Eagles Rumors: Zach Ertz 'Pushing Hard' to Play vs. Giants Despite Rib Injury
Dec 25, 2019
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 15: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the first half of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network on Wednesday, however, Ertz is "pushing hard" to play with a fractured rib:
#Eagles list TE Zach Ertz (ribs) as not practicing today in an injury-report estimate because there was no practice today. Word is Ertz is pushing hard to play but we’ll see if he gets the green light from docs and athletic trainers.
The Eagles are beat up on the offensive side of the ball. Star right tackle Lane Johnson, wideouts Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and Nelson Agholor and running back Jordan Howard have all missed recent games. Howard, at least, is expected back this week:
Miles Sanders said he isn’t sure how the workload will be split up with the imminent return of Jordan Howard but he’s happy to have him back. “He makes us better,” Sanders said. #Eagles
Jeffery is out for the season, while Jackson is a possibility to return in the second round of the playoffs if the Eagles make it that far, according to Tim McManus of ESPN.com.
So missing Ertz would be an enormous blow for the Eagles on Sunday. Granted, other players have stepped up during the team's three-game winning streak.
Rookie running back Miles Sanders has emerged as a star in the making. Tight end Dallas Goedert was superb against the Dallas Cowboys in a must-win game this past week, catching nine passes for 91 yards and a score. Wide receiver Greg Ward Jr., who spent most of the year on the practice squad, has 15 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown over the past three weeks.
And Carson Wentz has played like a star during the winning streak, throwing for 910 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions while completing 70.6 percent of his passes. Considering his lack of weapons, his play has been all the more impressive.
Losing his favorite target in Ertz would be a blow. The one saving grace in Week 17 if Ertz can't play could be a New York Giants defense that is 26th in passing yards allowed (263.1) and 25th in passing touchdowns sacrificed (29).
The Eagles have found a way to scrape victories with their season on the line during the past three weeks. They may need to do so again if Ertz can't go against the Giants.
Eagles' Zach Ertz Reportedly Fractured Rib vs. Cowboys; TE Played Through Injury
Any extended injury could be rough for the Eagles as Ertz has developed into one of the top players in the NFL at his position and took his game to a new level last season.
The veteran broke Jason Witten's NFL record for the most catches by a tight end in a season last year, finishing with 116 receptions for 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns.
This followed an impressive bout of consistency with at least 70 catches and 800 yards in three straight seasons, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2017. At a position with few reliable players, the Stanford product has been as productive as anyone.
He's been the team's most consistent offensive weapon for Carson Wentz this season, catching 88 passes for 916 yards and six scores.
The only downside in Ertz's career had been injuries, and he missed at least one week in each season from 2015-17. He seemed to be past this problem with a flawless year in 2018, but it appears he is again limited by a physical issue.
Dallas Goedert should be able to pick up the slack at tight end if Ertz misses the team's Week 17 clash with the New York Giants, while Greg Ward Jr. and rookie J.J. Arcega-Whiteside will need to again step up for the injury-plagued Eagles.
Daily Fantasy Football Week 16: DraftKings, FanDuel Strategies and Value Picks
Dec 20, 2019
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 16: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Indianapolis Colts during a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
If regular-season NFL action is your preferred daily fantasy option of choice, time is running out to cash in on the 2019 campaign.
Only two weeks are left on the slate, and as any seasoned fantasy footballer can attest, it might functionally be only one, since Week 17 can get unpredictable.
So, even though this format always keeps the pressure up, it could feel even higher than most weeks with the seconds ticking down on the season clock.
Let's help you make the most of things by identifying two core players and two value picks who demand consideration on your DraftKings and FanDuel lineups.
Week 16 Core Players
Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints ($9,300 DK; $9,000 FD)
The wide receiver position is inherently volatile. The player doesn't control his touches, and he's at the mercy of everything from quarterback accuracy and coaching aggressiveness to defensive coverage and game script.
But somehow Michael Thomas has found a way to almost eliminate all volatility. Seven of his last eight outings have featured at least 101 receiving yards. He's averaged 10 receptions and 0.625 touchdowns in this stretch.
His price reflects his scorching hot streak, but consistency at the position is worth the heavy investment. Plus, his upcoming opponent, the Tennessee Titans, have been ripped apart by this position's elite, like DeAndre Hopkins (six receptions for 119 yards), Tyreek Hill (11 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown) and Mike Evans (11 grabs for 198 yards and two scores).
Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles ($6,400 DK; $6,900 FD)
As with Thomas, Zach Ertz comes attached to a level of security seldom seen at his position.
Tight end target shares have seemed to rise and fall with little (if any) rhyme or reason. But as the last recognizable pass-catcher on an injury-ridded Philly roster, he is all but guaranteed to be an active participant in the aerial attack. He's been targeted 10-plus times in five of his last six games, totaling 47 receptions for 464 yards and five touchdowns in this stretch.
Ertz almost produces like a WR1, he just isn't priced as such. That makes him a worthwhile investment every week, but he looks especially inviting against a Dallas Cowboys defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends, per Yahoo Sports.
Looking to save some pennies on your passer so you can splurge on skill players? Drew Lock should be right up your alley.
Forgive the rookie for his Week 15 struggles. As bad as the numbers might look (45.0 completion percentage, zero scores with one pick), just remember he was playing in a snowstorm and against a defense that's probably stingier than you realize (Kansas City Chiefs, 11th-fewest passing yards allowed per game).
Go back to Lock's two previous starts—the first and second of his NFL career—and he connected on 72.7 percent of his passes while throwing for five touchdowns against two interceptions.
Now, he draws a Detroit Lions defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to the position. It's almost like the football gods scheduled him a bargain-priced bounce-back game.
Mike Boone, RB, Minnesota Vikings ($4,900 DK; $5,900 FD)
The injury reports will make or break this recommendation. But with Dalvin Cook unlikely to play, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, and Alexander Mattison not practicing as of Thursday, Mike Boone is looming large as a clearance-priced potential starter.
It would be the first start of Boone's NFL career, so an investment here would require some risk. But it would still be a start in one of the league's top rushing attacks against one of its worst run defenses. The Green Bay Packers give up the eighth-most fantasy points per game, making him an intriguing option if he ends up atop this backfield.
He already flashed his potential in Week 15, when injuries afforded him 13 carries, and he capitalized on the chances with 56 rushing yards and two scores. He has something close to RB1 upside, and if he delivers on it, he'll probably be the common link between Week 16's biggest daily fantasy winners.
Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings: Positional Overview, Guide and Advice
Dec 17, 2019
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Cheers to every fantasy football owner who still has a pulse entering Week 16 of the 2019 NFL season.
No matter what happens from here, you've had an excellent season and one worth celebrating.
But let's be honest—the celebration will be a whole lot sweeter if it involves a league title. So, let's do everything we can to get you to that point by laying out our top-10 positional rankings at every spot for Week 16.
Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings
Quarterback
1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
2. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
4. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears
5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans
6. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans
7. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
8. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
9. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans vs. New Orleans Saints
10. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
It really did snow in Kansas City on Sunday, right? The blizzard was right in front of our eyes, but didn't you question its existence after reviewing the box score? Who goes 27-of-34 for 340 yards and two scores in a snowstorm?
Patrick Mahomes, reigning NFL MVP, that's who. He won't match last season's statistical output, but he can work as much magic at the position as anyone. So, while we might point out with other passers that the Bears aren't an especially favorable matchup—sixth-fewest fantasy points allowed to the position, per Yahoo—the 24-year-old is so talented that the matchup doesn't even matter.
It doesn't always look nearly as pretty with Jameis Winston, but fantasy victories aren't decided by style points. Volume remains king, and his is elite.
The 25-year-old has thrown for more than 450 passing yards and four touchdowns each of his last two times out with the Buccaneers. He's had at least 300 passing yards in eight of his last nine games, and he had multiple touchdown strikes in six of them.
Winston could post silly statistics again, as he draws a Texans defense surrendering the sixth-most points to opposing quarterbacks.
Running Back
1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts
2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants at Washington Redskins
3. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
4. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
5. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans
6. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans vs. New Orleans Saints
7. Josh Jacobs, Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
8. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
9. Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons
10. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
Remember when Cincinnati's struggles seemed destined to deal Joe Mixon a wasted season? Well, even though the team never did spring to life, the running back found his footing on his own.
He has cleared 100 scrimmage yards in four of his last six games, including Sunday, when he converted 25 rushes and three receptions into 156 total yards. The week before, it was 23 carries and three catches for 186 yards and a score.
None of those matchups look as sweet as a date with a Dolphins defense surrendering the sixth-most points to the position. Mixon now seems determined to close his campaign on a high note.
Chris Carson's fantasy stock was never hurting, but it exploded in value once the Seahawks lost Rashaad Penny to a season-ending ACL injury. In his first game since Penny was shut down, the 25-year-old carried the ball 24 times for 133 yards and two scores.
Granted, the matchup was great, as the Panthers allow the most points to running backs of any defense. But it's not like the Cardinals are that much stingier. They give up the 11th-most production the position, and they just watched Nick Chubb reel off 127 yards and a score on only 17 attempts.
Wide Receiver
1. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans
2. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
5. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
6. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders
7. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
8. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears
9. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
10. DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Michael Thomas has officially entered taking-no-prisoners mode. He's destroying defenses on an almost weekly basis and separating himself from a position group loaded with playmakers.
The gap between the 26-year-old and everyone else just keeps widening. After Monday night's effort of 12 catches (on 12 targets) for 128 yards and a score, he now has 22 more receptions than anyone and nearly a 100-yard cushion on second place in that category (1,424, next is Chris Godwin's 1,333).
At this point, he makes every defense seem exploitable. A week ago, he put up 11 catches, 134 yards and a touchdown against the stingy San Francisco 49ers. For Week 16, he gets a Titans unit that just watched DeAndre Hopkins pop for six grabs and 118 yards.
If you have the good fortune of owning Thomas, congratulations—the rich (in this case, you) are about to get richer.
Elsewhere, DeVante Parker is doing the unthinkable by playing in a mostly punch-less Dolphins offense and nevertheless cracking the elite ranks.
The 26-year-old just had his second multi-score performance in the last three weeks. His touchdown total is up to eight, which is tied for fourth-most in the NFL. He's also delivering 16.2 yards per catch, which is the seventh-best mark among players with at least 50 receptions.
Tight End
1. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears
3. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
4. Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Darren Waller, Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
6. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
7. Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders
8. Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans
9. Jacob Hollister, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
10. O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans
Consistent volume has been tricky to find among this season's tight end crop, but a rash of injuries to the Eagles' receiving core has all but guaranteed that luxury to Zach Ertz.
The 29-year-old was targeted 10 times on Sunday. Believe it or not, that was actually his second-lowest target total in his last six games. During that stretch, he's had four different outings with at least nine receptions for 91-plus yards, and he's found the end zone five times.
If there's a defense capable of slowing his run, Dallas doesn't appear to be it. The Cowboys yield the 11th-most points to the position, and they just allowed Tyler Higbee to snag a season-high 12 receptions for 111 yards.
Also, if you're hoping for a miracle from Jacob Hollister—who hasn't scored since mid-November and only topped 50 receiving yards all season—you just might be in luck.
He gets Arizona this week, which is basically a holiday gift for a tight end. The Cardinals allow an average of 16.6 points per game to the position. The Seahawks are the second-most generous unit at 13.1. Eleven different tight ends have scored against the Cardinals, and two sniffed the end zone twice.
Defense
1. Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
2. New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills
3. San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
4. Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions
5. Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
6. Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
7. Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets
8. Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears
9. Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
10. Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants
Kicker
1. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
2. Wil Lutz, New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans
3. Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears
4. Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
5. Greg Zuerlein, Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
6. Zane Gonzalez, Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
7. Michael Badgley, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders
8. Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
9. Matt Gay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans
10. Jason Sanders, Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
NFL Week 16 Predictions: Early Projections for Vegas' Odds, Lines and Spreads
Dec 16, 2019
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes against the Buffalo Bills in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Three of the five NFL divisions still up for grabs will come into focus for Week 16.
The New England Patriots can solidify their spot atop the AFC East with a victory over the Buffalo Bills in one of three Saturday contests.
On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles play for the NFC East lead, while the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings square off Monday night in the NFC North.
There will be other contests that affect the AFC and NFC playoff races, but those three are the most important because they could determine division champions.
Buffalo at New England (-6.5) (4:30 p.m., NFL Network)
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco (-6.5) (8:15 p.m., NFL Network)
Sunday, December 22
Baltimore (-10) at Cleveland (1 p.m., CBS)
Cincinnati at Miami (-1.5) (1 p.m., CBS)
Pittsburgh (-3) at New York Jets (1 p.m., CBS)
Jacksonville at Atlanta (-7) (1 p.m., Fox)
Carolina at Indianapolis (-7) (1 p.m., Fox)
New Orleans (-1.5) at Tennessee (1 p.m., Fox)
New York Giants at Washington (-2.5) (1 p.m., Fox)
Detroit at Denver (-6.5) (4:05 p.m., CBS)
Oakland at Los Angeles Chargers (-5) (4:05 p.m., CBS)
Dallas (-2.5) at Philadelphia (4:25 p.m., Fox)
Arizona at Seattle (-9.5) (4:25 p.m., Fox)
Kansas City (-5) at Chicago (8:20 p.m., NBC)
Monday, December 23
Green Bay at Minnesota (-4) (8:15 p.m., ESPN)
Predictions
Buffalo at New England (-6.5)
The spread for Saturday's tilt at Gillette Stadium reflects New England's six-point margin of victory from Week 4 at New Era Field.
Buffalo totaled more yards in the 16-10 defeat, but it was careless with the ball by giving up four turnovers.
Although the Bills achieved some success against the Patriots, and since then, Bill Belichick's team has lost to each of the other three AFC division leaders, beating the reigning champion at home is still a difficult task.
The Patriots are 4-0 in the AFC East, with one of those victories coming at home versus the New York Jets in Week 3.
The current division leader has not lost to a divisional foe at home since 2016, when the Bills won 16-0 in Week 4 with Jacoby Brissett under center for New England.
Tom Brady has not lost to an AFC East side in his home stadium since Week 17 of the 2014 campaign, a defeat that also came at the hands of the Bills.
The Patriots' current eight-game home winning streak versus division teams features eight double-digit victories.
In fact, eight of New England's 11 wins have been by 10 points or more, including Week 15's bounce-back victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in which it earned 291 total yards and forced five turnovers.
The Bills can keep the game tight by earning takeaways of their own and limiting Brady's production.
Despite throwing for under 200 yards in three of the last four contests, the 42-year-old has seven touchdowns and two interceptions in that span.
Brady's ability to produce scoring plays while earning a small passing-yard total could come into play Saturday since the Bills rank third in total yards and passing yards allowed.
The Patriots sit first in total yards conceded and second in passing yards given up, and that could be their X-factor in minimizing Josh Allen's offensive threat.
In Week 4, Allen completed less than half of his passes and was picked off on three occasions. He also failed to create momentum on the ground with 26 rushing yards.
If the Patriots contain the second-year quarterback once again, they should continue their home dominance within the division and capture the AFC East crown.
Dallas at Philadelphia (+2.5)
Sunday afternoon's clash at Lincoln Financial Field may not be easy on the eyes.
Dallas enters Week 16 off its first win over a team with a winning record, while Philadelphia struggled to close out wins over the New York Giants and Washington Redskins in back-to-back weeks.
The Cowboys possess more offensive firepower with Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper healthy, but the Eagles have found a way to win with a depleted receiving corps.
The key for the home side could be its rushing defense, which is the third-best in the NFL behind Tampa Bay and the New York Jets.
In all but one of Dallas' defeats, Elliott has been held under 100 rushing yards, and his triple-digit outings on the road have been against both New York franchises and Washington.
On his last three road trips, the 1,000-yard rusher has 212 rushing yards on 56 carries.
Conversely, Dallas allows 13 more ground yards per contest than its NFC East foe, and it allowed 151 in its last away game.
Miles Sanders, who has developed into a dual-threat back lately, could hurt the Cowboys defense, as he is coming off 172 total yards versus Washington.
Additionally, Zach Ertz has at least 90 receiving yards in his last four home games, and he has found the end zone on four occasions in the last month.
If Sanders and Ertz continue to produce at a high level, and the Eagles take away Elliott's effectiveness, the Eagles could earn their third straight win and take over first place in the NFC East.
Report: George Kittle, Zach Ertz, Among TEs Expected to Sign Lucrative Contracts
Dec 15, 2019
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates his touchdown in the second half an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
San Francisco's George Kittle, Philadelphia's Zach Ertz and Atlanta's Austin Hooper are expected to sign significant contract extensions this offseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Per that report, "Multiple sources around the league believe that Kittle, Hooper and Ertz will redefine the value of NFL tight ends this season, and the position is about see a major bump in the salaries paid to them."
Kittle is in line to make $735,000 next season in the final year of his rookie deal, though he's outplayed that valuation by a large margin. The 26-year-old has registered 60 receptions for 754 yards and four scores in 11 games, a year after catching 88 passes for 1,377 yards and five touchdowns.
He's been one of the Niners' key offensive weapons in their 11-2 start to the season.
Ertz, meanwhile, has been one of the NFL's elite pass-catching tight ends for years, with two Pro Bowl selections to his name. He's had another strong year for the Eagles amid the team's consistent issues with injuries and depth at wide receiver, registering 79 catches for 827 yards and five scores.
Philly's next-best, healthy receiving threat this season is fellow tight end Dallas Goedert (40 receptions for 396 yards and four touchdowns). The team's top three wideouts have all dealt with injuries—Alshon Jeffery is out for the season, DeSean Jackson appeared in only two games and Nelson Agholor has been in and out of the lineup.
As for Hooper, he's been one of the breakout stars at the position this season, with 58 receptions for 640 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. His touchdowns are a career high, while he should easily surpass his previous high in receiving yards (660) and could catch his previous high in receptions (71).
He's been one of the few bright spots for the 4-9 Falcons this season.
Hooper will be the headliner at the position in free agency this spring, with Los Angeles Chargers tight endHunter Henryand Indianapolis Colts' Eric Ebron offering solid consolation prizes for teams that miss out on Hooper.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Zach Ertz, Eagles Fantasy Stock After Alshon Jeffery Injury
Dec 12, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz in action during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The eighth-year wideout had caught 43 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns for the 6-7 Eagles.
The Eagles must make do without their No. 1 wide receiver but have a bevy of pass-catchers ready to assume a greater workload.
From a fantasy football perspective, we have three games of evidence to suggest how the target distribution may go in Jeffery's absence. Ultimately, the ex-Chicago Bear averaged 7.3 targets per game and sees the field the vast majority of time when he's active, so those looks and snaps have to go somewhere.
Philadelphia has previously gone without Jeffery three times this season: Week 2 at the Atlanta Falcons, Week 3 versus the Detroit Lions and Week 11 against the New England Patriots. We'll take a look at how those three games went down and try to make some predictions for the future.
Week 2: Atlanta Falcons
Jeffery played just six snaps in Week 2 because of a calf injury. Tight end Zach Ertz, wideout Nelson Agholor and wide receiver Mack Hollins proceeded to absorb 35 total targets.
Ertz had eight catches for 72 yards on 16 targets, Agholor snagged eight passes for 107 yards and a touchdown and Hollins posted a respectable five-catch, 50-yard line.
Ertz has been Wentz's most frequent target since the signal-caller entered the league in 2016, and that connection took center stage sans Jeffery here. Agholor saw an uptick in usage, though, while Hollins took advantage of his increased playing time.
Week 3: Detroit Lions
Nelson Agholor was a target machine once again during the Lions game, catching eight of his 12 passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns.
He may have racked up the fantasy points, but he had just 4.17 yards per target. In other words, volume trumped efficiency.
Mack Hollins was the only other Eagles wideout to see a notable uptick in looks, catching four passes for 62 yards on seven targets. He and Agholor were on the field for 99 percent of snaps.
Rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside didn't do much despite playing on 72 percent of snaps with one catch on 10 yards (three targets).
At running back, Miles Sanders played an important role in the pass game, snagging two passes (on four targets) for 73 yards.
Week 11: New England Patriots
Philadelphia faced a much tougher opponent during Jeffery's final absence, facing the New England Patriots and their No. 1 scoring defense.
The Eagles couldn't get much going through the air, with Wentz completing 20 of 40 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown.
Agholor saw an uptick in targets once again, catching four passes for 40 yards on nine targets. Eagles tight end Zach Ertz was a frequent Wentz target with nine receptions for 94 yards on 11 targets.
All other wideouts combined for just two catches for 35 yards on eight targets against the stingy Pats' secondary. Tight end Dallas Goedert notably saw increased usage, however, playing on 81 percent of snaps and catching three passes for 36 yards and a touchdown on six targets.
Conclusion
Ertz is always a must-start in season-long leagues, but he's an excellent play in daily contests regardless of the opponent given his increased opportunities.
Agholor, whose status for the Redskins game is "up in the air" because of a knee injury, would be a worthy flex option in point-per-reception leagues thanks to his increased target share if active. He's not as valuable in standard leagues because of his low yardage-per-target totals.
Goedert is worth keeping on the bench if needed with Jeffery out. He's seen increased snaps and targets, although he isn't likely to blow up in the wideout's absence unless Ertz misses time. Although the fantasy outlook could improve if Agholor is also ruled out.
Arcega-Whiteside is not a fantasy option at this time based on his output.
Carson Wentz OT TD Pass to Zach Ertz Leads Eagles to Win vs. Eli Manning, Giants
Dec 9, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles' Carson Wentz passes during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Somehow, the 6-7 Philadelphia Eagles are in ideal playoff position after Monday's 23-17 overtime victory over the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles snapped their three-game losing streak and are tied with the Dallas Cowboys atop the NFC East. The two sides play each other Dec. 22 in Philadelphia, meaning the Eagles still control their season after Zach Ertz scored the winning touchdown in their latest effort.
As for New York (2-11), it is playing out the string and has lost nine games in a row. Eli Manning started for the injured Daniel Jones but was unable to provide enough of a spark to stop the constant losing.
NYG WR Darius Slayton: 5 catches, 154 yards, 2 TDs
Eagles Save Their Season in Ugly Showing
Eagles fans who thought their season couldn't get worse after a three-game losing streak that included a loss to the Miami Dolphins nearly thought wrong.
Things went downhill fast Monday, as New York stuffed Carson Wentz and forced a fumble on a quarterback sneak on 4th-and-1 on Philadelphia's second possession after fans booed a costly sack on the first possession.
From there, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery suffered afoot injury, leavingPhiladelphia with just Greg Ward and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside as active wide receivers. What's more, offensive tackle Lane Johnson was carted off the field with anankle injury, and Miles Sanders was sidelined with cramps.
Lane Johnson on a cart to the locker room. Next cart will be for the Eagles' season.
There was finally reason for fleeting optimism in the second half, though, thanks to Ertz and Boston Scott.
Scott capped a 10-play drive that included six handoffs with a score late in the third quarter and was a weapon for the rest of the game with elusive moves in space. His burst into the open field in overtime helped set up the winning touchdown pass to Ertz.
Ertz also played the role of hero in regulation when he hauled in a touchdown catch with less than two minutes remaining to help force overtime. Had he not scored twice, Eagles fans would have been left thinking about Ward's failure to haul in a catchable pass in the end zone and Jake Elliott's critical missed 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Nothing the Eagles did was pretty against a team they should have handled with ease, yet they fought through boos from their own crowd, dropped passes, injuries and more to save their season for at least another week.
Eli Manning Gives Fans a Microcosm of His Career in One Night
This is a lost season for the Giants, but Manning's return provided an intriguing storyline and an opportunity for nostalgia.
While the veteran started the first two games of the year, New YorknamedJones the starter for Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie held on to the job until his injury, giving Manning a chance to move above .500 in his career since he entered Monday's game with a 116-116 record.
The mark is fitting given his incredible highs as a two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler and notable lows as the league's leader in interceptions three different times.
He wasted little time reminding Eagles fans of those highs in the first half with two touchdown passes to Darius Slayton. The first came when Slayton broke free from a tackle on a quick-hitter and took it 35 yards to the house. The second was a beautifully placed deep ball for a 55-yard score in the final minute of the first half that sent the crowd into a frenzy of boos.
Eli connects with Darius Slayton for career TD #363
The duo also connected on another deep ball down the left sideline to set up a field goal in the second quarter.
The lows came in the second half.
Eli Manning second half stats: 4/11 passing (36.3%), 24 yards (2.1 y/a), 0 TD, 0 INT, 44.8 QB rating. Now that is a storybook ending for the Giants QB.
Manning failed to put a single point on the board for the remainder of the game, missing open receivers, struggling with pocket presence and stalling on key third downs. While he didn't turn the ball over, he also didn't make a single winning play after halftime when the game was there for the taking.
As they have throughout his career, the Giants took the bad with the good when it came to Manning.
What's Next?
The Giants host the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, while the Eagles are at Washington.
Doug Pederson: Eagles' Lack of Discipline, Consistency Is 'On Me'
Dec 2, 2019
The Philadelphia Eagles are riding a three-game losing streak, and head coach Doug Pederson is shouldering the blame for his team's slide to 5-7.
"We have to do better, and we will do better," Pederson told 94WIP's Angelo Cataldi on Monday. "Again, it's my responsibility."
"Our discipline, our consistency, the lack of that that showed up in this football game, that's on me. That's on me. And that's why I'm disappointed. I felt like and I think most people felt like we were the better football team. ... Having watched [the tape] again this morning, it's not who we are, it's not who I am as a coach, it's not how we teach things. It starts with me and I have to fix things this week heading into the Giants game."
The Eagles were upset 37-31 by the 3-9 Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Following the game, Eagles tight end Zach Ertz was just as hard on himself.
"I'm extremely disappointed in my play today," Ertz told reporters. "Probably one of the worst games I've played in a long time. ... We can't let this ruin the season."
Ertz had two crucial drops—one near the goal line and another falling down in the end zone—against the Dolphins, adding to the team's chronic case of the dropsies.
Pederson added that he is "disgusted, mad and angry" the Dolphins played better and seemed to want to win more than the Eagles.
Despite their underperforming, the Eagles still have a shot at capturing the NFC East. It is the weakest division in the NFL with the 6-6 Dallas Cowboys in the lead. But Philadelphia more than likely has to win out to keep any hope of making the playoffs alive, and Pederson is speaking like a man who knows that.
The Eagles next host the 2-10 New York Giants on Monday night.
Alas, fair friends, but it is time for Brian Westbrook and Adam Lefkoe to eulogize their beloved Philadelphia Eagles' season. Twas over before it got started, truly. Also, the Patriots are definitely cooked, right? Right?? Does anyone ACTUALLY believe that? Lefkoe believes John Harbaugh is absolutely the Coach of the Year, and that one other first year coach needs to be fired (but you'll have to listen to the podcast to find out who! That's called a tease!!). Keep coming back to The Lefkoe Show all season long and through the playoffs for more of Lefkoe and Westbrook's football discussions!
Eagles' Zach Ertz Calls Dolphins Loss 'One of the Worst' Games He's Ever Played
Dec 1, 2019
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after dropping a pass in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
"I'm extremely disappointed in my play today," Ertz told reporters. "Probably one of the worst games I've played in a long time. ... We can't let this ruin the season."
Ertz caught three of his six targets for 24 yards. The 29-year-old had two especially ugly drops. The first, in the third quarter when quarterback Carson Wentz hit him right in the hands near the end zone. The Eagles were trailing 28-20 at the time. The second came late in the fourth quarter when Wentz hit him in the corner of the end zone, and Ertz bobbled it as he fell down.
Zach Ertz should have 2 TDs today. Fell down on a pass that would have been on the money for a score, and then that last drop.
Ertz had been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout the week and was listed as questionable. However, he looked fine during warmups and was upgraded to active.
Zach Ertz looks happy after working out with Carson Wentz. He is active
He is trying to play today thru hurting hamstring. Looked good
Ertz is far from alone among Eagles receivers in struggling with drops this season.Jimmy Kempskiof the Philly Voice chronicled each of the team's 23 drops through Week 11. Entering the matchup with Miami, according to 94 WIP'sEliot Shorr-Parks, Wentz ranked 10th in the league in percentage of passes dropped.
It has been a disappointing season all around in Philadelphia.
Following the Eagles' 37-10 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, Ertzcalledhis team's performance "one of the most embarrassing games I've ever been a part of here in Philly."
Since then, the Eagles have gone 2-4 and lost three consecutive games. They dropped to 5-7 on the season after being upset by the 3-9 Dolphins. Fortunately for them, the NFC East is the NFL's weakest conference. Dallas sits atop it at 6-6, so it's not totally out of the question that Philly could win out and take the division.
The Eagles' remaining schedule has them hosting the 2-10 New York Giants, traveling to 3-9 Washington, hosting Dallas and ending the regular season at the Giants.
Philly could feel a lot more confident in its ability to top sub-.500 opponents if it hadn't just lost to Miami.
Ertz will be a major factor in whether the Eagles turn things around or finish 2019 a disappointment. Despite the seven-year veteran's poor performance Sunday, the two-time Pro Bowler is the team'sleadingreceiver.
