QB Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
It was a matter of when Mayfield would take over and the first overall pick got his first chance on Thursday Night Football after Tyrod Taylor sustained a concussion and was forced out of the contest. The difference was stark, with Mayfield making quick decisions and showing accuracy. It was impressive considering Mayfield hasn’t taken snaps or practiced with the first team. He went 17-for-23 for 201 yards against the Jets and led the Browns to their first win since 2016. He averaged 8.74 yards per attempt and led three scoring drives. It’s an upgrade for all the Browns’ skill players and those with Jimmy Garoppolo will be interested.
QB Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
Tannehill is a possibility for those seeking a replacement for Garoppolo. Tannehill has completed 73 percent of his passes and averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. Tannehill is coming off his best game of the season, going 17-for-23 with 289 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 26 yards against the Raiders. Tannehill has seven touchdowns in three games and he’s only attempted 28, 23 and 23 passes with the Dolphins mostly playing from ahead. Tannehill will throw the ball more in the weeks ahead.
RB Wendell Smallwood, Philadelphia Eagles
While Corey Clement received 19 touches in the absence of Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles, Smallwood was involved a lot, too. Smallwood had 10 carries for 56 yards with a touchdown and caught three passes for 35 yards on five targets. If Ajayi and Sproles sit again, Smallwood becomes an option against the Titans as the bye weeks begin. The Panthers and Redskins are on bye.
RB Chris Ivory, Buffalo Bills
It has been difficult to start any Bills player, even LeSean McCoy. The offense has been that bad and the Bills pulled off a huge upset, beating the Vikings 27-6. McCoy sat out with cracked rib cartilage. McCoy was limited in practice all week. Ivory received the volume with 20 carries for 56 yards and caught three passes for 70 yards. The Bills face a Packers defense that has struggled against the run in Week 4.
WR Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals
Boyd was listed here last week and he’s owned in most deep formats like the FFWC, but I was stunned to see he’s only 15-percent owned in Yahoo. Boyd was already involved in the Bengals offense, but he took advantage with A.J. Green leaving the game early in Week 3 with a groin injury. He had six catches on seven targets for 132 yards and a touchdown. Boyd caught six passes for 91 yards with a touchdown on nine targets in Week 2 and is averaging seven targets per game.
WR Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals offense has been awful. It’s possible Josh Rosen takes over at quarterback after replacing Sam Bradford in the final few minutes against the Bears. The play calling needs to get better, but Kirk could be more involved in the offense. He had eight targets and caught seven passes for 80 yards. Kirk had a pair of 30-plus yard receptions.
TE Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
Another tight end is going to miss time with Evan Engram out a few weeks with a sprained MCL. In some leagues, you have to dig deep and Goedert is likely out there after catching one pass for four yards in the first two weeks. In Week 3 with Carson Wentz back, Goedert was heavily involved in the offense. Goedert was second on the team in targets, catching all seven for 73 yards and a touchdown. Alshon Jeffery hasn’t played yet, Mike Wallace was out and Jordan Matthews was playing his first game since being added.
