Tennessee Titans (6-3) at Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Derrick Henry - They have OL issues, but with DE Calais Campbell (calf) and DT Brandon Williams (ankle) doubtful, Henry has a way better chance to have a big game, and 20+ carries are coming if the Titans can keep it close. Damien Harris did go for 22/121 rushing last week against the Ravens.
Lamar Jackson - 55+ rushing yards in 4 straight with 18+ FP and the Titans have allowed 18+ FP to QBs in seven of their nine games and won’t have LB Jadeveon Clowney and S Kenny Vacarro, plus still no CB Adoree Jackson, so the matchup is beatable.
Mark Andrews - Bounced back last week with 7/61 on a season-high 9 nine targets, and no Nick Boyle could boost his targets a little. It’s not the greatest matchup, but no S Kenny Vacarro could help, and it looks like Lamar will focus on what he does well, which is throw in the middle of the field.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Corey Davis - Nice game last week but the Ravens don’t play as much zone as most teams, and you want Davis vs. zone. Ravens are allowing the fifth-fewest FPG to WRs (31.6).
Jonnu Smith - Production slowed last month with him blocking more, but he at least ran routes on 78% of Tannehill’s dropbacks the last two weeks, but not TE has hit 50+ receiving yards vs. Baltimore since Week 3.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Willie Snead - 4+ catches in 3 straight coming out of their Week 8 bye, and 15+ FP in 2 of those 3. Again, Lamar looks much more comfortable throwing over the middle and in the intermediate to short areas. It’s not a great matchup vs. Desmond King, but it’s beatable (Kind was just traded there a few weeks ago and Snead looks hot right now.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Ryan Tannehill - He’s tough to back right now with OL issues and a tougher matchup. He hasn’t hit 19 FP in four straight. The Ravens have allowed multiple passing TDs only three times in nine games and Patrick Mahomes is the only player to throw for more than two scores.
A.J. Brown - A tougher draw, but they need him to step and make a big play or two. Brown posted 100+ yards and a TD against the Steelers and the Bears over the last month, so he can produce in bad matchups, at least.
Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins - Ingram’s return last week brought us back to a nasty RBBC with three guys. Edwards led with 8 touches with Dobbins and Ingram each getting 7. The Titans have given up big games to Giovani Bernard and Nyheim Hines the last two weeks at least. I kinda like Ingram, who has a longer catch on their first play last week, as the sneaky guy this week, but who knows. Losing TE Nick Boyle will hurt their blocking, keep in mind.
Marquise Brown - Has only 6/55/1 receiving on 13 targets in his last three and really hard to start. The Titan CBs are vulnerable to speed, though. I’d be annoyed but not shocked if Brown did something.
Detroit Lions (4-5) at Carolina Panthers (3-7)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Adrian Peterson - He will get the ball for sure, and he popped off a couple of nice runs last week. He’ll give way to Kerryon Johnson at times with Jonathan Williams potentially in the mix, but the coaches want wins, so AD should get 15+ touches. The Panthers are still easy to run on, giving up 4.9 YPC to RBs the last four weeks with 100/1.0 rushing per game to RBs.
T.J. Hockenson - Only 2/13 last week with 4 targets but was removed from the injury report Friday (toe), so should be feeling better. Panthers have been rocked by TEs lately and have allowed six TEs to reach double-digit FP in the last five weeks.
Marvin Jones - Limited with knee issue but full practice Friday and top CB Donte Jackson is doubtful, which helps. He’s had 13+ FP in four straight with 4 TDs in his last three. Panthers three Buc WRs to post 13+ FP last week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- D.J. Moore - Boom or bust, and more bust potential this week. Lions are healthier at QB and allowing 13.0 YPR to WRs this season and Robby has history with QB Walker.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Marvin Hall - He’s been their deep threat the last three weeks with 9/202/1 and no CB Jackson would help his chances to make a big play or two.
Kerryon Johnson - Worth a look if desperate, and he has looked good. I’d expect 7-10 touches, and Panthers are still easy to run on, giving up 4.9 YPC to RBs the last four weeks with 100/1.0 rushing per game to RBs with a promising 6.6/44.5/.2 receiving.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Matthew Stafford - Tough to like since he has the thumb issue on his throwing hand and may not have to throw much with a backup QB likely on the other side, plus no Kenny Golladay again. He is averaging an 8.0+ YPA in 3 of his last 4 with some big plays and 3 TDs in 2 of his last 3 at least. Panthers have now allowed 280+ passing yards in four straight games and top CB Donte Jackson is doubtful.
Mike Davis - Panthers have no choice but to feature him, but down two starters on OL and he’s averaging just 53 total yards per game with just 1 TD in his last 4. But he’s also had bad matchups, and this week gets one of the best in the Lions, who gave up 40+ FP to Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic last week. He should get 20+ touches as well.
Panthers QB - Teddy Bridgewater is likely out or extremely risky, so the safer bet is Matt Rhule’s old Temple quarterback and XFL star, P.J. Walker. Walker will run a little and has ability, and the Lions have allowed 16+ FP to every QB they’ve faced this season.
Robby Anderson - Started with Walker at Temple for a season, so he has time with Walker, but he’s fallen below 65 receiving yards in three straight games. Lions are healthier at CB, but Terry McLaurin posted 7/95 receiving in this matchup last week.
Curtis Samuel - Crashing back to earth last week but 5+ targets in 5 straight and 3+ carries in his last 3, which should continue with CMC out, so not hopeless.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-5-1) at Cleveland Browns (6-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Miles Sanders - Dominated with 72% of the snaps and 77% of the touches last week, but got denied 2 TDs scored by the backups. Sanders looked as good as he’s looked all year on film last week. The Browns have been tough to run on this year, but no Myles Garrett helps everyone and Sanders can explode at any time, given his large role.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
None of note.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Carson Wentz - He’s been horrible, but with Myles Garrett out he could bounce back quickly. Of course, it’s expected to be raining the whole game, at least no wind. It’s a beatable matchup even for a struggling QB without Garrett.
Travis Fulgham - Low 13.9% target share last week and just 1 for 8 on 5 targets. Their top corner Denzel Ward doesn’t travel so there should be beatable matchups for him, but will he get targets?
Jalen Reagor - Has had #1 WR 19% and a 23% target share in his first two games back, and the matchup is beatable for the struggling Eagle passing game, as long as the rain doesn’t bog them down.
Dallas Goedert - Only 5/48 in 2 games back and backup Richard Rodgers had 4/60 on his own, but no Miles Garrett can only be good news for him and the passing game.
Baker Mayfield - They could always end up having to throw a lot, but Mayfield is hopeless and the Eagles haven’t given up 240+ passing yards since Week 3.
Jarvis Landry - Has a great 35% target share in his first two games without OBJ but only 7/81 receiving on 16 targets in ugly conditions. The Eagles have been one of the best teams in the league in covering the slot.
Rashard Higgins - Splitting snaps with KhaDarel Hodge and hard to trust. Sterling Shepard posted 6/47 receiving in this matchup last week, and Higgins could see some Darius Slay.
Austin Hooper - Only 1 target last week and Evan Engram managed just 2/15 receiving in this matchup last week. Eagles have been one of the worst teams in YPT to TEs, at least.
Nick Chubb - Averaging 19.2 FPG in four full games playing with Kareem Hunt, but the Eagles are giving up just 3.4 YPC to RBs. Wayne Gallman did have a couple of nice runs and scored 2 TDs in this matchup last week, at least.
Kareem Hunt - Averaging 16.7 FPG in his four games with Chubb, and while the Eagles are allowing just 3.9/31.9 receiving per game to RBs without a receiving TD on the season, their LBs are quite suspect.
New England Patriots (4-5) at Houston Texans (2-7)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Damien Harris - At 5.0+ YPC in 5 of his 6 games and has the best matchup possible against a Texans defense that’s allowed 230+ rushing yards to three different teams this season and have not mastered tackle football. Sony Michel will likely be active, though, and you never know with these freaking guys. But I have to ride the momentum of Harris into this beautiful matchup.
Duke Johnson - Owned the backfield with 95% of the snaps last week with all their touches. The Patriots have been run on this year and Dookie did have a 4-catch game just two weeks ago. He doesn’t have to do much with his touches to come through, and a TD assures a great game for him.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
None of note.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Cam Newton - 16+ FP in three straight games but may need to run with a tougher spot for his passing game and #1 WR. Good news is he’s against a bad Texans defense that’s allowing a league-high 167.4 rushing yards per game. Cam is absolutely a threat to score 2 rushing TDs any given week.
Jakobi Meyers - Has 4+ catches and 58+ receiving yards in four straight and should have scored last week. My concern is he sees a lot of top corner Bradley Roby this week, but Myers does line up in the slot. I’ve pulled back from what I’d normally expect, though.
Rex Burkhead - 10+ touches and 15+ FP in their last 2 but Sony Michel back complicates things. He’s certainly made the most of his opportunities and can help them in many ways. #2 RB Kareem Hunt posted 19/104 rushing and 3/28 receiving against the Texans last week.
Deshaun Watson - Burn the tape from last week. Back indoors this week and the Patriots defense has given up 21+ FP by Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson in the last two weeks. They should get Stefon Gilmore back this week, though.
Will Fuller - Bad game in bad weather last week, but Breshad Perriman got them for some big plays in Week 9 with 5/101/2 receiving in Week 9. Should see some Stefon Gilmore this week, but probably not all the time.
Brandin Cooks - Decent 6/39 receiving last week and Denzel Mims posted 4/62 receiving in this matchup two weeks ago.
Randall Cobb - Slot man Willie Snead led the Ravens passing attack last week with 5/64/2 receiving against the Patriots, if desperate.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Ben Roethlisberger - No running has forced Big Ben to throw with 42+ attempts in 3 of his last 4 with 639/7 his last two games. Three straight QBs have thrown for 280+ yards and multiple TDs against the Jags and they just put starting CB CJ Henderson on IR. They do welcome back slot corner DJ Hayden, though.
Diontae Johnson - Led the way last week with 6/116/1 receiving on 11 targets (23.9% share) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling had 4/149/1 in this matchup last week, plus they just put starting CB CJ Henderson on IR.
Chase Claypool - 4/56/2 receiving on 10 targets (21.7% share) for 21.3 FP last week and with JuJu dealing with Hayden, Claypool’s already good chances may improve.
James Conner - It’s been brutal lately but they did back him as their guy and Steelers should have a positive game script as 10-point favorites, plus the Jags are giving up the sixth-most FPG to RBs (27.5). If he doesn’t run it this week, it may be Benny Snell time.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Jake Luton - Steelers should dominate on defense and no QB has reached 20+ FP against the Steelers this season.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Chris Conley - No Shenault again and he's seen 16 targets over the last two weeks with Luton while Chark has 17.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
JuJu Smith-Schuster - 9/77/1 receiving on 13 targets (28.3% share) for 22.7 FP last week and hard to sit with 6+ catches and 65+ yards in four straight. But slot corner DJ Hayden is back from IR and he does match up well with JuJu.
Eric Ebron - Bad game last week but 6+ targets in 5 of his last 7 and Jaguars are allowing 14.1 YPR to TEs and the seventh-most FPG to the position (14.6).
James Robinson - Handled 28 of the 30 RB opportunities last week and 2 TDs called back so you have to start against anyone. That’s worth noting against the Steelers, who are allowing a league-low 17.7 FPG to RBs.
D.J. Chark - Just 4/56 last week in windy conditions. The Steelers have given up some big plays on the perimeter, and rookie Tee Higgins posted 7/115/1 receiving last week, so it’s not hopeless and Laviska Shenault is out again, so targets will be there.
Keelan Cole - Well, last week we tried an experiment for everyone to sit him, and it worked: 5/47/1 and a punt-return TD. Just know, if you expect something from him and start him, he will let you down.
Atlanta Falcons (3-6) at New Orleans Saints (7-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Taysom Hill - Saints won’t say officially but my guy Adam Schefter reported Friday morning that it will be Hill, and Adam isn’t wrong on big stories like this. ESPN’s Dianna Russini also reported that Jameis Winston will not be part of any offensive packages this week. Hill will run 8+ times, especially inside the 10, and he doesn’t have to do much at all in the passing game most likely to post QB1 numbers.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Todd Gurley - Nasty matchup so it’s all about TDs, which have accounted for 39.9% of his production. Averaging just 2.6 YPC (80/209 rushing) in his last four and the Saints have allowed just three rushing TDs to RBs this season.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
None of note.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Matt Ryan - Averaged 318 passing yards per game and 8.7 YPA with 8 TDs since coaching changes four games ago, but Saints defense has improved, going back to playing more man. Marshan Lattimore is questionable, so that’s a big injury to track. Solid enough play no matter what, though.
Julio Jones - Would see a lot of Marshan Lattimore if he goes, but Julio is averaging 7.9/106.3/.8 receiving on 9.0 targets per game in his last four, and Lattimore can be beaten, especially at less than 100% (tho it is an abdomen).
Calvin Ridley - Expected to return but limited all week, so maybe not a 100% lock to play at an optimal level. Yet hard to sit if Lattimore is to match up with Julio, which is likely if he’s active.
Hayden Hurst - Solid with 10+ FP in four straight and Jordan Reed posted 5/62 receiving in this matchup last week.
Alvin Kamara - Practiced Friday and is set to go, but Hill as the QB does potentially hurt him in all areas. The Falcons are allowing the sixth-fewest FPG to RBs (20.9), but they’re at least allowing a solid 5.9/41.1/.4 receiving per game to backs, but can Hill get him the ball in the passing game?
Michael Thomas - Hard to feel good now with Hill in after seeing just 7/78 receiving in his first two games back despite seeing a 30% target share last week. Least he’s up against a Falcons defense that’s allowing the third-most FPG to WRs (44.8), but expectations need to be lowered.
Emmanuel Sanders - He has just 5/43/1 last two weeks with Thomas back. But the Broncos had three WRs reach 12+ FP against the Falcons in their last games.
Jared Cook - Did not catch either of his 2 targets last week and only 2/30 on 5 targets since Thomas came back two weeks ago. However, the Falcons are giving up a league-high 6.1/66.3/.9 receiving per game to TEs this season. Perhaps Hill looks for him in the middle of the field and leans on his size.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-6-1) at Washington Football Team (2-7)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Gio Bernard - Will be the bell cow again this week and two 20+ FP performances but also a stinker last week in a bad matchup with the Steelers. D’Andre Swift (149/1 scrimmage) and Wayne Gallman (77/1) have each come through against the Football Team the last two weeks, so looking good even if Samaje Perine gets some work.
Terry McLaurin - Has 7 catches in four straight, and three different Steelers WRs posted 21+ FP against the Bengals last week, including Diontae Johnson who turned in 6/116/1 receiving.
Antonio Gibson - McKissic stole a goal-line touchdown from him last week, but still got 65 yards and 2 TDs. The Bengals are allowing the fourth-most rushing yards per game to RBs (115.7), and Washington is actually favored this week, so looks good on paper.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- A.J. Green - Had 0.0 FP last week on 5 targets against the Steelers, you can’t use him.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Logan Thomas - Did hit 10+ FP last week with 4/66 receiving on 6 targets and 40+ receiving yards in 3 of his last 4 and at least 4 targets in every game this season. The Bengals defense hasn’t given up much to TEs lately, but they have allowed the second-most FPG to TEs (16.4), including the second-most receiving yards to the position (64.8) so he’s definitely a viable play with some upside.
Alex Smith - Throwing it a lot, and Bengals have allowed 3+ passing TDs and 25+ FPG in three of their last four games, so not a bad reach if desperate.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Joe Burrow - Just 213/1 in a tough matchup against the Steelers and The Football Team is allowing the second-fewest passing yards per game (214.2), but they’re also facing the second-fewest pass attempts per game (29.3) and Burrow’s leading the league with 41.1 passes per game, so hardly hopeless.
Tee Higgins - Averaging 75.4 receiving yards/game since Week 2 and double-digit FP in seven straight. Marvin Jones posted 8/96/1 receiving in this matchup last week, and Higgins is also getting looks in the slot.
Tyler Boyd - 5+ catches in four straight but CB Jimmy Moreland is allowing just .94 yards per slot route run this season, but they haven’t faced anyone as good as Boyd, so I’m not that worried.
J.D. McKissic - 29 targets the last two weeks, which he’s turned into 16/108 receiving for 3.7 YPT. However, the Bengals are allowing the fourth-fewest RB catches per game (3.7) and Washington enters as short home favorites. But overall, I’d expect a back and forth affair with Burrow being so capable, so JDM should be solid again.
Miami Dolphins (6-3) at Denver Broncos (3-6)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Salvon Ahmed - 78% snap share last week and showed solid straight-line speed with 21/85/1 rushing with 1 catch for 5 on 1 target. Matt Breida will return to the lineup this week, but Ahmed looks like the guy. Denver got crushed last week for 37/193/4 rushing by Josh Jacobs and Devontae Booker, and Miami should crush the Broncos.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Drew Lock - He’s been awful, and he’s hurt, and it’s one of the tougher matchups possible. Forget it.
Jerry Jeudy - Stingy secondary right now and a bad matchup for Broncos and Jeudy as Keenan Allen (3/39/1) and DeAndre Hopkins (3/30) have struggled against the Dolphins the last two weeks
Phillip Lindsay - What the hell was that? Had only 4/2 rushing without a catch so not someone to consider.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
K.J. Hamler - Avoids their top two corners in the slot and has 13/138/1 receiving on 23 targets for 34.3 FP with a strong 75% snap share since he switched to the slot in Week 8.
Jakeem Grant - He’s the #2 WR and led the Dolphins with 4/43/1 on 5 targets last week while running a route on 81% of Tua’s dropbacks last week, so he’s a threat to get 10+ PPR any given week with some big-play/TD potential.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Tua Tagovailoa - Only 25 attempts and 168.3 passing yards a game, so hard to love him. The matchup is fine, but he will need 2-3 TDs to do anything of note most likely. Their defense should crush Denver.
DeVante Parker - 22% target share in his first three games with Tua, but a so-so 9/98/1 on 16 targets. The Broncos gave up four performances of 16+ FP against the Falcons and the Chargers in Weeks 8-9 before facing the Raiders last week, who went conservative. So a solid matchup.
Mike Gesicki - Only a 15% target share with Tua, and he's reached 9+ FP just once in his last seven games. It’s sad. I’m expecting to hear a call on the field now like “TD, for NOT Mike Gesicki!” because the backup TEs here score more than he does.
Tim Patrick - 10+ FP and 4+ catches in 5 of his last 6 but splitting time a little with Daesean Hamilton last week and hard to expect a big play or TD with the bad matchup.
Noah Fant - Banged up still but worked fully Friday. The Dolphins have given up 3 TDs to TEs the last two weeks with Hunter Henry posting 4/30/1 receiving last week, which helps, but Fant is tough to feel great about with him banged up and Lock struggling.
Melvin Gordon - Did lead the backfield with 1/46 rushing last week but 0 catches and no love in the passing game last two. The Dolphins can be run on but they held Kalen Ballage and Chase Edmonds to a combined 3.2 YPC (43/138 rushing) the last two weeks.
New York Jets (0-9) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-7)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Justin Herbert - Had a tough game as I expected, and still had a good fantasy day. The Jets defense is allowing the fifth-most passing yards per game (287.1) and are down two CBs with Brian Poole on IR and veteran CB Pierre Desir, who was starting, cut this week.
Keenan Allen - Jakobi Meyers put up 12/169 the last time New York took the field and slot CB Brian Poole is on IR, so Allen’s looking fantastic.
Mike Williams - Boom or bust with only 2/38 last week. It’s a good matchup, at least.
Hunter Henry - Under 33 receiving yards in each of his last five, oddly enough, but did score last week. The Jets are allowing 15+ FPG to TEs their last four with 2 TD, so worth playing.
Kalen Ballage - He looks like the guy right now with 46 snaps to Joshua Kelley’s 17 snaps last week. Damien Harris and Rex Burkhead combined for 138/1 scrimmage against the Jets in Week 9, so certainly has nice potential.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
La’Mical Perine - He should see more snaps out of their bye and Salvon Ahmed had 21/85/1 rushing in this matchup last week. Five different RBs have topped 10+ FP in the last three weeks against Los Angeles, but Perine needs to score or catch 4-5 balls to come through.
Joe Flacco - Has looked comfortable in the offense and Chargers have allowed multiple passing TDs in four straight against some shaky guys (Tua, Carr, Minshew), and he could get some garbage production in a blowout loss.
Breshad Perriman - Major breakout in his last game with 5/101/2, but tougher matchup and DeVante Parker managed just 2/31 receiving on seven targets in this matchup last week. Still, he might get some garbage production.
Denzel Mims - He has 42+ receiving yards in each of his first three games with a solid 25.3% target share. Tougher matchup but some garbage production is likely.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
- Jamison Crowder - Only 2 targets in their last game with Mims and Perriman but he did good things previously with Flacco. The Chargers have been tough out of the slot, though.
Green Bay Packers (7-2) at Indianapolis Colts (6-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Nyheim Hines - He was the hot hand last week, but that doesn’t guarantee much. Still, the Packers are allowing the second-most FPG to RBs (31.7) with 6/53.4 receiving per game, so Hines is looking promising. They are expected to go with the hot hand again this week, which is Hines.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Marquez Valdes-Scantling - Has lived off big plays lately, and Colts don’t usually give them up. Lion Marvin Hall did go for 4/113 receiving with a big play in Week 8, so a big play is possible.
Robert Tonyan - Has 7+ FP just once in his last five games and a bad matchup, as the Colts have limited Jonnu Smith (2/14 receiving) and Mark Andrews (3/22) through the air in the last two weeks.
Allen Lazard - Will be eased back into the lineup, so he can’t be used in a bad matchup.
T.Y. Hilton - Doesn’t look awful, but has double-digit FP just once in eight games with 36.4 receiving yards per game. He could see a lot of top CBs Jaire Alexander.
Trey Burton and Mo Alie-Cox - Hard to like anyone with Jack Doyle back (concussion), especially since the Packers have been the toughest fantasy matchup for TEs this year, allowing just 3.2/41.0/.1 receiving per game.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Philip Rivers - Has 33+ attempts in 5 straight and 3 his 4-best fantasy performances his last four. It’s a medium matchup with top CB Jaire Alexander back along with fellow starter Kevin King.
Jonathan Taylor - He’s been terribly frustrating and hard to back, but the matchup is very good with the Packers allowing the second-most FPG to RBs (31.7).
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Aaron Rodgers - Has 2+ TDs in 8 of 9 and 22+ FP and 280+ passing in four straight, but the Colts have allowed passing multiple TDs just three times this season. Rodgers has lived off big plays and Indy rarely gives those up.
Davante Adams - Did work Friday with his ankle injury, but unlikely to light it up downfield in this one, so he will need volume and/or a TD.
Aaron Jones - Not doing much on the ground but at least 5+ targets and 3+ catches in 6 of his 7. Tough matchup, though, as the Colts are limiting RBs to 3.4 YPC with little in the passing game.
Michael Pittman - He’s been the guy and 7/101 receiving last week with a 22.2% target share. He’s also run 44% of his snaps from the slot since he returned to the lineup in Week 8 after playing just 9% of the snaps inside to start the year. That’s important to note with shutdown corner Jaire Alexander back this week on the outside.
Dallas Cowboys (2-7) at Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
CeeDee Lamb - Gets a good matchup with the Vikings still giving up the fourth-most points out of the slot. Danny Amendola had 7/77 receiving on 10 targets in this matchup two weeks ago.
Dalton Schultz posted 10/103 receiving on 15 targets in Weeks 8-9 before their bye playing with Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci. Schultz has 4+ catches in six of his last eight games. The Vikings weren’t tested by Chicago’s passing game in Week 10, but Minnesota had allowed 12+ FP to TEs in three straight games before last week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Adam Thielen - Leading the league with 13 end-zone targets, and the Cowboys have allowed a league-high 1.8 TD receptions to WRs, so you’re using him.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Andy Dalton - It was ugly a few weeks ago but the hope is things have stabilized a little coming off the bye, and while the Vikings D has been solid, they are certainly beatable and Dallas has more than enough talent to test them. They still give up the third-most PPG out of the slot and the fourth-most FPG per TE target, so I think Dalton, who had a good week of practice, will do some damage.
Tony Pollard - Looks great and put up 9/57 against a tough Steeler D so worth a shot if you need him every week now.
Dalvin Cook - He’s been rolling and the Cowboys have been run on all year and are allowing 126.6 rushing yards per game to RBs, so he’s looking great.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Ezekiel Elliott - Coming off the bye but had a hamstring issue in Week 9 and he’s been at fewer than 9 FP in three straight games. The Vikings are playing well up front with a bunch of no-names and haven’t allowed an RB rushing TD since Week 5 with no RB topping 75 rushing yards since Week 3.
Amari Cooper - Hanging in there with 12+ FP in 3 of 4 since losing Dak. The Vikings held down Allen Robinson last week (6/43 receiving), but their corners are still young and beatable.
Michael Gallup - saw 19 targets for 10/97 receiving in the last two games without Dalton, but he had just eight targets for 2/23 in the two games started by Dalton. Gallup has just one TD this season but the Vikings are allowing a league-high 1.8 TDs per game to WRs.
Kirk Cousins - He’s thrown for 220+ yards with multiple TDs in 4 of his last 5, and he’s supporting two strong producers in Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. The concern this week is that the Vikings build a big lead as 7-point home favorites and they just run all day. I’d lean toward Dallas making a game of it, though.
Justin Jefferson - He’s not easy to handicap on a team that doesn't want to throw it much, but at this point you’re using him each week in season long. He has four games with 100+ yards and four games with 45 or fewer yards, but the Cowboys are allowing a generous 13.8 YPR to WRs and put top corner Trevon Diggs on IR last week.
Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith - He’s hard to use with Irv back, but the Cowboys have allowed 11+ FP to Eric Ebron and Logan Thomas over their last two games to give these TEs a chance to come through.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-1) at Las Vegas Raiders (6-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Patrick Mahomes - On a roll with 788/9 passing in his last two, and they will vow vengeance against the team that gave them their only loss. Coming out of the bye, they should crush the Raiders defense.
Travis Kelce - He’s put up 18/268/1 in his last two and dropped 8/108/1 on them back in Week 5.
Tyreek Hill - He’s also gone nuts in their last two and against the Raiders in Week 5 with 13/211/4 in his previous two and in Week 5 8/108/1 receiving on 12 targets.
Derek Carr - He’s been bad due to a lack of volume/bad weather, but he did also have 2 TDs dropped last week. Carr should be forced to throw more and did have his best fantasy performance of the season against the Chiefs back in Week 5, going 22/31 for 347/3 with 11.2 YPA.
Darren Waller - He dropped an easy 68-yard TD last week, but with LV likely throwing more than usual, he’s looking good. Waller had 5/48/1 receiving on 7 targets in this matchup in Week 5.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL: None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Mecole Hardman - Sammy Watkins won’t play and he’s started to heat up, posting 12/201/1 Week 7-9 before their bye week. Watkins owned a 17% target share and a 20% air yards share in the first five weeks of the season, so Hardman is a good play if you need him or upside.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Clyde Edwards-Helaire - Has just 19/81 rushing and 7/47 receiving in three games since Le’Veon Bell joined the team, and he’s hard to handicap this week. But we do expect the Chiefs to roll, so maybe he can get some work late.
Demarcus Robinson - He’s also worth a shot if desperate with Watkins out, as Watkins owned a 17% target share and a 20% air yards share in the first five weeks of the season.
Josh Jacobs - He’s been rolling and putting up massive numbers, and it’s easier to run on the Chiefs than to throw. He did 23/77/2 rushing against the Chiefs in Week 5, but I do expect the Chiefs to try to gain a big lead to take their running game out of the mix. He does have a solid 3+ catches in six of his nine games if they’re behind.
Devontae Booker - He has 149/3 rushing over the last three weeks with the Raiders playing with some big leads late, but that’s unlikely to be the case this week, but at least Jalen Richard is not a factor.
Nelson Agholor and Henry Ruggs - Agholor dropped a TD last week and Ruggs has only 7/74 receiving in his last four games. Kansas City is allowing just 11.6/138.1/.8 receiving per game to WRs, but these guys have a better chance to produce than usual with volume.
