In the aftermath of World War II the United States emerged as the world’s foremost superpower. Government support programs born from FDR’s New Deal gave rise to a booming economy ignited by more expendable income than any time in American history. The bumper-crop of children flouting this income were known affectionately as, Baby Boomers.
Boomers would become the largest single generation to that point and their numbers had a tremendous effect on popular culture and the economy. Savvy marketers targeted their demographic and developed products and geared entertainment to Boomers’ needs and interests. For their part, the youngsters fought to define their identities through these products. One product in particular was Rock and Roll music.
Rock & Roll celebrated love and rebellion unlike anything before and Baby Boomers flocked to it. It was easy to listen to and relatable on a level unlike any music before it, and it’s popularity gave rise to the first Rock concert. Held in Cleveland Ohio, it was a rousing success. The genre would become ingrained in American identity and Cleveland would go on to become the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Another Hall of Fame would eventually call Cleveland home – Pro Football, which fought to define and redefine itself in much the same way as the Baby Boomers who helped popularize the All-American Sport.
Post-war pro football grew with the economy and its popularity gave birth to the Pro Bowl and sudden-death overtime. A rule significant in the 1958 NFL Championship Game. In a game that some would call the greatest ever, Colts fullback Alan Ameche took a handoff from QB Johnny Unitas and plunged across the goal-line for the game-winning touchdown in the NFL’s first-ever sudden-death playoff game.
It took eighty-nine years, eighty yards, four quarters and one overtime to get there but the NFL had arrived. Hopefully, we won’t have that much trouble finding the goal-line this week. Time to do Raymond Berry and Frank Gifford proud.
Running Backs
Todd Gurley hasn’t been spectacular this year. He hasn’t even been particularly great but what he has been remarkably consistent. He’s padded his less than stellar numbers with a healthy number of goal-line opportunities and that has made him one of this column’s favorite players in 2020. He’s scored nine touchdowns so far and I can’t think of another player with his guaranteed workload.
Antonio Gibson is 7 for 9 in goal-to-go situations this year and while the Bengals have been much better against the run lately, I’m still betting the youngster from Memphis scratches again this week.
On the other side of the field, Bengals RB Joe Mixon looks doubtful again. In the two games prior to facing the Steelers Gio Bernard averaged more than 20 PPR points per game filling in for the injured Mixon. He has that kind of upside this week against the Washington Football Team that is excellent rushing the passer but leaky against opposing running backs.
We welcomed Nick Chubb back last week and what a shot in the arm he was for weary fantasy owners. As we slogged through an injury-riddled 2020, we almost didn’t care that he stepped out one foot shy of the goal line, preserving the win for the Browns and providing his stamp on the backfield. This week he gets the Eagles who surrender 4.8 adjusted fantasy points against opposing RBs.
Others I like:
Mike Davis
James Robinson
Gus Edwards
Wide Receivers
The Panthers once stingy secondary has completely collapsed the last two weeks (Granted they’ve faced Mahomes and Brady but I digress) Matt Stafford is no slouch. If Kenny Golladay suits up, he’ll show out.
Cole Beasley, Jakobi Meyers, and Mecole Hardman. This trio is not exactly striking fear into the hearts of opponents but all three have carved up a struggling Jets secondary in recent weeks. It’s almost not fair that they have to face Mike Williams and Keenan Allen on Sunday. Almost.
While the weather in Cleveland put a severe damper on both passing games last week, WR Brandin Cooks still earned a 27% target share and has had at least 8 targets five games in a row. It took them a while to build chemistry but he clearly has the trust of his QB.
In the one game Andy Dalton finished this season he peppered rookie CeeDee Lamb with 11 targets. The former Sooner responded with 7 catches for 64 yards. This week they get the Vikings porous secondary.
Others I like:
Terry McLaurin
Jakobi Meyers
Michael Thomas
Tight Ends
This position group is a complete horror show. It’s akin to a Rob Zombie movie. You’d rather be anywhere else doing anything else but there you are watching A House of 1000 Corpses. We were so excited for the return of Austin Hooper & Dallas Goedert. Then they combined for five catches. If you don’t have Travis Kelce this group is a dart throw every week… so let’s throw some darts.
The Buccaneers give up 4.5 adjusted fantasy points-against to the position. Enter Tyler Higbee, who we weren’t high on this preseason but has done a serviceable job in plus matchups.
Yes, I’m going back to Dallas Goedert. Pederson loves scheming for the tight end and they’ve had a week to get back on the same page. Cleveland struggles against the position and the weather might be terrible again. Short passes to the backs and tight ends are right up Wentz’ alley.
Others I like:
Hunter Henry
Mark Andrews
Dalton Schultz
