Football Daily Dose: Dose: Seahawks Smother 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks had plenty of frustration to take out on their division rivals on Thursday night after blowing two consecutive late-game leads prior to traveling to Santa Clara to face the San Francisco 49ers. When the clock mercifully hit zeros in this game, the Seahawks owned a 20-3 victory in one of the least exhilarating Thursday night games in recent memory.
The San Francisco offense managed just 142 total yards on Thursday in a disappointing effort. The output from the 49ers looks even worse considering the fact that Atlanta running back Devonta Freeman has contributed more than 142 total yards by himself in every game over the last four weeks. Every aspect of the San Francisco offense struggled on Thursday, with the running game not getting a chance to build momentum and Colin Kaepernick completing 13 of 24 passes on his way to 124 yards and no touchdowns.
The Seattle effort was primarily built upon outstanding performances from Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks defense. Lynch cranked out season-highs in carries and rushing yards, as he turned 27 chances into 122 yards and a touchdown. The 27 carries were the most for Lynch in a regular season game since Week 2 of the 2013 season, and you will have a tough time finding a better fantasy back than Lynch with that type of workload. The Seahawks D/ST turned in a big night, failing to force a turnover but sacking Colin Kaepernick six times, including 3.5 from Michael Bennett. Seattle will likely face Dallas fill-in quarterback Matt Cassel in Week 8, so get ready for another top-notch effort from this group.
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Seahawks at 49ers Quick Slants
Carlos Hyde is nursing a foot injury and chipped in 40 yards on 11 carries on Thursday night. Hyde will have plenty of time to rest before Week 8 but faces another rough matchup at St. Louis. … Rookie Tyler Lockett caught a long touchdown pass from Russell Wilson and finished with five catches for 79 yards and a score. Lockett has insane wheels and will provide these splash plays from time to time. … Jimmy Graham fell back off the map this week with two catches for 31 yards. Graham will have efforts like this when Seattle leans on their defense and running game like they did on Thursday. … Vernon Davis caught four of six targets for 61 yards and was the fantasy leader of the San Francisco offense, perfectly illustrating how inept this group is at the moment.
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In Other News…
Dez Bryant (foot) has been working on the side at practice in Dallas this week and is beginning to look like a realistic option to start in Week 8. Getting Dez back for the stretch run of the fantasy regular season would be quite a boost for teams who have been stashing the beastly wide receiver on the bench.
Ben Roethlisberger (knee) was limited at practice on Thursday and his Week 7 status is still be kept under wraps as the Steelers prepare for the Kansas City Chiefs. If Roethlisberger can’t play this week, Landry Jones will get another chance to lead the Pittsburgh offense. Even if Ben misses Sunday’s trip to Arrowhead Stadium, is appears he will have a great chance to play in Week 8 against Cincinnati and will jump-start this electric offense.
Rookie Stefon Diggs was a hot waiver wire pickup this week and the proud owners of this shiny new receiver are in luck, as it appears that Diggs will keep his starting gig despite the return of Charles Johnson (ribs). Diggs has been outstanding in his two games as a pro, catching 13 of 19 Teddy Bridgewater targets over the last two weeks. Diggs has quickly worked himself into the outskirts of WR2 territory with his dynamic play.
The Buffalo Bills ruled both Tyrod Taylor (knee) and Sammy Watkins (ankle) out for Sunday’s game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. E.J. Manuel will get another shot to start for the Bills and a heavy dose of LeSean McCoy should be expected this week in Rex Ryan’s offense.
Christine Michael has been a buzz-worthy name over the last couple weeks and will finally get a chance in the Dallas backfield this week. Although an increase in touches is likely for Michael, Joseph Randle is expected to still be heavily involved, making neither of these running backs worth starting until we see how the split shakes out.
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Injury Quick Slants
Antonio Gates (knee) didn’t practice on Thursday but it sounds like the Chargers will have their top tight end on Sunday. Gates has hauled in 18 passes in two games since returning from suspension. … Like Gates, Keenan Allen (hip) missed Thursday’s practice but should be on track to play this week. … T.J. Yeldon (groin) was back at practice on Thursday and has a chance to play in London against Buffalo this Sunday. Another underwhelming mix of Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson is waiting if Yeldon can’t go. … Jeremy Maclin (concussion) has been out all week but is expected to return to practice on Friday. Stay tuned for more on Maclin’s status this weekend. … Friday’s practice will determine whether Marcus Mariota (knee) will be able to suit up on Sunday. Tennessee will turn to Zach Mettenberger if Mariota can’t play. … Jordan Reed (concussion) has been cleared to play this week and will return to the field for Washington. Reed averaged four catches per game this season before suffering the concussion. … Chris Thompson (back) reportedly still has “significant swelling” and did not practice on Thursday. Thompson has been on a pass catching tear of late and more touches will be available to Matt Jones if Thompson sits. … Lots of strange reports coming from the Buffalo Bills and Percy Harvin this week about Harvin’s Week 7 status, but the receiver will miss Sunday’s game in London. The future of Harvin in Buffalo is looking bleak with this mysterious absence a hint that Harvin may be on his way out of town. … This is your weekly Friday reminder that DeSean Jackson (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday and will likely miss Sunday’s game. … David Cobb (calf) is back at Titans practice this week and is eligible to hit the playing field in Week 9. Cobb is just another name to throw in Tennessee’ running back stew. … Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday and looks unlikely to play this week.
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