D’Andre Swift Capitalizes, Jordan Addison Impresses Again, and Jalen Hurts Can’t Be Stopped

After touching the ball just twice in the season-opening win over the Patriots, D’Andre Swift was as featured as any fantasy football manager could ask for. What does this mean for his value moving forward?

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Fantasy Football Riser: D’Andre Swift

By the end of the third quarter, Swift had his fifth career game with 100 rushing yards and had 18 carries, a total he had only ever passed once. His spike in usage was a direct result of Kenneth Gainwell (rib, 18 touches for 74 yards in Week 1) sitting out. While the increase in touches wasn’t due to anything Swift did, he certainly made the most of his opportunity.

D’Andre Swift sighting 👀 pic.twitter.com/pbn6YFj3Z3

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 15, 2023

In the win over the Vikings, Swift gained at least four yards on 64.3% of his carries, a rate that is nothing short of elite. He recorded the most rushing yards by an Eagles RB since LeSean McCoy in 2013: he was nothing short of phenomenal. If you slid in Swift when the Gainwell news broke, you’re off to a great start, but the question needs to be asked: now what?

There have yet to be any reports suggesting that this Gainwell injury is a long-term issue and that means this very well could be Swift’s best game of the season. The talent is nothing new, but the sustained volume would be. The next time Swift records 15 carries in consecutive games will be the first and he hasn’t hit double digits in two straight games in a mere 662 days.

Further complicating Swift’s short-term value is the extended time Gainwell has to get healthy before they play on Monday night next week and the fact that each of Philadelphia’s next three games come against a top-15 rush defense from 2022.

Jalen Hurts Is Inevitable

Twice did Swift get the Eagles down to the 1-yard line and twice did the possession end in the Tush Push. The most unstoppable Philadelphia-based thing this side of Taylor Swift, Hurts is nothing short of unstoppable in those short-yardage situations behind this elite offensive line.

Per the Week 2 Cheat Sheet, his rates only improve at home – he just so happens to be at home for Weeks 16-17 when all of your chips are in the middle of the table.

Not only does that elevate Hurts’ floor to a level unmatched by any other QB in recent memory, but it also means the running backs are yardage-based plays in a sport that favors moving the ball through the air. Hurts is poised to rush for 10 scores for a third straight season and is my top-ranked signal-caller for the remainder of the season while I think Swift is a sell-high option.

Budding Star or Sell High: Jordan Addison

I was high on the rookie this summer, and with long touchdowns in both games, he is certainly off to a promising start. But how promising? I’m not saying he’s a must-sell, but I would gauge his value amongst your league members.

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Yes, he has produced viable numbers in 100% of his career games, but he’s not earning targets at a higher rate than K.J. Osborn yet. Will he? Maybe, but if there’s a desperate manager in your league after this week (and there will be), why not cash in Addison as a top-25 receiver?

Could you get DJ Moore for Addison? Maybe Addison plus a small piece for Tee Higgins if the Bengal has another slow week. Every manager in every league is unique: do your homework and see if there is long-term value to be gained.