Philadelphia Eagles (1-2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
JuJu Smith-Schuster - His 18% target share may rise this week with Slay on Johnson, and slot guys Tyler Boyd (10/125) and Cooper Kupp (5/81) have had good games this year against the Eagles.
Eric Ebron - His matchup is ideal, and the Eagles just got crushed by George Kittle (15/183/1 receiving) last week, and they allowed three touchdowns to Tyler Higbee earlier this season. He will see some safety coverage, but I’d think the Steelers will look to take advantage of the terrible Eagles LBs.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Diontae Johnson - He’s good to go health-wise, but he’s a good bet to see a lot of Darius Slay this week. Slay did get roasted by Terry McLaurin, but he’s been very good this year. I’m not automatically sitting Johnson, but I am lower on him than usual for sure.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Chase Claypool - He played ahead of James Washington in their last game with a team-high 76% of the snaps, so he’s the best reach WR here if Johnson is slowed down by Slay.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Miles Sanders - He’s dominating the snaps at least, but bad game last week and his QB is holding him back in the passing game lately. His matchup is as tough as it gets, so asking for more than 14-15 PPR points is a lot to ask.
Carson Wentz - He made incremental progress last week, but that doesn’t give me a ton of confidence in this tough matchup. The Steelers have yet to allow a 20+ FP performance and he’s still really thin at receiver.
Zach Ertz - He was simply not open last week and when he was he averaged just 2.3 YPR with a sad 4/9 on five targets. It’s really hard to expect much of a bounce-back in this nasty matchup, but it can’t be any worse than last week.
Greg Ward - He will have to step it up this week aong with Travis Fulgham, John Hightower, and maybe JJ Arcega-Whiteside. The Eagles will not have DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery this week. I’m not prepared to promote Ward as a play, but he’ll get opportunities.
James Conner - He’s at 20+ FP the last two weeks so you’re not sitting him, but he doesn’t totally own this backfield with Benny Snell in the mix and also rookie Anthony McFarland getting a look in their last game and he did flash. The Eagles are still a tougher run defense, but Fletcher Cox has been out of practice this week and they have allowed decent production.
Ben Roethlisberger - He’s thrown for 2+ TDs in his first 3 games this year and the Eagles are allowing 273.8 passing yard/game and are down a corner in Avonte Maddox, so Big Ben is a solid top-10 guy this week.
Carolina Panthers (2-2) at Atlanta Falcons (0-4)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Mike Davis - He has been great with 22+ FP in two games filling in as the starter, and while the Falcons have been good against the run, they give up the second-most receptions to RBs so far and backup Reggie Bonnafon is on IR, so Davis is looking good with 20+ touches a lock.
Teddy Bridgewater - He’s putting up elite stats in several key areas, and he’s also running more consistently. The only problem has been a lack of TDs, but the Falcons defense has allowed 4 TD passes in three of their first four games.
Robby Anderson - He’s been the guy and has 5+ catches in every game with 99+ receiving yards in three of his four games. He’s entrenched as an active target for Teddy, and the matchup is obviously good.
Russell Gage - Bad game last week, but Keenan Allen posted 13/132/1 receiving on 19 targets against the Panthers out of the slot, so if Julio is out, Gage is a good play.
Todd Gurley - He does not look good running it, and his lack of work in the passing game is a problem, but he can still get it done in short yardage. Other than Kenyan Drake, who doesn’t score against anyone, the Panthers have given up more rushing TDs than anyone dating back to last year and continuing 3 of 4 weeks this year.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Olamide Zaccheaus - If Julio is out, this guy should get at least 10 PPR points. He posted a team-best 8/86 receiving with Julio sent out of the game last week. He looked good.
Ian Thomas - We did get proof he still plays in the league last week with a TD, and does rank in the top-15 in TE routes run. The Falcons have given up double-digit FP to the TE in each game this year.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
D.J. Moore - He’s been a secondary option compared to Anderson, but the matchup is still very good and he did well against them last year.
Matt Ryan - He looked old and slow late last week and it’s not looking good for Julio, but the Panthers are down a starting CB in Eli Apple, at least. The Panthers have been surprisingly stingy so far, but Ryan is always a threat for a solid 275/2.
Calvin Ridley - He had an ugly game last week with his snaps down, but he should have scored late and should be busy if Julio is out.
Hayden Hurst - He has reached double-digit FP just once in four games and the Panthers have yet to allow an opposing TE to hit 11+ FP on 6.5 targets per game, so I’m slowly pulling back from Hurst this week and these days.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-2-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Marquise Brown - He had a 27% target share and a 43% air yards share, so his usage suggests a big game is coming. He just missed a TD getting tackled inside the 1 last week, and with 6+ targets in every game he’s hard to sit. The Bengals have given up big plays to WRs this year and are down slot corner Mackenzie Alexander.
Mark Andrews - He’s been boom or bust with two 20+ FP and two with fewer than 6 FP. He had 12/152/2 in this matchup last year and Zach Ertz and Hunter Henry each reached 5+ catches and 70+ yards against Cincy this season.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Tyler Boyd - Some have argued Boyd has the upper hand in this matchup with Marlon Humphrey in the slot and maybe he does, but he’s still looking worse than usual while up against a good corner, so I’m not as high on Boyd this week.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Tee Higgins - He’s got 9/117/2 receiving with a 20% target share the last two weeks and John Brown won’t play and A.J. Green has posted only 6/39 receiving with an 11% share Weeks 3-4.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Joe Mixon - Broke out last week but will need to continue to get opportunities in the passing game with this tough matchup. Mixon was shut down in one Ravens matchup last year, but he did get 151 total yards in the final meeting and Antonio Gibson did well in a similar role last week. They do have several top defensive guys out of practice this week, so Mixon could rise a little in our projections if one or more are out.
Joe Burrow - Ravens got roasted by Patrick Mahomes in Week 3, but they have held every other QB under 19 FP, so we’ll likely see only 16-20 points from Burrow.
Lamar Jackson - Dealing with a knee issue this week, but he’ll play and they will run their offense, which means he will still run (although maybe not much if the game is in hand). He scored 30+ FP in both of his matchups with the Bengals last season.
Mark Ingram/JK Dobbins/Gus Edwards - They are listed in order of their reliability, but this is a nightmare. My guess if Ingram may get some work in this one, but that’s just a guess. But Lamar’s knee issue, whatever it is, may help increase their number of RB touches this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) at Houston Texans (0-4)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
James Robinson - Season-high 76% of the snaps last week, and the Texans have been awful against the run with 24+ FP given up to Dalvin Cook and James Conner (149/1) the last two weeks.
D.J. Chark - Looked great last week and he has 12+ FP in each of his three games. He will see a lot of top corner Bradley Roby, but both Vikings receivers when over 100 yards last week against Houston.
Will Fuller - Big game last week with 6/108/1 and had a longer TD taken off the board. Jags could be down both C.J. Henderson and slot corner D.J. Hayden (OUT) this week, and Fuller lines up in the slot. You keep starting Fuller while he’s healthy.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Gardner Minshew - 20+ FP in three of his first four starts and he’s throwing it 42 times a game in losses, worth noting with them as 6.5-point road dogs this year. Kirk Cousins carved up the Texans at times last week.
Laviska Shenault - He might be coming on already with 5/86 receiving on six targets last week. The Texans allowed both Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson to go for 100+ yards last week.
Randall Cobb - He’s the #2 WR to consider here and TE Jordan Akins (concussion) could miss the game, so Cobb may be busy in the middle of the field.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Deshaun Watson - He isn’t running much at all, only 14.5 yards per game, but he’s thrown for multiple scores with 9.0+ YPA the last two weeks. Watson does seem to struggle against the Jags for some reason and he failed to reach 20+ FP in both games last season.
Brandin Cooks - Catchless last week with only 3 targets, but he ran a lot of routes at least. But he’s had 50+ receiving yards just twice in his last 14 games, which is sad.
David Johnson - Almost scored again last week but also now giving up some snaps/opportunities to Duke Johnson. However, the Texans are 6-point home favorites, and Joe Mixon just went for 181 total yards with 3 TDs against the Jaguars.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Clyde Edwards-Helaire - KC is a 13-point favorite, which bodes extremely well for CEH. Five different RBs have reached 16+ FP against them and they give up the most FPG to RBs (38.05).
Patrick Mahomes - Multiple TDs in every game so far and he averaged 309 passing with 5 TD passes with a rushing TD in his two games against them last year.
Travis Kelce - Posted 90+ yards and 5+ catches in both of his games against the Raiders last week, and he’s due for a TD.
Tyreek Hill - Has a TD in every game to start the year, and Stefon Diggs posted 6/115 receiving in this matchup last week.
Darren Waller - Massive 27.2% target share last week and he posted 6+ catches and 60+ yards in each of his matchups against Kansas City last year.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Hunter Renfrow - 11/141/1 receiving on 17 targets the last two weeks with Ruggs and Bryan Edwards out, and while Ruggs is back, Carr may have to throw it 40+ times as 12-point road dogs.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Josh Jacobs - 4+ targets in 3 of his last 4, but less than 14+ FP the last 3. KC is easier to run on, at least, allowing 122 rushing yards per game, including a 100-yard game from Damien Harris in his first real action in the NFL last week.
Derek Carr - 2+ TDs in each of his last 3, but KC is very stingy against the pass right now. They have yet to allow multiple TD passes in a game. Carr may get good volume at least, as they are 12-point road dogs.
Henry Ruggs - He will return this week, but tough to trust this week with a tougher matchup.
Sammy Watkins - He has 4+ catches and 7+ targets in three of four games this season, so not an awful play if you need him.
Mecole Hardman - Playing an improving 46% of the snaps the last two weeks with 8/108/2 receiving on 10 targets and always a threat to score.
Arizona Cardinals (2-2) at New York Jets (0-4)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- DeAndre Hopkins - Only 7/41 on 9 targets last week, but the Jets couldn’t stop Tim Patrick last week (6/113/1 receiving on 7targets).
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Chase Edmonds - Has a steady role in the passing game with 15 routes and 5/24/1 receiving on six targets and has officially arrived as a weekly flex option. Good matchup overall.
Christian Kirk - Impossible to trust, but a bust-out game could be looming as they look to stretch the field vertically, and nothing scary about the matchup.
Jeff Smith - Should be their top outside guy again with Breshad Perriman (doubtful) and Denzel Mims still out of the lineup, and he can run.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Kenyan Drake - Soiled the bed last week with just 13/35 rushing and 0 targets. It is a good matchup/situation so a good game can’t be ruled out. Of course, neither can a bed crapping.
Kyler Murray - Offense is way too compressed, but he’s throwing TDs and running like a cat out there. The Jets have allowed multiple passing TDs in three of four weeks.
Le’Veon Bell - Back this week but a desperation play only with role unsettled. In theory, he can make some hay in the passing game, and Mike Davis posted 111/1 scrimmage against the Cardinals last week.
Joe Flacco - He says he’s ready and comfortable in the offense, but off the radar for any fantasy format for now.
Jamison Crowder - Big game last week but potential drops with no Darnold. Flacco has at least leaned on his slot receiver throughout his career, at least.
Los Angeles Rams (3-1) at Washington Football Team (1-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Antonio Gibson - Getting better each week, even against top defenses, and role is expanding in the passing game and inside the 10 and 5. Rams are allowing a promising 150.8 scrimmage yards per game to RBs.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Tyler Higbee - Not getting enough snap and targets, but TFT hs given up 5 TDs to TEs this season, including a pair for Mark Andrews last week.
Dontrelle Inman - Rookie Antonio Gandy-Golden is starting to get snaps, but the veteran Inman isn’t going away (again). With Ramsey on McClaurin more than Inman most likely, we can’t rule out another annoying TD from Inman.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Jared Goff - He’s been mostly great, but he’s throwing it only 30 times a game, and it’s hard to see much more this week against the hapless FT. They can be stingy overall, too, and the Football Team should get DE Chase Young back this week.
Cooper Kupp - He has 19/257/2 the last three weeks, but the Redskins have been quite stingy against the pass.
Robert Woods - Being outpaced lately by Kupp, Woods has 13/123/1 the last 3 weeks. Again, it’s not the best matchup/situation this week.
Darrell Henderson/Malcolm Brown/Cam Akers - Akers is back so this looks like a nightmare. For now, I rank them in this order. It’s not the greatest matchup, and the Ravens RBs needed 33 carries to get 118 rushing yards last week (3.6 YPC) against TFT last week.
Terry McLaurin - He will see a fair amount of Jalen Ramsey this week, but not JR exclusively. He’s now seen a 20% target share in every game but he will be adjusting to a new QB in Kyle Allen. That could help, but it could hurt. But we know McLaurin is good.
Kyle Allen - Ron Rivera wants to win now no matter what, which explains his decision to bail (for now) on Dwayne Haskins. The Rams got roasted by Josh Allen in Week 3 but they’ve been stingy otherwise.
Miami Dolphins (1-3) at San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
DeVante Parker - He toughed it out with an ankle injury last week as Parker has finally learned how to manage injuries, and he practiced fully on Friday. The 49ers are down three corners, including top outside guys Richard Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley, plus slot corner K'Waun Williams. The 49ers may explode on offense now that they have their top players back, so Parker could be down with GTP this week.
Raheem Mostert - If he returns, have to think he will lead this backfield, but you need to know the hot hand approach is always in play. Mostert has 18+ FP and TDs in each of his two games this season and Miami has given up 100+ yards and 2 TDs to James Robinson and Chis Carson in consecutive weeks.
Jerick McKinnon - Mostert is back, but McKinnon is still a flex option. He handled 84% of the RB touches last week and Tevin Coleman is still out. Miami has given up 100+ yards and 2 TDs to James Robinson and Chis Carson the last two weeks.
George Kittle - He looked pretty good last week. Miami hasn’t faced much at TE, so their points allowed means little.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Jimmy Garoppolo - Expected back, and while Miami gets CB Byron Jones back this week, Dolphins are allowing the fourth-most FPG to QBs (23.3) and 300+ passing yards per game, so while a little risky in case he’s not the worst play if you need him.
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Tua is coming, but not this week and Fitz has posted 23+ FP his last three games. The 49ers have been stingy, but they are still down three corners, including starters Richard Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley, plus slot corner K'Waun Williams, and their only healthy corner who plays a lot, Ahkello Witherspoon, was limited Friday with a hamstring. They have also given up two rushing TDs to QBs and 37+ rushing yards in three of their four games and Fitz has 85/2 rushing the last two weeks.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Mike Gesicki - Has come up small the two weeks and the matchup is bad against their LBs. But at least Durham Smythe is out! This guy needs all the help he can get.
Myles Gaskin - He’s still the guy at least, with touches and decent production every week The best hope against this stingy defense is he catches 4-5 balls with them playing from behind, which is entirely possible.
Brandon Aiyuk - A little fluky, but two good games in a row and led 49ers WRs with 64 snaps and 50 routes last week. Byron Jones is back, but Miami is giving up the seventh-most FPG to WRs (41.18), so use him if you need him or some upside.
Deebo Samuel - 25 snaps and 17 routes last week, two numbers that should go up this week. Still more of an upside/longshot play than a safe and steady one.
Indianapolis Colts (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-1)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Kareem Hunt - It’s not a great matchup and he’s not 100%, but he practiced fully late in the week and the Colts are down two starting LBs, including the great Darius Leonard, so I’ll take my chances on Hunt this week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Baker Mayfield - Browns are hiding him well and multiple TDs last two weeks, but fantasy production is just not there due to a lack of volume/yards. The Colts have been the worst matchup for opposing QBs this year.
Odell Beckham - Boom or bust and the numbers say bust. But Allen Robinson eventually got it done in this tough matchup with 7/101/1 (a lot of garbage-time production though).
Jarvis Landry - Looks okay, but only 4.8 targets per game (16% target share). They do have a good slot corner in Kenny Moore, but he’s been banged up and can be beaten. Still, no reason to feel confident using Landry in this one.
Austin Hooper - Will compete with David Njoku and maybe even also impressive rookie Harrison Bryant, so tough to trust in a bad matchup.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Zach Pascal - This guy always seems to gets the best matchup and has a chance to do something. He has out-targeted Hilton in each of the last two weeks and isn’t a bad reach play.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Jonathan Taylor - I’m not really sure if he’s missing some holes or if their OL is underwhelming or even if their coaches stink, but I can tell you this: Taylor does look good and he’s their best player on offense. He’s played on 51% of the snaps the last three weeks, though, which is a problem. It’s not the greatest matchup, so unless the coaches wise up and use Taylor more, he will likely need to score to come through.
Philip Rivers - I unfairly said he looked bad earlier in the week, but I take that back. But the offense is pretty terrible, and his weaponry is not good. The Browns at least are down a top corner in Greedy Williams and have allowed multiple TD passes in every game.
T.Y. Hilton - It’s been brutal, but I don’t think he looks done, at least. He was open for a bigger play for 30+ yards last week, but Rivers missed him. He’s yet to reach 60+ receiving yards in a game this season while the Browns have allowed 60+ yards to six different WRs in four weeks, so he might do something. But he should see a bit of top corner Denzel Ward.
Trey Burton/Mo Alie-Cox/Jack Doyle - Burton led with 19 routes last week over Doyle (15) and Alie-Cox (8). The Browns have been crushed by TEs, allowing double-digit FP to four different TEs this season, and they’re allowing the fourth-most FPG to the position (19.88) this season. I’d rank them as I have. Allie-Cox gets red-zone love, so him over Doyle.
D’Ernest Johnson/Dontrell Hilliard - They seem inclined to use both behind Hunt, so they are tough to trust. Hilliard is the better bet for catches.
New York Giants (0-4) at Dallas Cowboys (1-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
CeeDee Lamb - Giants can be had in the slot, as both Cooper Kupp (5/69/1) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (6/69/2) each went for 17+ FP. Lamb has 5+ catches and 55+ yards in each game so far.
Evan Engram - Engram is leading the team with a 20% target share, and he’s third in TE targets (30). The Cowboys have allowed 11+ FP to three straight TEs, and it’s not exactly murder’s row of guys (Hooper/Olsen/Hurst).
Darius Slayton - A solid 7 targets in two games without Sterling Shepard, and the Cowboys have allowed multiple TDs to a WR in three straight games. He could be too much for rookie Trevon Diggs on the outside this week, so more upside than usual this week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Amari Cooper - He will draw a lot of James Bradberry this week Bradberry has been great. The Giants have limited top perimeter WRs to under 12 FP in the first four weeks (Woods/A-Rob/Diontae).
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Daniel Jones - It’s been bad, but the matchups have also been brutal and this one has been as easy as it gets. Everything is in place for a high-volume game, so if things go relatively well and he keeps the turnovers to a minimum (0-1), the fantasy numbers should be there.
Devonta Freeman - He’s the guy, so I expect 50-60% of the snaps with 10+ carries and 4-5 catches and solid 12-14 PPR points.
Golden Tate - He’s yet to even hit 50+ receiving yards this year, but slot WRs Tyler Lockett and Russell Gage have each registered 15+ FP against the Cowboys the last three weeks, so look for his best game of the season.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Ezekiel Elliott - Tougher matchup, as the Giants are allowing a respectable 3.7 YPC but RBs are averaging 53.8 receiving yards per game against them and he’s posted 8+ FP in the receiving department in every game.
Dak Prescott - HIs OL is in sad shape with two starters out (LT Smith, C Looney), and the Giants have allowed fewer than 18 FP to QBs in each of their last three games. Dak has posted 3+ passing TDs against New York in three straight games, at least. But he’s probably not going off here.
Michael Gallup - He’s still in the mix, but he’s yet to see more than a 16% target share so he’s more hail mary start than safe and steady.
Dalton Schultz - He has 4+ receptions in three straight games, but he might not get the volume he’s seen in this one, so you may have a better option.
Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at Seattle Seahawks (4-0)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Adam Thielen - The matchup could not be better, nor could the situations as road dogs against a potent offense. Seahawks are allowing 336.3 receiving yards per game to WRs, which is 125.0 more yards per game than the second-closest team, as well as a league-high 23.5 catches per game to WRs.
Justin Jefferson - He’s been fantastic the last two weeks playing outside and he is now leading all receivers with 3.7 yards per route run. The matchup literally could not be better, nor could the situations as road dogs against a potent offense.
Russell Wilson - He kills the Vikings and they have allowed 300+ passing yards in three of their four games.
D.K. Metcalf - No problem at all in terms of his matchup on the outside, and Vikes have allowed four different WRs to go for 90+ receiving yards.
Tyler Lockett - He shockingly came up small last week, and the Vikings will get slot corner Mike Hughes back this week. I’m not convinced that’s a bad thing for Lockett, so I’m expecting a big game.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Kirk Cousins - Should have to throw it more than usual against a potent offense, and did pretty well in this matchup last year. Seattle's allowing the most passing yards per game (408.5) and the second-most FPG to QBs (28.32), so he’s clearly looking better than usual.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Chris Carson - 20 opportunities and 100 yards and 2 TDs last week, and while it’s not a great matchup for him catching the ball, I expect a lot of points to be scored and for Seattle to move the ball at will, so Carson is a good bet to score.
Greg Olsen - 4+ catches in three of his first four games with Seattle, but the Vikes have yet to allow a TD to a tight end.
Dalvin Cook - Tough matchup on the ground, as the Seahawks have faced a league-low 15.3 rushing attempts per game and they’ve allowed just 2.9 YPC. But they’ve allowed 6.8 catches per game to RBs and Cook got more involved in the screen game last week. He’ll need that this week.
