Here are some random thoughts approaching the half-way point in most fantasy football seasons:
_ Lamar Jackson's 16-game pace: 4,019 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns (against only 13 interceptions), 1,227 rushing yards (on 184 carries) and five rushing touchdowns. Imagine the possibilities when offensive coordinator Greg Roman starts incorporating rollouts and waggles in the passing game to force the defense to pick its poison.
_ If you factor in consistency, it's fair to consider Mike Evans (52 targets, 27 receptions, 464 yards and four touchdowns) the WR1a to Chris Godwin's (54 targets, 43 receptions, 662 yards and six touchdowns) WR1 in Tampa Bay.
_ If you told me before the draft Sony Michel would be on pace for 267 carries at this point of the season, I would have been giddy. Unfortunately, Michel's also on pace for 928 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. While not awful, those numbers are underwhelming. Look, we knew what this was before we signed up for it. The Patriots do not care about our fantasy teams. Our biggest concern before the draft was Michel's health, not the senior citizen or Brandon Bolden vulturing touchdowns. If he stays healthy, be patient, Michel will produce. I'm sure a three-score week is right around the corner.
_ I'm not as confident when it comes to Joe Mixon. His 16-game pace: 931 total yards, 37 receptions and three total touchdowns. This is not the production you hoped for when you drafted him in the second round (some of you burned your first-round pick). The Bengals are at the beginning of a rebuild (they just don't know it yet). The only positive thing I can say is Cincinnati plays at Miami Week 16 if you're lucky enough to still be alive in your fantasy playoffs.
_ The Atlanta Falcons 1-5 start has been a blessing for fantasy owners. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are top five options at their positions. Those who didn't believe in Austin Hooper's breakthrough last season are being proven wrong. He's currently the top tight end in fantasy. Devonta Freeman and Calvin Ridley are both locked in as a RB2 and WR2, respectively.
Here are my best bets for Week 7:
