Matthew Stafford: Stafford had a big debut as the NFL’s highest paid player.  Sunday the Lions’ QB went 29-41 with 292 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT.  Honestly, I do not know why so many had Stafford as a QB2.  This guy is money in the bank: six straight seasons of over 4,250 passing yards; 11 rushing TDs in those 6 years; and an average of 28 passing TD per year over those six years.  Yes, I know he has a reputation of playing poorly outside.  However, this team cannot run the ball and will play from behind a bunch. Thus, captain comeback will chuck the rock a lot producing fantasy points for his fantasy faithful.  Count on it.  [Note – with the Giants D next up there may be a person in your league looking to sell high. If so, buy, it will be a bargain].

Kirk Cousins: Cousins was not nearly as good as Stafford Sunday [warning: massive understatement alert].  On the day, Cousins was 23 of 40for 240 yards, one TD and one INT.  Yuck.  Losing at home to a division rival? Double Yuck.  That said, it is not time for overreaction theatre.  Not at all.  Last year Cousins proved he is the real deal throwing for 4,900+ yards and 25 TD while adding another 4 rushing TD.  If there is a problem with Cousins, it is that he makes the big mistake at critical times (as the 12 INT last year will attest).  That said, this is fantasy and the numbers were there and will continue to be in 2017.  Oh, and if you think Fat Rob is going to give them a credible running game so that Cousins will not throw as often, well, to be nice, you are just wrong.  Very wrong.      

Jonathan Stewart: The forgotten man in Carolina had 20 touches Sunday – two more than Christian McCaffrey.  Stewart carried the ball 18 times for 65 yards and added two catches for 17 yards and a TD.  Yes, Stewart gets nicked up and yes, McCaffrey will be a big weapon at times. However, Stewart has played in 13 games each of the last three years rushing for at least 800 yards in each of those seasons.  More importantly (especially for those of you in standard leagues) Stew has increased his TD numbers in each of those seasons.   Stew will get his touches and will see plenty of action by the goal line.  He remains underrated on a team that will bounce back from a subpar 2016.

Charles Clay: Clay reeled in 4 receptions for 53 yards and a TD.  More telling, he was targeted 9 times – that is more than Zay Jones, Jordan Matthews and Andre Holmes put together.  This is another guy who has a solid high floor.  In each of the last four seasons, Clay has posted 50+ catches and 500+ yards with an average of 4 TD per year.  Given that there is no true number 1 WR in Buffalo and given that Tyrod clearly trusts his TE, there is a strong chance Clay exceeds that high floor often in 2017.

Randall Cobb: Cobb had a strong week snaring 9 receptions for 85 yards on 13 targets.  Cobb is an electric player when healthy but he is not going to dominate the targets on a team with Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Martellus Bennett.  Indeed, despite his many gifts, Cobb has exactly one season of double digit TDs, one season of 1,000 receiving yards and has seen his production slip in each of the last two years.  If you can sell high, I would consider it.  Especially if you need to replace an injured David Johnson.  

Lamar Miller: Miller had a better game than most people think.  Specifically, Miller rushed 17 times for 65 yards and added 2 receptions for 31.  That is 11.6 fantasy points in which his team faced a very tough defense and got tattooed in the game.  As long as Miller stays on the field, his floor will be solid and the upside will be there.  He got no love in drafts so there is a chance you could snare him cheap in an early deal.   How many RBs have at least 1250 total yards, 35 receptions and 6 TD in each of the last three years?  Not many I would wager.     

Ok, since I know you have been waiting for this, Schultz says: “Hey!!! Who turned the lights off down here? Did we move? Glenn?? I want to talk about the Indians and the fact that they've forgotten how to lose?? Where did the baseball go?? Helloooooooooooo!!!!”  

Response:  Well, I guess it is easier being an Indians fan than a Browns fan.  Ok, seriously, have no fear, we will still present the end of baseball season “All-Schultz” awards in October!