I can’t really blame the low fantasy outputs from the Vikings and Cowboys game being on Thursday Night Football. This would have been a low-scoring affair no matter what day it was played on.

We’ll take the solid numbers that Ezekiel Elliott and Dez Bryant put up against that tough Minnesota defense.

The goose egg that Jason Witten had stings a bit though. For the record, it was the first time since 2008 that he was held without a catch.

Can we blame the bad officiating on this being a Thursday night game? Nah. It’s been pretty bad on Sunday’s and Monday’s as well.

So we can close the book on the 2016 season for Rob Gronkowski as he once again has undergone back surgery. For those counting at home that’s the third of his career.

Yes. That’s worrisome.

Hopefully ‘Gronk’ owners went out and picked up Dennis Pitta. It was nice to see him score for the first time since 2013 after battling a wicked set of hip injuries. As a matter of fact, it was so nice that he did it twice this week. We can even forgive the fumble that led to a short Dolphins touchdown drive in a blowout win. Those in dynasty leagues may want to stash Baltimore TE Darren Waller. He’s a converted WR with some nice upside.

Must admit, I didn’t foresee Joe Flacco blowing up that way against a Dolphins defense that had been playing better lately. I guess that’s why they play the games, eh?

Look at Old Toad getting all philosophical.  With age comes wisdom.

Ho Hum. Another week and another pick-six thrown by Blake Bortles. I have said it before and he’ll say it again, always start the Defense Special Teams/(D/ST) facing Bortles…always.

So much for the idea of streaming Colin Kaepernick this week against a banged up Bears defense. Through the first three quarters, Kaepernick had one completion for four-yards.

You read that right…one completion.

Kaepernick was rightfully benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert.

The Jordan Howard train just keeps on rolling. Three more touchdowns for the rookie today and over 100 rushing yards. Congratulations to anyone that owns the youngster as I’m guessing your season continues after that performance.

Let me be the first to say that it’s not a good idea to rely on Green Bay’s Aaron Ripkowski scoring another touchdown next week. You are welcome.

That being said, it’s likely a good idea to avoid the Packers’ running back situation all together as it’s a hot mess. Once again, hybrid WR/RB Ty Montgomery was heavily in the mix and led the team in rushing.

Congratulations to Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry on beating the Falcons this week. He had a pick-six as well as an interception return for a two-point conversion that gave the Chiefs a 29-28 victory.   Forgive me for what I’m about to do. I guess you could say that he had a Berry Berry nice game.

I would have said single-handedly but for the fact that Spencer Ware did score a pair of touchdowns in the game for Kansas City and Travis Kelce had 140 receiving yards.

Anyone else sensing another late season collapse for the Falcons? The Buccaneers have now moved into a first place tie with Atlanta.

For the Detroit Lions fans, I can absolutely say I did not see them holding Drew Brees without a touchdown this week. OK. I will also admit I had a hard time picturing the Lions winning the game on the road.

That was as big a win as I can remember for the boys in Honolulu Blue and Silver. Way to go Lions!!

From the ‘water is wet’ desk. Keep Golden Tate in your lineup next week against the Bears at Ford Field.

I’m not ready to jump off the Jay Ajayi bandwagon just yet, but I am taking note of where the exits are. He had another mediocre week with games against Cardinals and Jets defenses in the next two weeks. Not exactly great matchups.

For the record, there is no Todd Gurley bandwagon. The wheels fell off a long time ago and it is currently laying upside down in a ditch. What a wasted year for the kid. The Rams are awful and just extended head coach Jeff Fisher. Go figure.  Donald Trump is President-elect, Jeff Fisher gets a contract extension.. What the heck am I doing wrong?

Look for Brandon LaFell to build on the big numbers he put up this week with another big game with a matchup against the hapless Cleveland Browns up next.

Hopefully, Denver gets QB Trevor Siemian back next week as the receiving game is next to nil with Paxton Lynch at the helm.

The next time I can figure out if Derek Carr prefers Michael Crabtree or Amari Cooper as his go-to receiving option will be the first. Way to keep me guessing Derek. At least you fed both the beasts this week for touchdowns.

Hated to see Jason Pierre-Paul leave the game with a groin injury. He had been rounding into form and the New York Giants defense needs his presence down the stretch.  But I must admit, that prior to learning about JPP’s injury, I was pleased to see that he only had 3 points in my main dynasty experts league. I’ve been trying to acquire JPP and his owner continues to insist that he’s worth QB Jameis Winston. Could just be me, but I think not.

Really, Buffalo? You give the ball to Mike Gillilsee inside the five-yard line twice when LeSean McCoy was having such a huge day running the ball? Thanks for nothing you heartless fucking bastards.

Yes. I own McCoy in quite a few leagues. Sorry for that outburst.

Once again, Khalil Mack steps up and makes a huge play with a strip sack and fumble recovery. When J.J. Watt returns from his back injury there will be a very interesting battle for the top spot in IDP football.

Welcome to fantasy relevance Ladarius Green. He is the weapon that Ben Roethlisberger has been waiting for. There are more big games ahead for Green in this offense.

Speaking of tight ends. Here is the update on my  breakout TE of the year Jared Cook. He put up three receptions for 19 yards…sigh.

I’m liking Thomas Rawls as a fantasy option down the stretch. As long as he can stay healthy. The kid runs hard.

I’m not banking on Ted Ginn as a reliable option. Actually, the entire Panthers offense is a crap shoot down the stretch. Avoid them.