Pittsburgh Steelers (5-0) at Tennessee Titans (5-0)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
James Conner - They are working in their other two backs, but Conner is rolling with volume and production with 20/101/1 a healthy 66% of the snaps last week.
Ben Roethlisberger - The Titans have allowed 12 TDs passes to opposing QBs over the last four games and won’t have top corner Adoree Jackson again.
Diontae Johnson - Big Ben has prioritized getting Diontae the ball when he’s been healthy - 32% target share in each of his first two games before having to work through injuries the last four weeks. He’s a leap of faith, but he was the guy, so I like his chances with a very good matchup. Brandin Cooks (9/68/1 receiving) and Will Fuller (6/123/1) both went off in this matchup last week. They really need top corner Adoree Jackson back, but he’s OUT again this week, good news for Johnson.
Chase Claypool - I’m guessing he slips back behind Diontae in the pecking order, but he has clearly taken control of a large role after seeing at least 69% of the snaps with Johnson out or leaving early the last three weeks. Brandin Cooks (9/68/1 receiving) and Will Fuller (6/123/1) went off in this matchup last week.
Ryan Tannehill - He has 29+ FP his last two games and is throwing TD passes with regularity, but he does go against a nasty pass rush without his star LT Taylor Lewan, so they will need to max protect often, limiting his options in the passing game. But the Steeler pass defense has underwhelmed this year, and they will be without their best corner in Mike Hilton. Tannehill will have to carry the offense this week, most likely, so I’m expecting good things.
A.J. Brown - 5+ catches and 7+ targets in each of his first three games, and the Steelers have allowed top perimeter WRs Travis Fulgham (10/152/1), Will Fuller (4/54/1), and Darius Slayton (6/102/2) to post 15+ FP.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Derrick Henry - He did look as good as he’s looked all year, but was that him or the sorry Texan defense? Based on the bodies of work between Henry and the Steelers defense, I’m guessing it’s a less than stellar day for Henry. Pittsburgh limited the league’s best rushing offense to just 75 yards last week, and they’re allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game to RBs (40.8) but they just lost 2019 first-round pick Devin Bush (ACL) for the season.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Eric Ebron - His usage suffered in a game they didn’t have to throw to win, as Roethlisberger threw it only 22 times in the victory. He’s been downgraded to only a reach play due to his recent lack of production. The matchup is once again good, at least, as the Titans have been shaky against TEs. Darren Fells just ripped the Titans for 6/85/1 receiving last week.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
JuJu Smith-Schuster - Juju hasn’t hit 50 receiving yards since Week 1 and he’s being used as an H-back with an aDOT of only 5.0 yards (8.7 in 2018). The Titans do give up the second-most points to slot receivers this year, but with Diontae Johnson back, JuJu is no must-start. Use him if you don’t have an obvious alternative who is actually producing.
Corey Davis - He’s back after opening the season with three straight games with 11+ FP, but maybe we should hold off a week and see if he’s okay after landing on the COVID-19 list. Plus, his production was mostly when Brown was out.
Jonnu Smith - He’s seemingly good to go after an encouraging week of practice. Anthony Firkser may continue to be a thorn in his side, and the Steelers are allowing the ninth-fewest FPG to TEs (7.33). Still, they should have to throw a lot and it could be a shootout, and the Steelers did lose coverage LB Bush for the season.
Detroit Lions (2-3) at Atlanta Falcons (1-5)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Matthew Stafford - Only 31 attempts/game the last three games, but Falcons have the firepower to force them to the air, and they have allowed 26+ FP to opposing QBs in five of their six games, so a big game would surprise no one.
Kenny Golladay - He’s the guy and the only guy making plays with 4+ catches in each of his three games with a TD or 100+ yards in each game. The Falcons are giving up the fifth-most points to outside WRs per SIS and the second-highest YPA (8.4) and just got blasted by vertical threat Justin Jefferson last week (9/166/2), so he’s looking good.
T.J. Hockenson - 9+ FP in all five games but TD-dependent. Good news is the Falcons have allowed a league-high seven TDs to TEs.
Matt Ryan - He needs a good matchup and he needs a healthy Julio Jones to produce, and he has both again this week. Ryan has finished as top-6 QB or better in games that Julio has finished, and the Lions have allowed multiple TDs to every QB they’ve faced this season. They will once again by down their top corner in Desmond Trufant, which helps.
Calvin Ridley - Should be fine healthwise (elbow), and 16+ FP in every game outside of his goose egg against the Packers in Week 4, a game in which he had a longer TD late had Ryan thrown a better ball. The Lions are down CB Trufant and are beatable for sure.
Julio Jones - Lions are down their top corner in Trufant and have given up the eighth-most fantasy points to outside WR and the fourth-most to slot receivers, so Julio is a must-start after working a little more than usual in practice this week.
D’Andre Swift - I fully understand any skepticism becaue the coaches are dumb, but I’m optimistic Swift can help you majorly this week. His rushing usage and production last week was great, but even if the coaches mess that up, the Falcons funnel RB production to the passing game with 7.8 receptions per game to opposing RBs the last four weeks. Swift should easily clear 10 PPR points with 15+ potential. Reports this morning say his role is increasing, so snaps and touches will be there.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Marvin Jones - The ghost of Marvin has just an 11% target share since Golladay returned, but might get some love this week after their OC acknowledged his lack of action this week. I’m actually kinda feeling a TD to Marvin this week. Hopefully, Danny Amendola doesn’t steal it.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Adrian Peterson - He’ll probably get 15+ carries because of course he will with the rookie balling out last week, but the Falcons have been solid against the run all year, and he’s no longer a good bet to see goal-line carries.
Todd Gurley - Season-high 23 touches last week, and ironically his worst game of the season with 0 TDs and just 67 total yards. The Lions have given up the 11th-most fantasy points/carry and they've allowed 6 TDs to RBs in five games this season, so it’s a favorable matchup.
Hayden Hurst - He benefited from a busted coverage last week, but he at least now has 38+ yards in four games of his six games (although only 9 yards total in those other 2), so he’s a desperation play only. The Lions have allowed TDs to the only fantasy relevant TEs they’ve faced this season (Graham/Tonyan), at least.
Cleveland Browns (4-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Gio Bernard - Joe Mixon is out, and Gio usually produces with a massive role, which is coming today with 20+ opportunities likely. James Conner posted 20/101/1 rushing in this matchup last week, so all Gio needs to lock up 15+ points is a TD.
Kareem Hunt - Toughed out 150 total yards in first two games without Nick Chubb against two tough defenses and easily put up 12/101/2 against these Browns in Week 2, so a fine play.
Joe Burrow - Put it up 61 times against them earlier this year (316/3), and Browns are still down a top corner in Greedy Williams. The Browns secondary is highly exploitable right now if they can keep Myles Garrett from wrecking things.
Tyler Boyd - He’s had two tougher matchups the last two weeks, but a 20% target share or better in his last four games. He did post 7/72/1 against the Browns in Week 2, and he’s a nice play with the only concern being the two outside WRs also commanding targets.
Tee Higgins - Has put up 10+ FP every week since Week 2 with 7+ targets and 4+ catches in those four games with a 20% target share or better. AJ Green did show up last week, but Steelers outside WRs Chase Claypool and James Washington combined 149/2 scrimmage against the Browns last week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- David Njoku and Harrison Bryant - The Bengals just allowed 7/82/2 to Trey Burton and Jack Doyle last week, so one of these guys may do something. I love Bryant as a prospect, but you have to lean on Njoku as the better play. He was targeted by both QBs last week and scored.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Odell Beckham - OBJ managed just 2/25 receiving on 4 targets last week and has now finished under 10 FP in half of his games. He managed 4/74/1 receiving on six targets against the Bengals in Week 2, making one big play for a TD on CB William Jackson, who is out this week. So he’s got that going for him, but his QB is awful right now.
Jarvis Landry - Gutting it out with injuries this year and not 100% right now with only 3/40 on five targets last week. It’s a solid matchup, but he’s hard to use with Baker struggling. Landry had just 3/46 receiving on three targets against the Bengals in Week 2.
AJ Green - He did show up last week and had an active and productive day, but he’s still more of a reach play. Still, Steelers outside WRs Chase Claypool and James Washington combined 149/2 scrimmage against the Browns last week.
Green Bay Packers (4-1) at Houston Texans (1-5)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Jamaal Williams - Texans are awful against the run and he’s looked great this year, especially in the passing game. If Aaron Jones is ruled inactive, Williams is a top-10 PPR back today and a better play than Gio Bernard (but it’s close). We will see a little AJ Dillon if Jones is out, but Dillon is a zero in the passing game right now.
Aaron Rodgers - The Packers got out-coached and out-classed last week, and while it exposed their lack of talent at receiver, Rodgers should be okay in this one against a Texans defense that’s allowed 300+ yards and multiple passing TDs in consecutive weeks. They will run the ball well, even if Jones is out which will lead to a good offensive day.
Davante Adams - 10 targets last week but the offense was stymied and he finished with only 6/61. A.J. Brown posted 5/56/2 receiving in this matchup last week and had few problems getting open and making plays.
Deshaun Watson - Coming off the best game of his career on film, Watson has thrown for 300+ yards and multiple TDs in each of the last three weeks. The Packers play a lot of zone which makes them a little more predictable, and they have allowed multiple TD passes in four of their five games.
David Johnson - 81% of the snaps last week, but only 11-13 FP the last four weeks and needs to score to do much better, most likely. But he looks solid and Ronald Jones just got the Packers for 23/113/2 rushing last week and Green Bay has allowed 19+ FP to an individual back in 4 of their 5 games.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Randall Cobb - He has 10+ FP in four of his last five games but he’s topped 11+ FP just once, so he’s been a steady option with little upside. But it’s a revenge game!
Darren Fells - He’s the TE2 with 17.1 FPG in Weeks 5-6, hauling in eight of his nine targets for 142 yards and two TDs with Jordan Akins out. If Akins is out again, which is likely, Fells is certainly a viable play. The Packers just gave up 5/78/1 receiving to Rob Gronkowski last week.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Aaron Jones - Has to be started if he’s active, since Houston has allowed 100+ rushing yards to four individual backs this season. But he’s a shaky GTD with a calf injury that popped up late in the week.
Robert Tonyan - Looks he will go but not 100% (hip) and another previously unknown white guy in Anthony Firkser just got the Texans for 8/113/1last week.
Will Fuller - He’s had one goose egg in Week 2, but 15+ FP in every other game with TDs in each of his last four. He will see some of a tough matchup in Jaire Alexander, who is as good as it gets this year, so I’m lowering expectations and still starting him.
Brandin Cooks - He has 17/229/2 receiving on 21 targets the last two weeks with Bill O’Brien gone. Cooks could also see some of Alexander this week, but probably less than Fuller.
Carolina Panthers (3-3) at New Orleans Saints (3-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Alvin Kamara - The Panthers have allowed nine TDs to RBs and they’re allowing the second-most FPG to RBs (30.2) this season - PLUS he will be the #1 option in the passing game most likely.
Tre’Quan Smith - Smith was highly impactful from Weeks 2-4, racking up 13/182/2 on 17 targets without Michal Thomas, and that was with Emmanuel Sanders in the lineup. He will command more attention, but he’s absolutely worth a play if you need some upside. A big play may be a lot to ask against this zone defense, though.
Jared Cook - Only two catches in each of his last three games, but 2 TDs on those six catches, at least, and he’s rolling with a strong 11.1% TD rate on his targets. Cook’s volume will obviously rise given their terrible WR situation this week.
Teddy Bridgewater - Tough matchup last week and his receivers dropped some balls, but while the Saints may improve coming out of the bye, and Teddy’s still averaging a strong 8.1 YPA and 279.3 passing yards per game. He needs TDs to do very well and the Saints are allowing a TD on a promising 8.8% of the passes against them with 15 TD passes given up.
Robby Anderson - He has hit double-digit FP in six straight to open the season and the Saints have been gashed for 16+ FP by top outside WRs in each of their last three games by Mike Williams (5/109/2), Kenny Golladay (4/62/1), and Allen Lazard (6/146/1).
D.J. Moore - He is trending upward the last two weeks with 93 receiving yards in each game, and a season-best 38% target share last week. Moore also posted 6/126/2 in his one game against NO last year. Marshon Lattimore is struggling, allowing 1.67 yards per coverage snap through five games. I wonder if they’ll go back to playing more man coverage coming out of the bye, but the fact is they have struggled mightily on the back end.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Drew Brees - Really hard to feel good about with Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders out. The Panthers usually get run on, so they have allowed just six passing TDs through five games.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Latavius Murray - The Panthers have allowed nine TDs to RBs and they’re allowing the second-most FPG to RBs (30.2) this season, and it would make a ton of sense for them to hand Murray 50% of the rushing load in this game, given their WR issues and Kamara being needed to step up in the passing game.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
- Mike Davis - Just 55 total yards last week and he fumbled, but you still have to love his massive role for at least one more week. The Saints are tough to run on, but we could see 7+ catches for Davis this week.
Buffalo Bills (4-2) at New York Jets (0-6)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Josh Allen - He’s hit a wall with his play and won’t have John Brown and Dawson Knox, but he has a good matchup and a history of ripping bad defenses and teams. He crushed this Jets defense in the opener with 312/2 passing and 57/1 rushing. I’m expecting 3-4 TDs.
Stefon Diggs - He’s dominating with massive target numbers every week and has posted 14+ FP in every game with 6+ catches in five of his first six games. He should better the 8/86 receiving on nine targets he posted in the opener, and he could go off.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Braxton Berrios - Slot man Jamison Crowder is out, but he had 7/115/1 against the Bills in Week 1 and he has 7+ catches and 65+ yards in each of his three games against the Bills while with the Jets, so if Crowder is ruled out, he’s a viable reach.
Gabriel Davis - He’s been great and he was actually the target on their first throw of the season in this matchup and he also posted a serviceable 5/58 receiving when Brown missed in Week 5.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Devin Singletary - Saw 41 snaps and 11 touches compared to Zack Moss’ 14 snaps and five touches last week, but Moss’ role is expected to increase. He has 9/30 rushing and 5/23 receiving against the Jets back in Week 1, but at the last Jets have been very giving, allowing 25.8 FPG to RBs (5th-most).
Zack Moss - He has only 9/11 rushing but 3/16/1 receiving in the opener, but role expected to increase and the Jets have been seriously run on since that opener, allowing 25.8 FPG to RBs (5th-most).
Sam Darnold - He’s back this week but is coming off that injury to his throwing shoulder, so he’s risky. He was at least decent against the Bills in the opener, completing 21/35 passes for 215/1 with 1 INT.
Breshad Perriman - He’s impossible to trust, but he was upgraded on the injury report late in the week while Jamison Crowder was downgraded to doubtful, meaning he won’t likely play. Perriman posted 4/62 receiving on eight targets and had some nice downfield plays. But he will see some of Tre’Davious White, so he’s a desperation play only still.
La’Mical Perine - He played 16 more snaps than Frank Gore last week but Gore had a 11-7 advantage in carries. The Bills got run on by the Chiefs last week, as Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 161 yards, but the sledding will be much tougher for the Jets. Perine is a desperation play still, if that.
Dallas Cowboys (2-4) at Washington Football Team (1-5)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Terry McLaurin - Just 1 TD on the season but the fifth-most targets (58) and a nice 7/74 on 12 targets last week. Cowboys aren’t as bad as some think, and rookie CB Trevon Diggs is good, but they are still giving up the third-most FPG to WRs (38.2) with nine receivers to topping 15+ FP in six games this season. So he’s looking about as good as possible.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Kyle Allen - He’s still a turnover machine with two last week, but he’s not afraid to turn it loose and he moves pretty well and can throw on the run, so he always has a puncher’s chance. After surprising with 280/2 passing against the Giants last week, he could surprise with 17-20 points given the favorable matchup.
Logan Thomas - Signs of life last week with a TD and 3/42/1, including a nice downfield play from Kyle Allen. Dallas is allowing the eighth-most FPG to TEs this season (14.2), so a decent game would not be a surprise.
Dalton Schultz - Only 4/35 on five targets with Dalton throwing it 54 times last week isn’t a great sign. But TFT is allowing the fourth-most FPG to the position (15.5), including the fourth-most receiving yards at 56.8, so at least the numbers say Schultz is viable.
JD McKissic - He was very active last week in the run and pass game, and he looked good again, so he’s well in the mix and a viable reach if you need 10 PPR points.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Andy Dalton - Needed 54 attempts to throw for 266/1 last week, which is not good, and also not good is another starter out on the OL, making that 4-for-5 (G Zack Martin). The Football Team has allowed multiple TDs every QB they faced until they stymied Daniel Jones last week. Dallas will have to commit to the run big time, so Dalton may need TDs to come through unless TFT can make it a higher-scoring affair (possible).
Ezekiel Elliott - Lost two fumbles early last week, 20+ touches again and he has 6+ catches in four of his last five games. TFT is a tougher matchup, though, and they are allowing just 102.7 scrimmage yards per game to opposing RBs so far.
Amari Cooper - He has 9+ targets in 5 of his 6 games this season with 6+ catches and 75+ each game. TFT’s secondary is beatable, and Robert Woods had 4/71/1 in this matchup two weeks ago.
CeeDee Lamb - Has 5+ catches and 55+ yards in every game with 7/64 last week. He seemed to click well with Dalton. Cooper Kupp posted 5/66 receiving on eight targets in this matchup, so hope TFT can make this a higher-scoring game for Lamb.
Michael Gallup - Dropped a TD last week and has seen 7 or more targets just once this season with 1 TD total. He could always make a big play or score, but based on body of work this year, he’s not someone to proactively start.
Antonio Gibson - At this point, it’s clear he’s still finding his way around the NFL and the coaches are feeling him out, too. He’s cleared 60 total yards on once, surprisingly, and after scoring three straight weeks Weeks 2-4, he’s been shut out the last two. JD McKissic was a major factor last week, so Gibson’s a tough guy to get a handle on in a bad offense. He does have a solid role and potential each week, at least, and Dallas has allowed 16+ FP to individual RBs over the last three weeks (Drake/Freeman/Hunt).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Tom Brady - Wasn’t needed last week with just 27 attempts and 166/2 passing, but the Raiders gave up two performances of 25+ FP against Josh Allen (288/2 passing) and Patrick Mahomes (340/2) in their last two games before their bye.
Ronald Jones - He’s played on 63% of the snaps the last three weeks with Leonard Fournette (ankle) out or limited, but Fournette is now fully healthy. Jones has been the RB3 those three weeks with three 100-yard rushing games. The production should continue with the Raiders giving up the second-most FPG to RBs (33.6). Fournette may get a series here and there and some closer opportunities, I’d think.
Rob Gronkowski - 80% of the snaps for the fourth straight week last week and led the team in targets (8), receptions (5), and receiving yards (78) and he scored his first TD of the season last week. The Raiders have given up TDs to the two viable fantasy TEs they’ve faced this season in Jared Cook (2/13/1 receiving) and Travis Kelce (8/108/1).
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Josh Jacobs - Looks like his OL will be available, which is great news for Jacobs, who has 18+ touches in every game. He’s been sluggish, though, and it’s a brutal matchup against the Buccaneers, who are allowing the fewest rushing yards per game to RBs (48.5). You simply cannot run on them and he’s sharing the receiving role with two other backs.
Derek Carr - He is rolling with multiple scores in four straight games, but the Buccaneers have held five QBs under 15 FP in six games, and they baffled Aaron Rodgers last week.
Henry Ruggs - He made two great plays in their last game, but this is a tough matchup against a Buccaneers defense that’s allowing the fewest 20+ yards passes per game so far with just 2.3. They do have bigger corners who could struggle with Ruggs’ speed, but he’s tough to trust here unless fairly desperate.
Darren Waller - 7+ targets and 10+ FP in four of his five games, but was locked down by the Patriots in Week 3 and no tight end has reached 50+ receiving yards against the Bucs since the season opener.
Mike Evans - Only 10 targets with just 4/14/3 in three healthy Chris Godwin games and not a must start at this point. But I’m sure he’d like to show up with Antonio Brown headed to the active roster soon.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Leonard Fournette - The Raiders are giving up the second-most FPG to RBs (33.6) and Fournette should get a series here and there and some closer opportunities, if desperate.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
- Chris Godwin - 20 targets in his three games and he has 5+ catches in each game, seeing fewer downfield chances, so he can’t be considered a fantasy stud right now. But like Evans, I’d think he’ll be pushing harder than usual with Antonio Brown on his way.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) at Denver Broncos (2-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Travis Kelce - I liked him a ton last week, and the same applies here and teams are playing zone against them, making them stay patient. That’s Kelce, who posted 17/186/0 receiving in two games against this defense last year.
Tim Patrick - Has a 29% target share the last two weeks with 14+ FP in three straight games, so he’s hard to bail on actually. The Chiefs are allowing the fifth-fewest FPG to WRs (30.6), including the second-fewest receptions per game (10.0), but Denver came out throwing last week and it worked, so they may look to do that again, figuring they need points to beat KC.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Demarcus Robinson - He is Sammy Watkins’ backup, as Mecole Hardman didn’t catch a pass and he played 40 fewer snaps than Robinson last week. You never know when the Chiefs will unleash Hardman, but Robinson is a solid reach if you need him with Watkins expected to miss this week.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Patrick Mahomes - He’s at 20+ FP in every game this season but he’s underwhelmed, as defenses are taking away the deep ball and making them run it. But the Broncos have allowed either multiple TD passes or 75+ rushing yards with a rushing TD to every QB they’ve faced.
Tyreek Hill - He crushed people last week with just 3/20 receiving on three targets, but he threw up 8/141/3 receiving against the Broncos last season. The Broncos are actually playing a lot more man, and maybe Vic Fangio is dumb enough to keep it up against Hill, who will crush their man.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire - Teams are forcing the Chiefs to run it, which is helping CEH, who averaged 6.2 YPC last week. He’s getting a ton of carries, but catches and short TDs have been the problem, and now Le’Veon Bell may be added to the mix this week. The Broncos have also shut down three straight running games and are up to third-best in terms of FPG given up to RBs (17.5).
Jerry Jeudy - Getting targets but just two catches in each of his last two games with Noah Fant (ankle) hurt. Cole Beasley did post 4/45/1 receiving out of the slot against the Chiefs last week, at least, and Denver may come out throwing like last week.
Noah Fant - He looks good to go and has 4+ catches in every game this season, and Darren Waller posted 5/48/1 receiving against the Chiefs in Week 5.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (1-4)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Justin Herbert - 23+ FP in three of his four starts with 300+ yards or multiple TDs in each of his four starts. The Jaguars have no pass rush and have given up 27+ points in every game this season, including 30+ points in five straight. So, uh, yeah, he’s looking good.
Keenan Allen - He found the end zone in Week 5 before leaving with back spasms, but he should be set to go. The matchup is certainly good.
Mike Williams - Coming off a monster game and the Jaguars have struggled with downfield threats in each of their last two games with Kenny Golladay (4/105 receiving), Will Fuller (4/58/1), and Brandin Cooks (8/161/1) all going off.
Hunter Henry - Not a ton of looks, but between 10-14 FP in 4 of his 5 games and scored his first TD of the season last week. The Jags have given up a TD to a TE in two straight games and in three of their last four.
James Robinson - A little sluggish on the ground, but 4+ catches in each of his last four games. The Chargers are the only team that hasn’t allowed a rushing TD to a RB yet, but they are allowing 7.8 catches per game to RBs (tied for the most), and Chris Thompson was placed on the Covid list, so Devine Ozigbo may back up Robinson this week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley - Jackson leads this backfield but that could flip any given week. Jackson did basically take over the Austin Ekeler role with a strong 20/94 on 42 snaps. Kelly was in his old role with 12/38 scrimmage on 25 snaps. The Jaguars just got crushed by the Lions and allowed D’Andre Swift to bust out, so it’s a good matchup.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Gardner Minshew - Other than one dud this year he’s been very decent, with multiple TDs in five of his six games. Might be playing from behind in this one and the Chargers have allowed three different QBs to reach 22+ FP in five games. Check on Melvin Ingram’s status if you’re on the fence since he’s a big upgrade to their defense if he’s back. But also note there are whispers he could be benched if he fails to move the ball consistently.
D.J. Chark - Season-high 32% target share last week, but turned 14 looks into just 7/45. But he has 11+ FP in four of his five games this season and top WRs Emmanuel Sanders (12/122 receiving) and Mike Evans (7/122/1) have gone off against the Chargers in their last two games.
Keelan Cole - He did it again, going for 6/143 receiving when no one expected it. But he’s also scored 8+ FP in every game and the Chargers have been pretty giving to WRs.
Laviska Shenault - Came crashing down last week after two promising games, but still saw seven targets last week, and this could be a nice bounce-back spot for sure.
San Francisco 49ers (3-3) at New England Patriots (2-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Jerick McKinnon - He will lead this backfield with Jamycal Hasty and Jeff Wilson (questionable) working in behind him. McKinnon handled 38 touches in two games as the lead back in Weeks 3-4, which he turned into 174/2, so a nice play if you need him, since Hasty got his work late in a blowout win.
James White - He has a 26% target share in his two games with Cam, so he’s a decent flex, since the 49ers can score and force them to play from behind.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
George Kittle - He will be a focus for Bill Belichick for sure, at least in the red zone, where he could be tripled teamed, so lower expectations. The Pats held Darren Waller to 2/9 receiving in Week 3 and forced Travis Kelce into a season-low three catches.
Deebo Samuel - Had 6 handoffs last week, or targets behind the LOS, and he turned them into 6/66/1, but a tough matchup against Stephon Gilmore, at least at times.
Brandon Aiyuk - Not a lot of yardage, but he’s got a TD in 3 of his last 4, so he’s hardly hopeless, but it’s a tougher matchup overall.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Damiere Byrd - For what it’s worth, Cam missed him for a TD from about 20 yards out last week, so he’s not a hopeless reach. N’Keal Harry, now that’s a hopeless reach.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Jimmy Garoppolo - Looked like a different guy last week with 26/3 against the Rams, which gives him multiple TDs in three of his four games. The Patriots are allowing just 17.2 FPG to QBs (6th-fewest) this season, so it’s a tough matchup, but they have not been dominant by any stretch this year.
JaMycal Hasty - Saw a lot of work with Kyle Shanahan giving him a run in the second half last week with a big lead, but not a great week to use him as a desperation play.
Cam Newton - He was awful last week and scattershot, and you don’t know how much of that was caused by his Covid layoff. Cam at least ran, with 10/76/1 but he has only 2 TD passes and 4 INTs and he’s 165+ passing yards just once throwing to a terrible receiver corps.
Julian Edelman - Massive disappointment last week but no clear indications his knee had something to do with it. The 49ers are a little healthier in the secondary now and are giving up only 9 catches a game to WRs the last four weeks, so it’s not looking promising.
Sunday Night Football
Seattle Seahawks (5-0) at Arizona Cardinals (4-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Chris Carson - Dominating the touches with 65+ yards and 3+ catches in every game this season. Cards are allowing 153.5 yards a game to RBs, and if a lot of points are scored, he’ll likely get in on the fun.
Kyler Murray - The man compiles fantasy data with ease, and he’s finished as the QB10 or higher in every game. The Seahawks are still allowing the second-most FPG to QBs (26.1), and running QBs Cam Newton (47/2 rushing), Ryan Fitzpatrick (47/1), and Dak Prescott (26) had success running Seattle
DeAndre Hopkins - Quiet game as Kyler completed only 9 balls, but still got 2/73 receiving and #1 WRs have gone off on the Seahawks all season, including Adam Thielen (9/80/2 receiving), DeVante Parker (10/110), and Amari Cooper (9/86) in the last three weeks.
Christian Kirk - Had a solid 14% target share last week and he’s scored two straight games. Seattle will make adjustments, but the matchup is as good as it gets.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Kenyan Drake - Had a 67% snap share with them leading most of the game, but Seattle has been tough against the run. The Seahawks are allowing just 3.7 YPC and they’re allowing fourth-most receptions per game to RBs (7.0) which is good news for Chase Edmonds.
Greg Olsen - He has 4+ catches in three of his five games, but also 1 catch in two games. The Cardinals have yet to allow more than 12 FP to an opposing TE this season.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Chase Edmonds - The Cards are home underdogs, which bodes well for Edmonds, since they could be playing from behind. He had 5 catches in consecutive games until last week and Seattle is giving up the fourth-most receptions per game to RBs (7.0).
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Russell Wilson - He has hit 21+ FP in every game with three games with 31+ FP. The Cardinals are stingy by the numbers, and he didn’t do well against them last year, but it matters little because you’re using him.
D.K. Metcalf - 4+ catches and 90+ yards in every game with five TDs in five games. There are no concerns with Patrick Peterson here.
Tyler Lockett - He’s tailed off majorly his last two games, and he did struggle against the Cardinals last season with just 5/63 receiving in two games. However, Arizona allowed 7/64 receiving to CeeDee Lamb last week and 8/116/1 against the Jamison Crowder in Week 5 out of the slot.
