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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons
| Start pct. | 56% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Saints |
| BetMGM line | Falcons -3.5 |
| BetMGM total | 46.5 points |
| BetAlytics projection | 34.2% chance to score TD |
To the MOON! To the damn MOON!
Fully fueled and ready to launch into the dark recesses of space is Atlanta’s breakout sensation. Yes, Drake London is equally deserving of high praise in fantasy circles — he’s currently No. 5 in 0.5 PPR total scoring — but the double-digit-round fantasy draft selection is turning a handsome profit.
Rocketing up the wide receiver ranks in recent weeks, Mooney has cracked the top 10 in overall output in 0.5 PPR formats. The fifth-most valuable WR since Week 4, he averaged 5.4 receptions and 73.8 yards per game and scored four touchdowns. The former Bears wideout also is an impressive No. 7 in total air yards, No. 14 in YAC and No. 16 in total route wins.
Whether on designed quick strikes in the flat or outside-the-numbers field-stretching snags, Mooney has greatly enhanced his game across the board and developed into one of the deadliest No. 2 wideouts in the NFL. And that isn’t remotely hyperbolic. Started in under 60% of Yahoo leagues, he needs to be inserted into lineups in Week 10.
On Sunday, Atlanta visits the Crescent City, a community where its football team is once again leading fans to cover their heads with brown bags. Head coach Dennis Allen, deservedly axed earlier this week, was only the first domino to fall. The Saints’ NFC South basement dwelling with the pathetic Panthers at 2-7 is nothing shy of shocking.
New Orleans may be a solid No. 7 in pass EPA defense, but it has allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Cornerback Alontae Taylor explains the numeric divide. Ultra forgiving, he’s surrendered a 76.7 catch percentage, a 108.7 passer rating, two touchdowns and the fourth-most yards (450) of any DB in the league. He’s also Mooney’s primary projected dance partner. Blast off!
Given his recent torrid play and a highly exploitable matchup with Marshon Lattimore no longer in the picture, Mooney registered only three catches for 56 yards against the recently traded DB in Week 4. Bank on the Falcon to spread his wings and fly high.
Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 69 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.4 fantasy points
Week 10 Bonus Flames
Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings
| Start pct. | 33% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Jaguars |
The Jaguars are Cheshire Cats who, instead of sporting a trademark mischievous smile, wear a much-maligned frown. They’re terrible. They’re beatable. And, when it comes to fantasy wide receiver production, they’re highly toastable. Justin Jefferson is bound to go nuts, but in his long shadow, Addison may earn his own accolades. No defense ranks lower in pass EPA than Doug Pederson’s club. Even better, the Vikings sophomore wideout’s primary projected assignment, CB Ronald Darby, has conceded a 76.1 catch percentage, 137.4 passer rating, four touchdowns and the third-most yards (474) of any defensive back in the NFL. As his ugly rankings in air yards (WR83), aDOT (WR67) and yards per route run (WR62) clearly show, starting Addison is rather unmotivating. However, with Jacksonville allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs and a stellar mano y mano matchup, he’s worth debating heavily.
Fearless Forecast: 3 receptions, 66 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.1 fantasy points
Jonnu Smith, TE, Dolphins
| Start pct. | 9% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Rams |
Quietly of late, the Miami tight end is serving up starter-caliber fantasy numbers. A ray of sunshine at a position often cast in darkness this season, Smith has hauled in at least five receptions in three of his last four games, and he has seen his snap share grow sharply from 41.0% in Week 5 to 71.7% in Week 9. His modest standings in total air yards (TE15) and red zone targets (TE22) may lend pause, but his recent usage surge shouldn’t be ignored. Monday night’s matchup in Inglewood is quite delightful, too. The Rams, who rank No. 23 in pass EPA D, have yielded the seventh-most fantasy points to plus-sized targets. With four teams catnapping in Week 10, Smith is a top-10 TE option who could continue to exceed expectations.
Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 52 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.7 fantasy points
Season record: 12-11