Week 8 was a wild one, but one thing is clear: Jonah Coleman just seized control of the Broncos’ backfield. This rookie running back didn’t just play a role in Denver’s win over the Chiefs, he dominated the second half, reminding everyone that we are definitely seeing the contenders separate from the pretenders across the league.
Coleman’s Breakout Performance Demands Attention
Coleman put on an absolute show. He logged 30 carries for a massive 134 yards and punched in two touchdowns. But it wasn’t just the stats, it was *how* he did it. He put the Broncos into the red zone late in the game with a ridiculous 51-yard catch-and-run, then finished the drive with a five-yard score. Think about that: a rookie making plays like that in a crucial moment. This isn’t a one-off either; it’s the second straight week Coleman has looked like Denver’s best running back. The kid has improved his target volume out of the backfield, too. Unless the Broncos go out and trade for another running back, Coleman is showing No. 2 RB potential each and every week. That’s a huge shift for any fantasy manager paying attention.
Hockenson Stays Steady for the Vikings
While Coleman was grabbing headlines, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson continues to be a rock-solid performer. He has put up 13 or more PPR points in three of his past four games. The only time he missed that mark was in a game where he left early due to a concussion. That kind of consistency is golden. Hockenson has clearly built a strong connection with Kyler Murray, especially on seam routes. Murray trusts him to go up high and bring down those tough second-level passes, and Hockenson consistently delivers. Now, the schedule ahead for Minnesota isn’t exactly a walk in the park; Green Bay, San Francisco, and New England all historically defend the tight end position well. But even with those tough matchups looming, Hockenson remains a startable asset. You might see him as a low-end starter, but he’s still a player you can plug into your lineup.
Week 8 told us a lot. Teams like the Broncos, Lions, Steelers, and Buccaneers found ways to win, while others like the Browns, Falcons, and Cowboys are starting to smell like mediocrity. And the Ravens just caught a brutal blow with Lamar Jackson potentially out for the rest of the season. In fantasy, if you’ve got three or fewer losses, you’re feeling good. Four or five losses? You’re feeling the heat. Six or more? It’s time for a Hail Mary or maybe even to throw in the towel. Coleman and Hockenson are showing us what real contenders look like, both on the field and in your fantasy lineup. Keep an eye on Coleman’s usage; if Denver keeps feeding him, he’s only going up from here.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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