MISSION
The mission of this column—and a lot of my work—is to bridge the gap between the fantasy and reality of football analysis.
The goal of this feature is to provide you with actionable recommendations that will help you get results. The fundamental mission is to get the process right.
While it's a rush to see the box score or highlights and claim you made the right calls, doing so without a sustainable process makes success ephemeral.
The Top 10 will cover topics that attempt to get the process right (reality) while understanding that fantasy owners may not have time to wait for the necessary data to determine the best course of action (fantasy).
My specialty is film analysis. I've been scouting the techniques, concepts, and physical skills of offensive skill talent as my business for over 20 years.
The Top 10 will give you fantasy-oriented insights rooted in football analysis that have made the Rookie Scouting Portfolio one of the two most purchased independent draft guides among NFL scouts. This is what University of Kentucky Assistant GM Alex Brown has told me over the past 8-10 years.
Sigmund Bloom's Waiver Wire piece, available every Monday night during the season, is a viable source of information to kick-start your week as a fantasy GM.
STRAIGHT, NO CHASER: WEEK 8'S CLIFF'S NOTES
The article below will provide expanded thoughts and supporting visuals for the bullet points in this section.
The Top 10: The Cliff's Notes
- Michael Wilson's fourth-quarter heroics with broken ribs could be the start of something big if he can remain intact for lift-off.
- Bryce Young hasn't been found out, and his knee injury is a minor issue. His OL and receivers let him down.
- Bhayshul Tuten is emerging as a foundation back for long-build dynasty managers.
- Geno Smith touted Adonai Mitchell this summer, and the proof may be on the tape already.
- Jonah Coleman buzz is big. So was Clyde Edwards-Helaire's buzz. I didn't buy that; I'm not sold on Coleman.
- Is Mike Washington Jr. overtaking Ashton Jeanty? No, but he has a place in a rotation if the Raiders want or need a rotation. They may need one this year.
- I am sold on Emmett Johnson; unlike Coleman, Johnson makes runs that not every back on an NFL roster can make.
- Is Treylon Burks finally coming into his own? The short answer? No, but his high-end volatility is worth an investment this year and possibly beyond.
- Antonio Williams is the steady Washington receiver between him and Burks, but Williams is the patience play.
- Makai Lemon did quality work, but he's the only game in town right now. Ride him while it lasts.
1. Michael Wilson's Lift-Off: Can It Happen Despite Two Broken Ribs?
Heading into Monday night, Wilson propelled himself from WR23 to WR14 on the strength of a dazzling 8-catch, 111-yard performance where he scored the winning touchdown in overtime while playing through two broken ribs for most of the game.
Michael Wilson broke two ribs last week and played in this game. You could see early and late the injury bothering him. https://t.co/LWdygq8fud
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Wilson is an unmitigated badass football player who flashed high-end potential like former Saint, Michael Thomas, but he had to address his lapses as a pass-catcher.
My pre-draft conclusion: "I love what I see with his routes and releases, and I’m optimistic that he will address his hands. That’s my personal, risk-friendly view. Professionally speaking, I’m preaching cautious optimism, and that means valuing Wilson as a Gabe Davis type of prospect—not in style, but from the perspective of seeing him as a project who may need 2-3 years to show what his exact value will be and not expecting immediate or consistent performances from him. He’s a mid-draft value for fantasy GMs before the NFL Draft...
...If Wilson improves his techniques in these three areas—and it could happen by training camp—he could be one of the five most promising receivers in this class. However, there’s no guarantee if or when this will happen, and it creates a boom-bust factor with his evaluation.
Wilson is an organized learner and has communicated awareness of his flaws. Whether he’ll spot the key details and find the quickest and most effective path to address his issues is another matter, but being aware and taking his future job seriously gives him a fighting chance.
Even with this massive boom-bust aspect lingering within his game, Wilson makes some excellent catches, and he’s a short-area playmaker with the ball in his hands. Without the ball, Wilson is a physical blocker with a solid technical foundation to stalk block as well as work on the wing in the running game."
Let's fast-forward to Year Four in the NFL, and you'll see it all on display--even with two broken ribs.
Michael Wilson with a textbook display for working into the feet of the DB at the top of the stem. The steady and fast pace of the stem throughout sets it up beautifully and Wilson untangles efficiently. #Cardinals https://t.co/bhJxxFbFPm
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Michael Wison 4th QTR 21 w/another disciplined job working into the feet of the DB. This takes mental discipline and confidence to do so well. #Cardinals https://t.co/1jkTrUeoRA
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Michael Wison 4th QTR 21 w/another disciplined job working into the feet of the DB. This takes mental discipline and confidence to do so well. #Cardinals https://t.co/1jkTrUeoRA
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Michael Wilson 4th QTR 3rd and 5 two broken ribs - Stick and wipe counter to get inside. - Shed at the top of the stem to work through DB to get outside. - Uses forearm after the catch to turn and embrace the fall. You know that collision w/the ground smarts... #cardinals https://t.co/btIxns7iFQ
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Then, the GW-ing high-point with the turn, toe-tap, and fall on two broken ribs. Michael Wilson. #Cardinals https://t.co/9pt1CEE6Iv
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Matt LaFleur already named Gardner Minshew II the starter, which I wondered if this would be a mistake earlier today on my podcast with Bob Harris that has the profane name. On second thought, Minshew is a more aggressive downfield thrower than Brissett, and with ball-winners like Wilson and Trey McBride, I can see how Brissett's style may have proven too staid, and Minshew's scrambling also adds another element.
There's also the potential desire for the Cardinals to finish the contention eligibility and then move onto a Carson Beck tryout by season's end, and this is just step one of that plan. Let's stick with the idea that the Cardinals want to win in one of the toughest divisions in football this year.
The Cardinals are in last place at 3-5, but only two games separate them from a playoff spot. They've also played the Rams and 49ers tight enough in the first matchup that they could be confident about their chances to make a move if they can get a spark with the offense.
Their best shot is igniting Wilson's game and peppering him with targets. The Cardinals' strength of schedule for fantasy wide receivers is slightly below the league average in generosity, so maximizing the aggression factor is important.
Minshew isn't afraid to squeeze the ball into tight quarters, and Wilson is the caliber of receiver to win it. The biggest question is Wilson's health. Can he play well through the injuries, or will his game suffer and/or need 1-2 weeks' rest?
With a bye week in Week 14, fantasy GMs must rely on Wilson's toughness. The Seattle game in Week 9 looks rough, especially with Kendrick Bourne out for the year. Still, McBride, Wilson, and the running back stable offer enough to get Wilson enough targets to deliver.
After all, name a fantasy-relevant receiver on the Seahawks after Jaxon Smith-Njigba. You can't unless you must start seven receivers.
I'm not telling you to trade for Wilson unless you have nothing to lose, and you can get him at an injury/QB-change discount from a GM feeling like he's selling high off a big game against the porous Cowboys' defense. His game is excellent, but his situation is volatile.
The next two weeks are pivotal. If Minshew and Wilson can keep the magic flowing, Wilson could have a run as he did in 2025. If not, you've got a volatile low-end fantasy WR2 when healthy enough to perform.
2. False: Bryce Young Has Been Found Out
I saw this commentary from fans in various spots on the Internet, and it's not remotely true. Young has a knee injury that he's playing through, and the media has asked Dave Canales if it's impacting him.
I may not be an NFL head coach, but I watch enough football to tell you, the scenarios where Young may not be himself are limited to rollouts under pressure and second- and third-chance scrambles off-script in tight pockets. Those are plays that can make a difference in a ballgame, but you know what makes a bigger difference? Protecting your quarterback in the first place.
Bryce Young red-zone sack. Chose the twin side to begin so he doesn't have time to pivot and hit the opposite flat that comes open as he works left to middle. https://t.co/0qW1TMzqSl
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Bryce Young tipped pass in black zone on 3rd and 6 that could have been much worse. Blitz comes through unblocked either C/RG misread or QB had responsibility for free man -- if so, routes didn't look like that as the case or no adjustment made to account for it. https://t.co/XVzwZKrIRC
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Here are the other five sacks of Bryce Young. Factors involved with them. - Pressure at the top of the drop already closed. - Routes still in stems as pressure arrives. - Breaks well covered at top of drop and no where to throw. https://t.co/awJINtbpC4
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Catching the football helps in pivotal situations like late in the half to keep a drive alive and close the gap or in the third quarter on a 3rd and 2.
Bryce Young - More pressure w/no open options 2nd and 3rd QTRs - Dropped fade by Tetairoa McMillian late in half. - Dropped 3rd and 2 in 3rd QTR by Tommy Tremble - Low but catchable drop by McMIllain MOF vs pressure https://t.co/4HeCzuf90z
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Young wasn't perfect; he made a pair of bad throws in the red zone early in the game, but as Bob Harris shared on Monday's podcast with me, the fans treat Young as if he's still a second-year player with a string of bad games and the occasional good one, when for the past year and a half, Young has posted strings of good performances with occasional bad ones.
Young may not be your first choice as a starter in start-one QB formats, but there aren't many, if any, streamers whom I'd take over Young. Stick with him.
3. True: Bhayshul Tuten Is Emerging As A Foundational Back
Tuten arrived in Jacksonville with all the physical skills to become a top running back, but he wasn't a finished product. Here are my thoughts on Tuten, who I graded as an immediate committee contributor-level talent in the 2025 Rookie Scouting Portfolio:
"If Tuten goes to a gap-heavy scheme, he can deliver starter production as long as he holds onto the ball. If he’s asked to run inside zone, he’s going to need further development before he can become a reliable decision-maker. Outside zone is a little better, but he’s prone to bouncing a lot of runs—and he gets outside way too early, inviting ideal angles for pursuit to limit plays.
Ball security will be one of the most important things for Tuten to fix. As I detail with Jaydon Blue, who is the next back behind Tuten on the RSP’s board, backs who fall below 1 fumble per 61 touches in college football rarely deliver starter production in the NFL in recent years.
Tuten’s ball security rate is 1 fumble per 67 touches, and of his 11 fumbles in 737 touches, Tuten has fumbled 9 times during the past 2 years. He’s fast, he’s a confident tight-crease runner, and he’s physical for his size.
If Tuten can curtail his fumbling, he could become a slightly bigger version of Charlie Garner. If you never saw Garner, he would have been an even more devastating weapon in today’s NFL."
Tuten is on the right track, and it looks like a fast track to potential fantasy RB1 value by next year. While there's a slight lateness in his decision-making that makes his footwork volatile at times, Tuten has been making good decisions between the tackles for the past two seasons.
Tuten's athletic ability, improving processing speed, and understanding of play design as an insider runner are good signs.
Bhayshul Tuten - #Jaguars Two excellent examples of hip mobility to make that one extra move in tight space to access a crease on a cutback. You'd like him to see some developments a step quicker so his stride is cut a step earlier, but the mobility to flip his hips? Sweet. https://t.co/BM4MTbGGfm
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
Bhayshul Tuten w/the backbreaker of the #Colts w/2:00 in the half. All the physical tools you want and the ball security hasn't been a huge issue. https://t.co/DsxJpsy3Zm
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 2, 2026
PPR league's RB15 entering Monday night, Tuten has an outside shot of becoming a fantasy RB1 this year thanks to the Jaguars' schedule that includes some generous defenses. I'd value him as a mid-range fantasy RB2 for the rest of this year with strong matchups, but the Jaguars are building something worthwhile
If you're in a dynasty format, Tuten is a good option for a rebuild if you can get some essential pieces at QB and/or WR first or in a win-now scenario.