Copyright New York Daily News
Halloween is tomorrow, but it feels like we’ve already had a full-blown Mischief Night. The gruesome injury to Cam Skattebo was a straight-up nightmare. Fox Sports broadcast opted not to show the replay. And for good reason. Skattebo’s foot almost looked severed from his ankle. The takedown by Eagles’ linebacker Zack Braun was a textbook hip-drop tackle, which is illegal in the NFL. In a similar scenario, a hip-drop tackle dislocated WR Chris Godwin’s ankle, forcing him to miss most of 2024. After a rushed attempt to play this season, Godwin has only appeared in two games and is a shadow of his former self. He hasn’t played since Week 5, an ominous sign for Skattebo’s fortunes. There was no penalty against the Eagles for Braun’s gross misconduct, just one of many questionable non-calls that went Philly’s way. After an NFL review, Braun will most assuredly be fined ($17,389), but I think a fair sentence would be to suspend him until Skattebo returns to the gridiron in 2026. In the spirit of spooky season, let’s take a Halloween Fantasy Billboard look at Week 9. GIDDY UP! QB Patrick Mahomes at Bills — Mahomes is a wizard against Buffalo. I don’t see how the Bills can stop him with star DL Ed Oliver out for the season. Buffalo fans will be a bunch of Sour Patch Kids when Mahomes is done with them. QB Dak Prescott vs Cardinals — The Cowboy was busted by the Broncos in Denver (188 yards, no TDs). But not to worry. Dak will be a Jolly Rancher in Arizona this week. RB Kimani Vidal at Titans — Released this year, Hershey’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Nuggets have “a seasonal burst of warm spices and a hint of pumpkin.” If you’re looking for a spicy seasonal burst, look no further than Vidal against the bland Titans run defense. If he was on your bench last week, it’s better latte than never. RB Kyren Williams vs Saints — To say Williams’ last two outings were (Milk) Duds is an understatement. Milk Duds are the Halloween candy most likely to yank a filling out. I imagine the pain Williams inflicts on the Saints this week will hurt worse than that. WR Jaylen Waddle vs Ravens — Waddle’s one-catch outing against Cleveland in Week 7 was Laffy Taffy. But his five catches for 99 yards and a TD last week were Good N Plenty. He continues his sweet ride against the Ravens’ 31st ranked passing defense. WR Michael Pittman Jr. at Steelers — Nobody likes getting apples when trick or treating. But apples are good for you. Not many people were high on Pittman this year either. But he has been a healthy addition to any roster. TE Noah Fant vs Bears — Chicago’s defense against tight ends is as soft as a pocketful of warm Gummie Bears. Fant should enjoy his best game of the year. WHOA DOWN! QB Trevor Lawrence at Raiders — I expect Lawrence to wilt in the dessert heat like a Hershey Bar left in the sun. A runny, sticky mess is all he’s been good for this year, with just two games of two or more TD passes. QB C.J. Stroud vs Broncos — After treating his owners to a tasty game (318 yards, 2 TDs) against the 49ers, don’t let C.J. trick you into starting him against the NFL’s second-best pass defense. Through eight games the Broncos have surrendered eight TD passes. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs 49ers — Before Skattebo took the reins in Week 4, Tracy’s best game was 29 yards. You’re an Airhead if you start him. RB Kenneth Walker III at Commanders — Willie Wonka had the Everlasting Gobstopper. That’s Zack Charbonnet. Wonka’s rival was Arthur Slugworth. His candy was the disgusting Slugworth Sizzler. Hello Kenneth Walker III. WR Troy Franklin at Texans — Senior Mints Puka Nacua (27 pts) and Jaxson Smith-Njigba (30 pts) are the only WRs who have had decent days against the Texans. The youngster Franklin is of the Jr. Mint variety. Leave him on the bench until he matures. WR Buffalo WRs vs Chiefs — Runts are small, fruit-shaped candies with a hard shell and powdery center. They are available in five fruity flavors. No flavor is better than the other; none stands out. That describes the Bills’ WR corps to a tee- a bunch of Runts and no standouts. TE Dalton Schultz vs Broncos — All the Smarties added Schiltz as a sleeper only to be rewarded with two receptions for 24 yards. The Broncos just held the number one TE in Fantasy (Jake Ferguson) to no catches. There will be no PayDay for Schultz this week. Thursday Night Special: Florida-born Lamar Jackson will have a homecoming of sorts as the Ravens take care of business in Miami. The ‘Fins will lose the game but cover the 7.5-point spread. And while you’re at it, bet the over (50) on this wild one. Ravens 30 Dolphins 27 Enter the code NEW30 for 30% off the subscription price of FantasyGuru.com, the finest source for Seasonal, DFS and Sports Gaming advice. Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.
