It's time for Pete's Pick 6—a weekly recap column where I round up all of the best fantasy (and brouhaha) action and takeaways from Sunday's games and spotlight the biggest winners and losers.

Let's dig in …

Takeaway #1: The Russ Game

If you told me that someone threw for 414 yards in the Steelers/Bengals game I would have bet my life savings it was Joe Burrow.

Luckily for my nearly 2-year-old child, her college fund is still intact because I was not offered that deal by any time-traveling devils. 

But it is indeed true that Mr. Unlimited chucked the ball 38 times for 414 yards and 3 TDs in an impressive 44-38 road win over Cincy. He finished the day with a 126.3 passer rating and is now 5-1 as a starter.

His big day resulted in nice fantasy performances for the entire offense, specifically George Pickens (3-74-1), Pat Freiermuth (6-68-1), & Najee Harris (16-75-1; 6-54).

Regardless of what you thought about Russ heading into the season (I'm looking at you, Sean Payton), it's time to accept the new reality. Russ is a playoff QB and … I hate to say it … deserves an extension.

Let the record show that Justin Fields is the one who iced the game, though.

Takeaway #2: The Buck stops here

Even after last week's explosion for 152 scrimmage yards, there was still some lingering doubt about Bucky Irving being in a timeshare. Against the Giants, he split carries evenly with Rachaad White. He lost a couple goal line touches to Sean Tucker.

But we got confirmation on Sunday that this is no longer a timeshare. It's now Bucky's backfield.

He racked up 29 touches, 205 all-purpose yards, and one rushing TD in the Bucs overtime win over the Panthers.

Over the past three weeks, he's amassed 62 touches for 424 yards, 3 TDs, and a glorious 72.44 fantasy points.

I don't think this needs to be said, but I'm all for stating the obvious to avoid any confusion–Bucky is the 2024 league winner.

And the cherry on top? Go check who the Bucs play in Week 17 aka fantasy championship week.

Takeaway #3: A brawl in Jacksonville

During the second quarter of the Jags/Texans game yesterday, Azeez Al-Shaair pelted Trevor Lawrence at the end of a scramble with one of the dirtier hits you'll see in this modern version of the NFL.

The cheap shot naturally led to a bench-clearing brawl between the two teams after Evan Engram and a few other teammates retaliated. Al-Shaair was ejected (as was Jacksonville defensive back Jarrian Jones) and three unnecessary roughness penalties were handed out.

Lawrence did not return to the game after a presumed concussion (he appeared to go into a fencing posture), although the good news is that he was seen leaving the locker room on his own accord.

It'll be interesting to see what kind of punishment the league hands out to Al-Shaair, who had a similarly dangerous hit on Caleb Williams earlier this year.

Takeaway #4: C.J. Stroud vs. Bryce Young

Remember when the Panthers were the laughing stock of the league for passing on C.J. Stroud for Bryce Young?

Well, things change quickly in the NFL.

Since the start of October, Young has led Stroud in passer rating.

Even though the Panthers lost and the Texans won yesterday, it's hard not to watch Stroud crumble under pressure time and time again while Young throws dimes like this and wonder if we've had it all wrong this whole time.

It's especially striking when you compare the weapons at their disposal. Young does not have a Nico Collins. He barely has a Tank Dell (Xavier Legette is getting there, though). He basically just has a Robert Woods (jk, nice TD Mr. Thielen).

Regardless, this isn't the first time we've heard this debate, and it won't be the last …

Takeaway #5: Captain Kirk is no longer the captain

Speaking of things changing quickly in the NFL, it might be time for the Falcons to consider taking a peek at their first-round pick.

Yesterday, Kirk Cousins bottomed out with a disgusting 4 INT game in another Falcons loss.

Over the last three weeks, he hasn't won a game or thrown for a TD, all while tallying 6 INTs and 4 fumbles. Oof.

I can't even pick out which INT was the worst. You could make a case for this lame-duck telegraphed pass or point to this egregious floater. He has absolutely zero zip on his throws right now in a way that makes you wonder how the Falcons can move forward with him.

The team still has just under a 50% chance to make the playoffs, but it's hard to envision how that happens if Kirk continues to play like he did vs. the Chargers.

Things don't get any easier next week either as Atlanta heads to Minnesota for a date with Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense.

Takeaway #6: They can't keep getting away with this (MVS & NWI)

They say lightning doesn't strike twice in the same spot, but how does #science account for Nick Westbrook-Ikhine scoring a TD in seven of his last eight games on just 20 total catches?

He's nearly averaging a TD for every two receptions. 

The miracles don't stop there, though. Another boom/bust merchant, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, scored his fourth TD in four games yesterday.

Meanwhile, Trey McBride averages 14 catches a game (don't check my math, you get the point) and can't buy a TD to save his life.

Fantasy football is a cruel, cruel game.

And as I warned you with Taysom Hill last week, if you finally decide to jump on board the hyphenate WR train, it'll all come to a crashing halt. That isn't just superstition. It's actual science.

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