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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
| Start pct. | 38% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Ravens |
| BetMGM line | Ravens -9 |
| BetMGM total | 46.5 points |
| BetAlytics projection | N/A |
Questions surrounding the offensive chops of Sean Payton are starting to fall silent.
Denver’s mad offensive scientist, who has a renowned reputation for orchestrating effective scoring schemes, has his plan finally coming together. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix, fresh off his best pro performance, is rapidly ascending. In the gaming world, his trademark accuracy and dual-threat skill set have certainly attracted investor attention.
Two weeks ago, Sutton played store manager of the local Dunkin.’ Sure, the Broncos opened up a can against the Saints in their 33-10 Thursday night destruction, but the No. 1 wide receiver failed to register a single target.
To make up for opportunities lost in New Orleans, Sutton lined up in the crosshairs 11 times against Carolina last Sunday. He caught eight passes for 100 yards in Denver’s 28-14 home victory.
This season, Sutton has posted terrific numbers in several advanced categories. He ranks top-20 among all qualifying wide receivers in total air yards, aDOT (13.5), deep-ball targets (11) and red-zone targets (8). His 73 total route wins (WR31), as tracked by PlayerProfiler, also command attention.
To misquote “The Raven,” there’s “always more” in the passing game for opponents against Baltimore’s ultra-generous defensive secondary. At No. 28 in pass EPA defense, the unit has yielded the most fantasy points to WRs, allowing an absolutely wretched 14.6 receptions, 190.1 yards per game and 13 touchdowns to wideouts.
Sutton’s projected primary assignment, cornerback Brandon Stephens, has surrendered a 66.7 catch percentage, the fourth-most yards (419), three touchdowns and a 118.7 passer rating to adversaries.
Bank on the Mile High horse galloping to at least a dozen fantasy points for the sixth time this season.
Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 76 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 16.1 fantasy points
Week 9 Bonus Flames
Christian Watson, WR, Packers
| Start pct. | 11% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Lions |
Please don’t randomly shred, tender Watson hamstrings. The often muscle-strained wide receiver is always a dice roll, but when presented with a highly exploitable matchup, he’s certainly worth the risk. Lions vs. Packers promises to be one of the weekend’s marquee affairs. Usual stars should shine, but don’t be floored if Green Bay’s big-play WR steals the show. Detroit slots at No. 4 in pass EPA defense, but not even Eminem is buying that datapoint. Dan Campbell’s secondary has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs. With Watson expected to primarily draw Carlton Davis in coverage — the CB has allowed a 104.7 passer rating and the 10th-most yards (378) of any pass defender in his seven games — the Packers’ deep-ball specialist could achieve FLAME status for the second time this year. Keep in mind, Watson is No. 11 among all wideouts in average depth of target (14.0). Bombs away — assuming Jordan Love is under center.
Fearless Forecast: 3 receptions, 66 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.1 fantasy points
Cade Otton, TE, Buccaneers
| Start pct. | 49% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Chiefs |
As CEO of #TeamHuevos, I embrace the fundamental job requirement of making bold proclamations. On Tuesday’s “BetMGM Tonight,” this obnoxious voice declared Otton would be a top-five tight end for the rest of the fantasy season. Over the top? Hardly. Frankly, it’s completely dumbfounding the Tampa Bay tight end is started in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined last week, Otton erupted for nine receptions, 81 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. Going toe-to-toe with the Chiefs in Week 9, he could meet or even exceed last week’s season high in catches. Tight ends have performed 35.7% above the league average against Kansas City, totaling 7.0 receptions, 80.5 receiving yards per game, two TDs and the third-most fantasy points. Otton — who is top-10 at the position in total YAC, deep-ball targets and red-zone targets — should tee off. Start him with supreme confidence even in shallow formats.
Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 70 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 16.0 fantasy points
Season record: 12-11