14 Statistical Observations From NFL Sunday

By Eric Moody | October 21, 2019

The following are 14 statistical observations from Sunday’s slate of NFL games. It’s hard to stay up to date on everything that’s happening, so hopefully, I can bring you up to speed on some of the fantasy football action you missed. 

Baltimore Ravens 30, Seattle Seahawks 16

Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability and a stingy Ravens (5-2) defense were key in this week’s win over the Seahawks (5-2). Lamar Jackson completed nine of 20 passes for 143 yards while adding 116 yards and a touchdown on 14 rushing attempts on a rainy Sunday afternoon. He remains a QB1. Tight end Mark Andrews caught two of eight targets for 39 yards with three drops. He’s still a TE1 with so much uncertainty at the position this season. Running back Mark Ingram rushed 12 times for 46 yards and caught his only target for seven yards. Jackson’s rushing ability continues to limit his upside. Ingram has not had a 100-yard game since Week 3 and can continue to be viewed as an RB2. The Ravens will return in Week 9 following their bye week to face the Patriots. 

Russell Wilson completed 20 of 41 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. This was his first game of the season with an interception that was unfortunately returned for a touchdown by Marcus Peters. Wilson and the entire Seahawks offense was off today as they struggled in the red zone. Tyler Lockett caught five of seven targets for 61 yards and a touchdown. He is still a weekly low-end WR1. D.K. Metcalf caught four of a season-high nine targets for 53 yards. Chris Carson rushed 21 times for 65 yards while Rashaad Penny finished the game with zero touches. The Seahawks will look to bounce back next week against a Falcons defense that ranks in the top-five in most fantasy points allowed per game. 

Statistical Observations

  • Lamar Jackson gained 86 rushing yards and three first downs on five scrambles according to Pro Football Focus. The 86 rushing yards on scrambles are the most by any quarterback in a game this season according to NFL Research and a career-high for him. 

New Orleans Saints 36, Chicago Bears 25

The Saints (6-1) continue to thrive without future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees in a win over the Bears (3-3). Bridgewater completed 23 fo 38 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns. He played four quarters of mistake-free football against one of the top defenses in the NFL. Michael Thomas caught nine of 11 targets for 131 yards and remains a WR1. He’s caught five or more passes in every game this season. The Saints leaned heavily on Latavius Murray with Alvin Kamara inactive. Latavius Murray rushed 27 times for 119 yards and two touchdowns. He also had five receptions for 31 yards. Did you know that this was the ninth time in 84 career games that Murray has had five receptions? It would be wise for the Saints to allow Kamara to rest next week. The Saints face the Cardinals next week before entering their bye week. 

Mitch Trubisky completed 34 of 54 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns in an inefficient performance fueled by garbage time. He continues to have issues with his accuracy. Allen Robinson continues to be the only Bears wide receiver you can trust in fantasy. He caught 10 of 16 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown. Robinson’s a weekly WR2. The Bears running game was nonexistent in this game. David Montgomery rushed two times for six yards while adding two receptions for 13 yards. He’s been unable to move beyond RB3 status. Tarik Cohen rushed three times for 10 yards with nine receptions for 19 yards. He’s been more involved over the last five games. Cohen’s averaged four targets and four or more rushing attempts over that time frame. 

Statistical Observations

  • With nine games left to play, Jackson’s third 100 or more rushing yard game has already tied the NFL record for quarterbacks (Source: Ryan McDowell). 

Tennessee Titans 23, Los Angeles Chargers 20

Titans’ (3-4) Jurell Casey recovered a fumble from Melvin Gordon with 15 seconds remaining at the goal line as Tennessee holds off the Chargers (2-5). Ryan Tannehill completed 23 of 29 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in his first start of the season. Corey Davis set a season-high in receptions (6) and targets (7). He finished with 80 yards and one touchdown. Davis can be viewed as a low-end WR3. Rookie A.J. Brown also set a season-high in receptions (6) and targets (8). He finished with 64 receiving yards. Brown can also be viewed as a low-end WR3. Derrick Henry rushed 22 times for 90 yards and a touchdown. He continues to be a touchdown-dependent RB2. Henry has had at least 15 rushing attempts in every game this season and continues to be used heavily in the red zone. 

Philip Rivers completed 24 of 38 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns as the Chargers implode once again. Los Angeles’ negative game script hasn’t exactly been a fantasy bonanza. Keenan Allen caught four of 11 targets for 61 yards. Mike Williams caught four of six targets for 47 yards. Hunter Henry caught six of eight targets for 97 yards. He can be viewed as a TE1. Williams is more of a boom or bust WR3 with Allen more of a low-end WR1. Austin Ekeler rushed five times for seven yards and caught seven of eight targets for 118 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon rushed 16 times for 32 yards. The Chargers offense will face the Bears defense in Week 8.

Statistical Observations

  • Tannehill was one of only three quarterbacks heading into this game to have 15,000 or more passing yards over their first four seasons according to Pro Football Reference. The other two are Peyton Manning and Dan Marino. 

San Francisco 49ers 9, Washington Redskins 0

The 49ers (0-6) defeated the Redskins (1-6) is an ugly game marred by windy and rainy weather conditions. Jimmy Garoppolo completed 12 of 21 passes for 151 yards with an interception. The 49ers finished the game with 39 rushing attempts. George Kittle led the team with five targets catching three of them for 38 yards. Tevin Coleman rushed 20 times for 62 yards. He was leaned on heavily due to the weather and teammate Matt Breida missing a portion of the game due to being evaluated for a concussion. Breida finished with eight rushing attempts for 35 yards. Coleman and Breida are both on the low-end RB2 radar each week. 

Case Keenum completed nine of 12 passes for 77 yards. Terry McLaurin caught one of two targets for 11 yards. He’s had 50 or more receiving yards or a touchdown in every game this season. Better games are ahead for McLaurin. Adrian Peterson rushed for 81 yards on 20 attempts. He can continue to be viewed as a low-end RB2. 

Statistical Observations

  • This was the first game since Week 17 (Eagles and Cowboys) of the 2017 season where neither team scored in the first half according to NFL Research. 

Arizona Cardinals 27, New York Giants 21

Saquon Barkley returned for the Giants, but Chase Edmonds was the real star in the Cardinals (3-3-1) win over the Giants (2-5). Arizona’s defense finished the game with eight sacks and forced three turnovers. Edmonds rushed 27 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 24 yards. David Johnson was active, but it was later reported by Darren Urban that he was only to play in a “need-based” situation according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury. If Johnson misses time then Edmonds is a plug and play RB1. Kyler Murray completed 14 of 21 passes for 104 yards with 28 rushing yards on 10 carries. His performance which was effected by the weather and game script had a ripple effect for all of Arizona’s receivers. 

Daniel Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He continues to find himself on the QB2 radar. Golden Tate led the Giants with 11 targets catching six of them for 80 yards. Saquon Barkley rushed 18 times for 72 yards and one touchdown while catching three of five targets for eight yards. The usage when encouraging in his first game back from a high ankle sprain. Evan Engram only caught one of five targets for six yards and was unable to capitalize against a Cardinals defense that has been vulnerable to tight ends. 

Statistical Observations

  • Edmonds is the fifth player in NFL history to score three rushing touchdowns of 20 or more yards in a single game according to NFL Research. Mercury Morris, Clinton Portis, Adrian Peterson, and Doug Martin are the others. 

Indianapolis Colts 30, Houston Texans 23

The Colts (4-2) now find themselves on top of the AFC South with a win over the Texans (4-3). Brissett completed 26 of 39 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns. Head coach Frank Reich called a masterful offensive game plan in this one as the Colts leaned heavily on the passing game. Were you aware that Brissett has had multiple touchdowns in five of six games? Eric Ebron caught four of five targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. He remains a touchdown-dependent TE1. Zach Pascal caught six of seven targets for 106 yards and two touchdowns. T.Y. Hilton caught six of 11 targets for 74 yards and a touchdown. Marlon Mack rushed 18 times for 44 yards and added three receptions for 12 yards. He remains an RB2. 

Deshaun Watson completed 23 of 34 passes for 308 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions as the Texans were trying to overcome a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter. DeAndre Hopkins caught nine of 12 targets for 106 yards and a touchdown. Will Fuller missed most of the game with a hamstring injury. Kenny Stills caught four of five targets for 105 yards. The Texans running game was halted by the Colts defense. Carlos Hyde rushed 12 times for 35 yards. Duke Johnson rushed seven times for 34 yards and had two receptions for 22 yards. The Texans offense will look to get back on track at home against the Raiders defense in Week 8. 

Statistical Observations

  • Brissett threw a career-high four touchdown passes. He now has seven passing touchdowns and zero interceptions in four career games versus the Texans according to Pro Football Reference.  
  • Watson and Cam Newton are the only players in the Super Bowl era to record 7,500 or more passing yards and 1,000 or more rushing yards in their first 30 career games according to NFL Research. 

Green Bay Packers 42, Oakland Raiders 24

Aaron Rodgers threw five touchdowns as the Packers (6-1) throttled the Raiders (3-3). He completed 25 of 32 passes for 429 yards and five touchdowns. Rodgers also ran for six yards and a touchdown. According to Pro Football Reference, this was the fourth-most passing yards of his career and fifth game with five touchdowns. Jimmy Graham caught all four of his targets for 65 yards and a touchdown. Jake Kumerow caught all two of his targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. Allen Lazard caught three of four targets for 42 yards. Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught two of three targets for 133 yards and a touchdown. Geronimo Allison caught four of five targets for 33 yards. Aaron Jones rushed 12 times for 50 yards. He also had four receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown. 

Derek Carr and the Raiders were unable to keep up with Rodgers and the Packers. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 293 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Darren Waller caught seven of eight targets for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs rushed 21 times for 124 yards with three receptions for 10 yards. His positive momentum continues and he can be viewed as a high-end RB2. 

Statistical Observations

  • Rodgers scored 43.76 fantasy points against the Raiders. This was the second-most fantasy points in his career. Rodgers scored nearly 46 points in Week 4 against the Broncos back in 2011. 

Minnesota Vikings 42, Detroit Lions 30

Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook propel the Vikings (5-2) to a win over the Lions (2-3-1). Cousins completed 24 of 34 passes for 337 yards and four touchdowns. He has played very well over the last four games silencing those who wondering if Cousins was worth the massive contract he signed with the Vikings. He’ll be a QB1 against the Redskins defense on Thursday night. Kyle Rudolph set season highs in targets (8), receptions (6), and receiving yards (58). He also scored a touchdown. Olabisi Johnson caught four of eight targets for 40 yards and a touchdown. He saw additional snaps and targets once Adam Thielen left the game with a hamstring injury. Stefon Diggs caught seven of eight targets for a team-high 142 receiving yards. He can be viewed as a WR2 with WR1 upside against the Redskins. Dalvin Cook rushed 25 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns. He’s surpassed 100 yards or scored a touchdown in six games this season. Cook remains an elite RB1. 

Matthew Stafford completed 30 of 45 passes for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. According to Pro Football Reference, he became the fastest quarterback to reach 40,000 passing yards. Danny Amendola caught eight of 11 targets for 105 yards. This was his most productive game since Week 1. Marvin Jones caught 10 of 13 targets for 94 receiving yards and four touchdowns while Kenny Golladay was erased from existence. Kerryon Johnson finished with five rushing attempts for 23 yards before a knee injury prematurely ended his afternoon. Rookie Ty Johnson will be a hot waiver wire pickup this week. He handled 10 rushing attempts for 29 yards and caught four balls for 28 receiving yards. 

Statistical Observations

  • Marvin Jones has two career games with four or more receiving touchdowns. Since 1950 the only other players according to NFL Research to accomplish such a feat are Jerry Rice (2) and Sterling Sharpe (2). 

Jacksonville Jaguars 27, Cincinnati Bengals 17

The Jaguars leaned on quarterback Gardner Minshew (3-4) and their defense to defeat the Bengals (0-7). Minshew completed 15 of 32 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown. The rookie also had 48 rushing yards and has cooled off over the last two games. Chris Conley finished the game with his most receiving yards since Week 1. He caught three of eight targets for 83 yards. Dede Westbrook caught six of nine targets for 103 yards. He didn’t seem to be bothered by his shoulder injury. D.J. Chark disappointed fantasy players with 53 receiving yards. He caught three of four targets and also rushed for 20 yards. Leonard Fournette continues to dominate as a runner. He matched a career-high in touches with 131 yards on 29 rushing attempts and 14 yards on two receptions. This was Fournette’s eighth 100-yard rushing yard game of his career. The Jaguars face the Jets in Week 8. 

Andy Dalton had another disastrous performance. He completed 22 of 43 passes for 276 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Dalton also led the Bengals in rushing with 33 yards and had a rushing touchdown. Alex Erickson caught eight of 14 targets for 137 yards. Tyler Boyd caught five of 14 targets for 55 yards. Joe Mixon disappointed with two yards on 10 rushing attempts. He did have one catch for two yards which resulted in a touchdown. The Bengals defense has allowed more than 200 yards rushing in three consecutive games. Cincinnati goes on the road to face the Rams in Week 8. 

Statistical Observations

  • Minshew is currently the only player in NFL history with 200 or more pass attempts (226) and two or fewer interceptions (2) according to the Jaguars Director of Public Relations Tad Dickman. He also became the first player to throw 10 or more touchdowns with two or fewer interceptions through seven career games. 

Buffalo Bills 31, Miami Dolphins 21

The Bills (5-1) started off slow and eventually came alive in the second half to defeat the Dolphins (0-8). Josh Allen completed 16 of 26 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 32 yards and a two-point conversion. Allen can be viewed as a high-end QB2 with QB1 upside in certain matchups. John Brown caught five of six targets for 83 receiving yards and a touchdown. He’s a weekly high-end WR2. Frank Gore rushed 11 times for 55 yards and had one reception for 11 yards. Devin Singletary made his return after missing a month with a hamstring injury. He finished with seven rushing attempts for 26 yards. The Bills face the Eagles at home this week. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 22 of 34 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. DeVante Parker caught five of 10 targets for 55 yards and one touchdown. Preston Williams caught six of eight targets for 82 yards. Mark Walton led the Dolphins dreaded three-headed committee with 66 yards on 13 rushing attempts. Kenyan Drake may be traded prior to the deadline which would provide additional clarity in Miami’s backfield. The Dolphins face the Steelers in Week 8. 

Statistical Observations

  • Brown (473) almost has more receiving yards than any other Bills wide receiver in the last four seasons according to former Bills Blogger Jeff Hunter. 

Los Angeles Rams 37, Atlanta Falcons 10

The Rams (4-3) are back in the win column as the Falcons (1-6) find themselves in the sunken place. Jared Goff only completed 22 of 37 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Gerald Everett caught four of 10 targets for 50 yards and a touchdown. He remains a weekly TE1. Robert Woods bounced back by catching five of seven target for 80 yards. Brandin Cooks’ performance was disappointing considering the matchup. He caught four of seven targets for 59 yards. Cooper Kupp caught six of eight targets for 50 yards. He’s been held under 100 receiving yards for the last two weeks. Todd Gurley rushed 18 times for 41 yards. He also caught a 13-yard touchdown reception. He remains a weekly RB2. The Rams have another favorable matchup at home in Week 8 against the Bengals. 

Matt Ryan’s afternoon was cut short with an ankle injury. This negatively impacted the entire Falcons offense. Julio Jones led the team with 93 receiving yards. Austin Hooper caught four of five targets for 46 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons running game was nonexistent. Ito Smith left the game earlier with a stinger and Devonta Freeman was ejected after an altercation with Rams defensive player Aaron Donald. It is unclear whether Ryan will play in Week 8 before the Falcons head into their bye week. This was Atlanta’s fifth straight loss. 

Statistical Observations

  • Todd Gurley’s scored his first receiving touchdown since Week 8 of the 2018 season. 

Dallas Cowboys 37, Philadelphia Eagles 10

The Cowboys (4-3) offense leaned heavily on Ezekiel Elliott as they defeated the Eagles (3-4) on Sunday Night Football. He rushed 22 times for 111 yards and a touchdown. Elliott caught six of seven targets for 36 yards. Amari Cooper finished with five receptions for 106 receiving yards. He’ll have the bye week to get closer to 100 percent. Dak Prescott completed 21 of 27 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed for 30 yards and scored a rushing touchdown. The Cowboys will face the Giants after their Week 9 bye week.

Carson Wentz completed 16 of 26 passes for 191 yards, a touchdown, and one interception. The Cowboys front seven pressured him all game and finished with three sacks. The entire Eagles offense underperformed. One observation revolves around Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Ertz caught two of five targets for 38 yards. He wasn’t targeted in the first half while Goedert outperformed him. He finished with four receptions, 69 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Ertz’s production has been up and down all season. He’s also struggling to separate and come down with contested catches. This situation is something to monitor. The Eagles offense has struggled with vertical threat DeSean Jackson. 

Statistical Observations

  • Elliott is the only player to log 100 or more rushing yards in a game against the Eagles this season according to NFL research. Ironically, he is also the last player to accomplish this feat. Elliott rushed 100 or more rushing yards against Philadelphia back in Week 14 of last season. 
  • Prescott scored his 21st career rushing touchdown. That breaks a tie with Roger Staubach for mots by a Cowboys quarterback in franchise history according to NFL Research. It took Staubach 112 games to do it while it only took Prescott 55. 

Conclusion

The Patriots and the Jets will face off against each other on Monday Night Football. Be on the lookout for the Week 8 edition of Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em, my Week 8 rankings, and an analysis of some of our Advanced Metrics. If you have questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Twitter (@EricNMoody). Thanks for reading and please sign up for FantasyData Premium. 

Eric Moody
Eric Moody is a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers Association). His writing has been featured at FantasyPros, Gridiron Experts, RotoViz, and TwoQBs. He has a lifelong passion for the game and even played at the collegiate level as an offensive lineman. Eric also participated in Dan Hatman's Scouting Academy in order to learn the process of player evaluation at an NFL level. When Eric provides advice, he uses game film, analytics, and statistics to help you understand his perspective. He enjoys time with his family, Netflix, music, bass guitar, and coffee
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