Let’s do a quick experiment: I would like you to say a name out loud. Are you ready? OK, here is the name, and remember to enunciate: JuJu.
Did you smile when you said it? I bet you did. It’s hard not to. It’s a fun name: JuJu. You know what else is going to be fun? Having that name on your fantasy roster the rest of the season.
Martavis Bryant’s antics left an opening for JuJu Smith-Schuster, and he seized it Sunday night, hauling in seven passes for 193 yards and a touchdown — which came on a 97-yard catch-and-run. He had done a good job of finding the end zone on limited touches before this week — three scores on just 17 catches before Sunday. His performance in Detroit will give coach Mike Tomlin little reason to turn back to Bryant when he presumably returns to action this week.
Bryant was playing his way out of playing time before complaining about his role and earning a one-game benching by the coach. Now, with JuJu (smile) performing at such a high level, we have confidence his role is secure even upon Bryant’s return.
But we’re not just grinning because we like saying the name JuJu (smile). When we look at the Steelers’ schedule, it’s like a “say cheese” moment.
After a Week 9 bye, up next are the Colts, who ranked in the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers headed into Week 8. And they have shown a weakness in giving up big plays. Sunday, they let Bengals running back Joe Mixon slash and dash for 60-plus yards. The week before, the Jaguars had three plays of 40-plus yards. The Colts have yielded nine plays of 40-plus yards this season — tied with the Chiefs for the most in the league.
After the Colts come the Titans. They had the worst fantasy defense vs. wide receivers until recently. The past three games, they have corrected some statistical flaws by getting to play Jay Cutler and the Dolphins, Jacoby Brissett and the Colts, and the dynamic Browns duo of DeShone Kizer and Cody Kessler. So, call us unconvinced in a resurgent Titans pass defense.
After that, the Packers provide another soft landing. The roughest matchups ahead for JuJu (smile) are against the Bengals and Ravens in Weeks 13 and 14, and he scored against both in their previous meetings this season.
There also are dates with the Patriots, who have been carved up by fantasy WRs most of the season, and Texans, who were just shredded by Russell Wilson.
Oh, and remember that bye week we mentioned? Don’t put on a frowny face over that. In fact, because JuJu (smile) isn’t playing this week, it might make him easier or cheaper to acquire on waivers.
So got get JuJu, and put on a happy face.
On the Way Up
Josh McCown QB, Jets
Don’t look now, but McCown has been a top-10 fantasy QB for three straight weeks. Among those he has outscored on the season: Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning.
Will Fuller V WR, Texans
Has seven TDs on 13 catches in four games. Either he is the best WR ever by an exponential factor, or he is a prime trade-high candidate.
Paul Richardson WR, Seahawks
Two-TD game Sunday will make him hot waiver target. Don’t spend frivolously. Doug Baldwin is still the go-to guy.
Corey Davis WR, Titans
Rookie set to return this week. Could be hiding on your waiver wire, forgotten in redraft leagues.
On the Way Down
Matt Ryan QB, Falcons
Can chalk up this week to weather. But what about previous six games? There aren’t many soft spots left on the schedule.
Doug Martin RB, Buccaneers
Hasn’t been game-changer many were waiting for during his suspensions to start season. We’re not worried. See if you can get him at a discount.
Joe Mixon RB, Bengals
Still dominating the workload, if not the stat sheet. Has three games this season with eight or more carries in which he has averaged less than 2.0 yards per carry. Seduce trade partner with highlight of his long catch-and-run on a screen pass this week.
Terrelle Pryor Sr. WR, Redskins
You haven’t dropped him yet? What are you waiting for?