and 100% of the team's touchdowns. The source compares this dominance to what Nikola Jokic does in the NBA, noting Allen is achieving this while the offense appears dinged up and the team is essentially letting him call his own number at the goal line.

The source expresses skepticism about the sustainability of Josh Allen's record-breaking pace, noting that while his current production is elite, historical precedent suggests this level of usage and rushing volume is not sustainable. The source cites concerns about health and durability, comparing Allen's situation to Cam Newton's career arc, where similar stretches of dominance eventually led to decline or injury. The source questions whether an 18th-pick investment can maintain this value and suggests the current pace is not actionable for fantasy purposes given the likely regression.

The source notes that Allen's fantasy success is driven primarily by rushing touchdowns and high-risk rushing volume rather than sustainable passing efficiency. He has recorded two rushing touchdowns in each of the first two games and is getting hit frequently. The source expresses concern that this usage pattern—while producing fantasy points—is not sustainable and represents a bust risk if the rushing touchdown volume regresses, which historical NFL patterns suggest it will.

The source would trade Josh Allen for a Lamar Jackson low-ball plus additional assets, but acknowledges there is no clear trade market for him given his current elite production. The source is holding Allen in a superflex league and is 2-0 with him, but notes that trading him away is not practical and the best strategy is to ride the wave for as long as it lasts.

After a 2-0 start, Herbert and the Chargers have disappointed significantly; the source watched them lose to the Cardinals in week two and noted the offense looked confused, with Harbaugh appearing lost on the sideline. Despite pre-season optimism about McDaniel's hiring and futures bets on Herbert as MVP, the source is concerned about the team's trajectory and does not feel great about starting Herbert going forward, ranking him QB 13 in week three despite Buffalo's weak defense.

The source ranks Justin Herbert at QB12 in his personal rankings, compared to Bryce Young at QB13. When asked whether he would start Herbert or Young in week three, the source chooses Herbert, though he notes he would not be upset with someone choosing Young given the rankings are so close (12 vs. 13). The source emphasizes the need to keep seeing more data before making a final judgment on either quarterback.

Josh Allen made Keon Coleman look like a real receiver in the game against the Lions last week, suggesting that Coleman's performance was elevated by Allen's play and the offensive scheme rather than representing a sustainable breakout.

Lloyd was used in the red zone but failed to execute; the source describes him as looking 'like a slug' when given a big hole against corner Mike Hughes, who is significantly smaller and outweighed by Lloyd by at least 30 pounds. The source criticizes Lloyd for not making a move or doing something with the opportunity, noting he 'pretty much just falls down.' This reflects concerns about Lloyd's ability to generate yards and make plays when given opportunities.

Golden made a remarkable third-down catch on a deep shot down the right side against one-on-one coverage, tracking a ball thrown to his outside shoulder after initially looking to his inside shoulder, juggling it multiple times before securing it for 45 yards. The source notes this was 'maybe the first really remarkable play of Matthew Golden's career' and describes it as 'a kind of catch you don't often see the player follow through on,' highlighting his talent and ability to make difficult plays.

Penix returned to action against Green Bay after missing time, but started poorly with an interception on Atlanta's fourth play from scrimmage. On second and ten at midfield in shotgun, he faced pressure and made an awful decision, firing into coverage directly in front of him with three Green Bay defenders visible ten yards away, attempting a hero play to Jahan Dotson that resulted in an easy interception.

Michael Penix had a strong performance against Green Bay with good protection from his offensive line and effective play-action plays; the source cautions that Penix is not an unimpeachable superstar and will have nights where he reacts more to pressure, but last night he didn't face much pressure except for an early interception.

The source had Puka Nacua ranked ahead of Jalen Smith Nabors heading into the draft, noting that Nacua is really unbelievable. However, Jalen Smith Nabors has proven to be the better pick through two weeks.

The source expresses skepticism about Rashee Rice, noting that it is very well documented what the source thinks of him. This skepticism was part of the reason the source was hesitant about the Chiefs' offensive upside heading into the season, though the offense has since proven elite.

The source notes that Sam Darnold's efficiency from last year felt wrong to sustain, and that it still feels wrong that Darnold is the Vikings' quarterback. However, Jalen Smith Nabors has continued to produce at an elite level even after Darnold's injury, with Drew Lock taking over.

The source expressed concern about Saquon's current performance trajectory, noting that while Bijan Robinson's 55-yard run was reminiscent of Saquon-esque play with patience, power, and speed, 'it would be wonderful if Saquon could look like Saquon anymore,' suggesting the source believes Saquon may have declined beyond recovery, though acknowledging uncertainty: 'We don't know yet.'

The source references Travis Hunter as a subject of ongoing uncertainty about his role and position eligibility, noting that 'we really still don't know even all these months later' what exactly his role will be in the NFL.

The source notes that Kelce looked like he was on his last legs at the end of last season, but now looks fresh and rejuvenated in the Chiefs' revamped offense. The source attributes this transformation to marriage, joking that it does crazy things to a man, and observes that Kelce looks fresh and is part of an elite offense that has scored over 30 points in back-to-back weeks.