The recent Monday Night Football doubleheader revealed essential insights and adjustments from both the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills. Key roster changes impacted player usage and team strategies in their respective games.
Atlanta Falcons Adjustments
The Falcons faced significant challenges with their receiving corps. Darnell Mooney was sidelined due to a hamstring injury he sustained two weeks prior and did not practice leading up to the game. Furthermore, Ray-Ray McCloud III was unexpectedly listed as a healthy inactive.
- Mooney’s absence shifted the Falcons’ approach, pushing Casey Washington into a starting role.
- The team moved to a 12 personnel base, significantly boosting tight ends Kyle Pitts Sr. and Charlie Woerner’s snap counts.
Both players filled McCloud’s role, with Pitts achieving a season-high participation rate. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Pitts were the only Falcons exceeding 200 receiving yards before this game.
Possible reasons for McCloud’s inactivity include underperformance, team strategy adjustments, or management considerations regarding potential trades or disciplinary actions.
Buffalo Bills Undergo Changes
The Bills dealt with the absence of tight end Dalton Kincaid due to an oblique injury. Kincaid’s status was confirmed shortly before kickoff, leading to Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes being the only active tight ends.
- The tight-end rotation had previously included Kincaid as the primary option, with Knox and Hawes sharing duties in two-tight-end formations.
- Knox performed well, recording a touchdown reception, while Hawes saw limited involvement.
The Bills are heading into a bye week, providing Kincaid a chance to recover, while Knox could become a viable fantasy option if Kincaid is out longer.
Wide Receiver Developments
The Bills also faced challenges at the wide receiver position, losing Josh Palmer to an ankle injury during the second quarter. They had already been without Curtis Samuel, who was downgraded from limited participation to inactive.
- With Samuel out, Elijah Moore returned from inactivity, while Tyrell Shavers received increased playing time following Palmer’s exit.
The potential for further injuries could see Samuel and Moore sharing a heavy rotation, complicating fantasy outlooks for these players.
Chicago Bears Update
In a notable adjustment, the Chicago Bears utilized rookie tight end Colston Loveland alongside Cole Kmet. This marked a significant change in their offensive strategy during the bye week.
- Loveland’s snap share increased, allowing him to work closely with Kmet throughout the game.
- This shift could signal a future focus on two-tight-end sets, enhancing both players’ fantasy prospects.
Overall, Monday Night Football highlighted the ongoing adjustments teams are making to navigate injuries and optimize player performance, setting the stage for future matchups.
