NFL Supercoach | Risers and Fallers so far this season


<p>We are now three weeks into the NFL season and, more importantly, three weeks into the inaugural season of NFL Supercoach.</p>



<p>Cast your mind back to preseason, endless hours spent toying with our teams until eventually, we were forced to settle on a group of players. </p>



<p>For me, there were certain players I had locked into my team from day one, and players I knew I was never going to consider.</p>



<p>All of these decisions were based on expectations.</p>



<p>Now that we have a decent three-week sample size, it is time to look back on some of these expectations and whether they have been exceeded, met, or fallen short of.</p>



<p>We obviously can&#8217;t go through absolutely everyone, but we will try to discuss most of the notables&#8230;</p>



<a id='HRpZEPgjTYBmD_6KNDSW4A' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2236633248' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'HRpZEPgjTYBmD_6KNDSW4A',sig:'I86RVmoyxWEHrJsi4GB2hl_Aca1yXw9aAlf924SzB3Y=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2236633248',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Ones We Got Right (expectations met)</strong></h3>



<p>Fortunately, not all of our preseason research and predictions went to waste.</p>



<p>We won&#8217;t spend time going through each of these players individually, because as the category suggests, our preseason analysis for these players was pretty spot on. </p>



<p><strong>Josh Allen</strong> and <strong>Lamar Jackson</strong> are the two highest-averaging players so far, exactly as predicted. </p>



<p>Top-end running backs <strong>Bijan, CMC,</strong> and <strong>Gibbs</strong> all sit inside the top 5 scorers in their position.</p>



<p>The wide receiver position has turned out to be the hardest to predict, with <strong>Puka</strong> and <strong>St.Brown</strong> being the only elite options to truly live up to the hype. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, popular cheapies <strong>McMillan</strong>, <strong>Egbuka</strong>, <strong>Warren</strong>, and <strong>Hampton</strong> (assisted by the unfortunate injury to Najee Harris) are also generating good cash as hoped. </p>



<a id='7MKg_5MCTlBOH_lbXNMvXQ' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2236610643' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'7MKg_5MCTlBOH_lbXNMvXQ',sig:'ddqj4th7U7Pts5yzOpX3pv6KS-uEX38K6lOIi1nqHMU=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2236610643',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Risers (expectations exceeded)</strong></h3>



<p>Some of these players we had slight inklings about, and some have appeared out of thin air; nonetheless, these are the players that have greatly exceeded their expectations/value and look to be on their way towards a breakout season. </p>



<p>It would be rude not to start with <strong>Jonathan Taylor</strong>.</p>



<p>Three weeks into the season, he trails only Lamar and Allen in overall points, boasting a monster 47-point Supercoach average. </p>



<p>It would be unfair to label this as Taylor&#8217;s breakout season, as he finished as RB1 back in 2022, so it&#8217;s more like his season of resurgence.</p>



<p>But wow, do I wish that I had started the season with JT in my Supercoach side.</p>



<p>He has been the beneficiary of a dominant offensive line and an overall efficient offensive unit led by Daniel Jones, who is having a resurgence in his own right.</p>



<p>If JT can manage to stay healthy (touchwood, as he has struggled with this in the past), he looks on track to finish as a top 3 running back in Supercoach.</p>



<a id='dwppE94TSMN_HjDgmlqFBQ' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2236621692' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'dwppE94TSMN_HjDgmlqFBQ',sig:'m4N_pPU2N6mPFVt0hFV7L5wmLfb9OqcoRhqicRvxVZg=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2236621692',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p>If you want to hear about a true breakout season, look no further than <strong>Rome Odunze.</strong></p>



<p>After a slightly disappointing rookie season, Odunze has come out of the blocks FIRING!</p>



<p>He has attracted 27 targets, which he has turned into 227 yards, but more impressively, 4 touchdowns. </p>



<p>Although it is highly unlikely he can keep this up, I will keep riding these high scores and the abundance of cash generation that comes with it until it stops. </p>



<a id='jfmZ3tmYSZtut05-u0WbIw' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2235419128' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'jfmZ3tmYSZtut05-u0WbIw',sig:'cCl0VgH6lPR-IS6QyIyEnbifyLqjkItLCu8B_VYqknE=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2235419128',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p><strong>Javonte Williams </strong>is another who has started off the season with some huge scores and cash generation to come with it. </p>



<p>Same as Odunze, probably look to cash in once his price peaks, as I doubt he can keep this up, but exceeding expectations nonetheless.</p>



<p>Although it is hard to compete with the elite two at quarterback, and none of these guys are over 6% owned, I think we should still acknowledge the impressive start to the season by <strong>Caleb Williams, Daniel Jones, Justin Herbert, </strong>and <strong>Drake Maye. </strong></p>



<p>If you are ever feeling extra risky and want to shake up your team, I would consider all of these quarterbacks as viable POD options.</p>



<a id='ekEvs_7eRm9pM06yFHsicQ' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2234518781' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'ekEvs_7eRm9pM06yFHsicQ',sig:'K4uteqon0Lkrx9LA0ETe_Nqxj0go7_QglOYdqntR_sE=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2234518781',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p>Every year, there are a few players that you can identify as potential risers, but not quite convincing enough to give all the preseason hype to.</p>



<p>This year&#8217;s? <strong>Jaxon Smith-Njigba.</strong></p>



<p>I sit here writing this after trading him in for an underwhelming 21 on Thursday Night Football, but even still, I am confident he can finish as a top 6 WR in Supercoach this season. </p>



<p>He is currently top 3 in the NFL for targets, receptions, and receiving yards, while also leading the league with a ridiculous 40% target share. </p>



<p>Although these numbers will be difficult to maintain throughout the season, there is nothing stopping JSN from continuing to produce. </p>



<a id='bOTsBx82TB9KlblXUt9iFg' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2236326140' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'bOTsBx82TB9KlblXUt9iFg',sig:'-kw9FCFxXOLjVzkwkJcE5arB-zcwrfjdN2TKX1Smro8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2236326140',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p>Finally, if we are talking about exceeding expectations, we must mention <strong>James Cook</strong>.</p>



<p>Cook has produced solidly for a few seasons now in a Bills offense that continues to be one of the league&#8217;s best.</p>



<p>He has benefitted from an efficient Bills running game behind a great offensive line, as well as an increased workload as the Bills continue to find themselves with positive game scripts.</p>



<p>Cook is finishing a lot of these drives off by strolling into the endzone, so if that can continue, the sky is the limit for him as a Supercoach option.</p>



<a id='uD7iErQtRaF-GPF-xgL8eQ' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2236621927' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'uD7iErQtRaF-GPF-xgL8eQ',sig:'sl2ClVgDms4penAgu10OgsQZKKITbgdiZdw_LzKFkZw=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2236621927',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Fallers (fallen short of expectations)</strong></h3>



<p>Unfortunately, we can&#8217;t get everything right.</p>



<p>You will notice that for most of these players, the preseason doubts we have mentioned have eventuated, so we didn&#8217;t exactly get it entirely wrong either (or maybe I&#8217;m just coping).</p>



<p>I think it is only fair that we start with the highest owned player in NFL Supercoach.</p>



<p>Currently still sitting at 65.7% ownership and averaging a mere 14.7 points is the rookie sensation <strong>Ashton Jeanty</strong>!</p>



<p>I saw a stat that pretty much sums it up perfectly: Through three games, Ashton Jeanty has rushed for 145 yards after contact, he has 144 total rushing yards on the season. </p>



<p>To put it in other words, the problem isn&#8217;t Jeanty, it is the Raiders.</p>



<p>If this magically improves, I expect Jeanty&#8217;s scoring to be solid as he is still receiving about 15 carries a game despite the Raiders often trailing.</p>



<p>However, just 5 receptions for 3 yards so far this season might put a cap on Jeanty&#8217;s potential as a top running back in Supercoach.</p>



<a id='-GJEJjOGRmh9aEUD9W7d8g' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2235846803' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'-GJEJjOGRmh9aEUD9W7d8g',sig:'6rVGY5mzZ1ICH0cVP9uKJSStaNxg-2LFAFGzaNaKw1A=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2235846803',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p>Yet another victim of the horrid Raiders offense is <strong>Brock Bowers</strong>.</p>



<p>The highest owned tight end in Supercoach has struggled so far this season, averaging just 17.3 points. </p>



<p>However, I wouldn&#8217;t be too worried about Bowers; he has still shown promise and seems to still not be 100% after the knock to his knee in week 1.</p>



<p>If we are talking about falling short of expectations, we have to mention <strong>Ja&#8217;Marr Chase</strong>.</p>



<p>You could never have factored in Joe Burrow going down injured in week 2, leaving Jake Browning at the helm of the offense (for now at least).</p>



<p>I still think Chase can produce solidly, but obviously, his ceiling has decreased.</p>



<a id='4WoTyfpBS69ZmhxRvVbw6w' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2236604243' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'4WoTyfpBS69ZmhxRvVbw6w',sig:'ScncyCGeWafyy0WSAPzaUMSpEpXbSc0o0jhr7k21ylo=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2236604243',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p>On to another Bengals weapon, <strong>Chase Brown</strong>.</p>



<p>The preseason hype took off for Brown, but it has all come crashing down just as fast.</p>



<p>The injury to Burrow doesn&#8217;t help as the offense weakens and Brown receives fewer scoring opportunities. </p>



<p>Even still, the Bengals are showing absolutely no pulse of a running game, and I can&#8217;t see this getting much better behind this woeful offensive line.</p>



<p><strong>Justin Jefferson</strong> and <strong>Drake London</strong> have also struggled to start the season compared to their high expectations. </p>



<p>However, this was always a known possibility, as receiver production is only a factor of quarterback play.  </p>



<a id='Di5GxcmIT_Vl-dhrWzRDGw' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2235447777' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'Di5GxcmIT_Vl-dhrWzRDGw',sig:'qIrxFF2ctGIYHbBWR_Ad1QBmA3Sxw37LQW1_H5JaMzU=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2235447777',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p><strong>Saquon Barkley </strong>entered the season as the highest-priced running back, but he is quickly starting to lose cash off the back of some relatively quiet performances.</p>



<p>You can go back to my preseason analysis, where I highlighted the issue of Jalen Hurts stealing his redzone touches and the likelihood that Barkley&#8217;s long touchdown rate will regress this season. </p>



<p>We have now seen these doubts turn into reality in the form of low Supercoach scores.</p>



<p>However, I still think he finishes the season as a top 5 running back due to the pure dominance of Philly&#8217;s running game.</p>



<p>As a Barkley non-owner, I am waiting for him to bottom out in cash before looking to trade him in.</p>



<a id='O-fzOwfNQVJUpRGWhhFfqA' class='gie-single' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2237164155' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;' rel="noopener">Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'O-fzOwfNQVJUpRGWhhFfqA',sig:'OvvYXNlkaOiCwKQiqGsBIqxRQEhR9FmPVRcL4LBVNS8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2237164155',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script>



<p>Last but not least, we must mention a few of the under-performing rookies.</p>



<p><strong>Matthew Golden</strong>, <strong>TreVeyon Henderson</strong>, and <strong>RJ Harvey</strong> have all struggled to produce three weeks into their NFL career.</p>



<p>As always with rookies, opportunity is golden (pun intended), and unfortunately, these players just haven&#8217;t gotten the opportunities yet.</p>



<p>I wouldn&#8217;t regard them as busts just yet, but certinaly fallers compared to their preseason expectations.</p>


NFL Supercoach | Risers and Fallers so far this season

Discussion (0)

One-stop Kop: Supercoach EPL, everything you need to know week nine

The Blitz: NFL Supercoach, everything you need to know week 8

NBA Supercoach | Cheapie Analysis

NBA Supercoach Team Reveal | Oscar’s squad + analysis