Tomorrow is Halloween, but it feels like we've already had a full-on Prank Night. Cam Skattebo's horrific injury it was a real nightmare. The Fox Sports broadcast decided not to show a replay. And for good reason. Skattebo's leg looked almost severed from the ankle. Eagles linebacker Zach Brown's takedown was a classic hip tackle, which is illegal in the NFL. In a similar scenario, a hip tackle sprained WR Chris Godwin's ankle, causing him to miss most of 2024. After rushing to play this season, Godwin has only appeared in two games and is a shadow of his former self. He hasn't played since Week 5, which is an ominous sign for Skattebo's fortunes. The Eagles did not receive any punishment for Brown's gross misconduct, just one of many questionable waivers that went in Philly's favor. After an NFL review, Brown will likely be fined ($17,389), but I think a fair sentence would be to suspend him until Skattebo returns to the field in 2026.
In the spirit of the spooky season, let's take a look at the Halloween fantasy billboard for week nine.
Dizziness!
QB Patrick Mahomes to Bills — Mahomes is a wizard against Buffalo. I don't see how the Bills can stop him with star quarterback Ed Oliver out for the season. Buffalo fans will turn into the Sour Patch Kids when Mahomes is done with them.
QB Dak Prescott vs. Cardinals — Cowboy was caught by the Broncos in Denver (188 yards, no touchdowns). But don't worry. This week Duck is the Jolly Rancher in Arizona.
RB Kimani Vidal in Titans — Launched this year, Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Latte Nuggets feature “seasonal warm spice flavors and a hint of pumpkin.” If you're looking for a spicy seasonal splash, look no further than Vidal against the soft Titans defense. If you had him on your bench last week, a latte is better than never.
RB Kyren Williams vs Saints — To say that Williams' last two matches were “(Milk) Duds” is an understatement. Milk Duds are the Halloween candy that is most likely to tear the filling off. I believe the pain Williams will inflict on the Saints this week will be even worse.
WR Jaylen Waddle vs. Ravens – Waddle's only start against Cleveland in Week 7 was Laffy Taffy. But his five catches for 99 yards and a touchdown last week were “good and plenty.” He continues his sweet play against the Ravens' 31st-ranked passing defense.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers — Nobody likes to receive apples for a treat or a joke. But apples are good for you. Not many people were high on Pittman this year. But he was a great addition to any lineup.
TE Noah Fant vs. Bears —Chicago's defense against tight ends is as soft as a pocket of warm gummy bears. Fant should enjoy his best game of the year.
HERE'S DOWN!
QB Trevor Lawrence to Raiders “I expect Lawrence to wilt in the dessert heat like a Hershey's bar left in the sun.” A runny, sticky mess is all he's been good at this year, with just two games with two or more TD passes.
QB C.J. Stroud vs. Broncos – After giving his owners a tasty performance (318 yards, 2 touchdowns) against the 49ers, don't let C.J. fool you into playing against the second-best passing defense in the NFL. Through eight games, the Broncos have picked off eight passes.
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. 49ers — Before Skattebo took the reins in Week 4, Tracy's best rush was 29 yards. You're an Airhead if you start one.
RB Kenneth Walker III in Commanders — Willy Wonka had the Eternal Gobstopper. This is Zach Charbonnet. Wonka's rival was Arthur Slugworth. His candy was the disgusting Slugworth Sizzler. Hello, Kenneth Walker III.
WR Troy Franklin in Texas — Senior Mints Puka Nacua (27 points) and Jackson Smith-Njigba (30 points) are the only WRs who had decent days against the Texans. Young Franklin is a Junior Mint variety. Leave him on the bench until he matures.
WR Buffalo WRs vs Chiefs — Runts are small fruit-shaped candies with a hard shell and a powdery center. They are available in five fruity flavors. Neither taste is better than the other; no one stands out. This perfectly describes the Bills WR corps – a lot of Shorties and no standouts.
TE Dalton Schultz vs. Broncos — All the Smarties added Schiltz as a sleeper but were rewarded with two receptions for 24 yards. The Broncos just held the number one TE in Fantasy (Jake Ferguson) without any catches. There will be no PayDay for Schultz this week.
Thursday Night Special: Florida native Lamar Jackson is in for a homecoming of sorts as the Ravens take care of business in Miami. The Finns would lose the game, but would make up the 7.5 point difference. And while you're at it, bet over (50) on this wild bet. Crows 30 Dolphins 27
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Bill Reinhardt is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.
