Bo Nix, Ladd McConkey, and Tank Bigsby were three players on a hot streak in October. Will it continue?
Welcome to Week 9 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Week 9 Desperation Plays
- Good Things Ahead or Just One Good Week?
- 5 Players Being Written Off Too Soon
- Considering Nix, McConkey, and Bigsby (see below)
Let's roll.
Bo Nix, Ladd McConkey, and Tank Bigsby
Matt Waldman: Consider these three players.
- Bo Nix: QB9 this year, QB3 this month.
- Ladd McConkey: WR20 this year, WR16 this month.
- Tank Bigsby: RB32 this year, RB8 this month.
Based on the current ranking for the year, which player of the three has the best chance for his production to continue to rise? Which is most likely to remain the same. Which is most likely to drop?
Jeff Haseley: Bo Nix may have just turned the corner with his impressive performance against Carolina in Week 8, in which he passed for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. He gets another favorable matchup in Week 9 at Baltimore. The Ravens have allowed 13 touchdown passes and three 300-yard efforts in the last four games!
Ladd McConkey may be settling into the leading role with the Chargers. He is dominating targets as the primary receiving threat on a run-heavy offense. I don't see much change in terms of usage.
What you see is what you're going to get with Tank Bigsby: He'll be productive against defenses that don't stop the run well or when the contest is close enough to continue running the ball. He's about to face teams that create unfavorable game scripts for him to thrive.
Corey Spala: Ladd McConkey has the best chance for his production to rise. He has continued to impress through eight games in his rookie season, with route running and the ability to create after the catch. In addition, Justin Herbert is catching his groove as a passer. He has been the highest-graded player over the last two weeks. Combining McConkey’s development and Herbert’s play, this is a great equation for greater success for McConkey.
Bo Nix has the best chance to retain similar production. He has developed seemingly over the season, accounting for 10 touchdowns and one turnover over the last six games. His game-managing ability, paired with Sean Payton’s coaching, has built a strong connection. The bonus of the rushing upside counters any weekly passing deficit.
Tank Bigsby has the best chance to drop in production. Bigsby may certainly be the better running back compared to Travis Etienne Jr. The anticipated return of Etienne and losing Christian Kirk for the year are factors toward Bigsby’s reduction. Additionally, Jacksonville faces a tough three-week stretch against Philadelphia, Detroit, and Minnesota, teams stout against the run and running back fantasy production.