Cousins’ good play aids others

So much of fantasy football depends on the quarterback. When they have good games, everyone around them tends to do well. And vice versa.

The Washington Redskins’ Kirk Cousins took advantage of a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints’ porous defense to pile up fantasy points.

Cousins threw for 324 yards and four touchdowns — two to tight end Jordan Reed, one to Jamison Crowder and one to running back Matt Jones, who scored on a 78- yard screen pass and finished with 187 total yards.

RAPID RECOVERY Despite not starting because of a foot injury, Ben Roethlisberger was pressed into service and set an NFL record for passing yards in a game by a backup quarterback. He finished 22- for- 33 for 379 yards with three touchdowns. His presence also led to huge games for receivers Antonio Brown ( 10 catches, 139 yards, two TDs) and Martavis Bryant ( six catches, 178 yards, one TD).

BEGINNING OF THE END? Peyton Manning completed five of his 20 pass attempts for 35 yards and threw four interceptions before he was benched in the third quarter. Fantasy owners should consider following suit and perhaps even cutting him.

Manning’s zipless passes have become just as easy for defenders to catch as they are for Denver Broncos receivers. The last time he threw more TD passes than interceptions in a game: Week 3.

BROAD SHOULDERS AWARD Our weekly honor for the player who singlehandedly carried his fantasy teams to victory goes to Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford. He shredded the fifth- ranked St. Louis Rams defense for 182 total yards with a TD both rushing and receiving.