Start ' Em
Quarterbacks
Bo Nix vs. CAR
Nix was average last week against New Orleans, where he threw for 164 yards, while also rushing for 75 yards on 10 attempts. Nix has exceeded expectations this year so far, and has continued to produce against bad defenses (277 total yards and 2 TDs against LAC, 215 total yards and 3 total TDs against LV, and 263 total yards and 1 TD against TB). This week, Nix goes up against maybe the worst defense he has played yet in Carolina. The Panthers allow 385.7 yards per game to opponents (3rd most in the NFL), while also allowing 223.6 passing yards a game (8th most in the NFL). With Nix proving he can both run and pass the ball when needed, he is worthy of a start this week against a poor Carolina defense.
Russell Wilson vs. NYG
Wilson shined in his Steelers debut on SNF, passing for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for another touchdown. Wilson was able to open up the Steelers' passing game; something QB Justin Fields could not do effectively. Wilson threw downfield early and often, connecting on a bunch of big plays. This week, Wilson and the Steelers go up against the Giants, who allow the 8th most fantasy points per game to QBs. New York also allows 317.6 yards per game to opponents. Wilson is set up for another big week in Pittsburgh's second straight primetime game.
Running Backs
Kareem Hunt vs. LV
Hunt has been a huge piece for Kansas City since taking over as the starting running back. Last time out, Hunt ran for 78 yards on 22 carries and 2 touchdowns. Hunt has established himself in the Chiefs' offense quickly, averaging 21 carries and 83 yards per game in the three weeks since he has taken over. His production and volume have saved a banged-up Chiefs offense. Hunt goes up against the Raiders this week, who allow 136.7 rushing yards a game to their opponents (10th most in the NFL). The addition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins should also open up the run game a little bit more as well. Hunt should make his fantasy managers happy once again against this injured Raiders' defensive line.
D'Andre Swift vs. WAS
Coming off a bye week, Swift should be rested up for another big week against the Commanders. Swift has been very good as of recently, averaging 85.7 rushing yards on 18.0 carries per game in his last three weeks. Swift also has been effective as a receiver, averaging 49 receiving yards, 4.3 receptions, and 4.3 targets in the last three weeks (his best being a 7-catch, 72-yard receiving game in week 4). Swift's opponent this week, the Commanders, allows 131.6 rushing yards a game, while also ranking in the bottom half regarding fantasy points a game to running backs. Swift's involvement as a rusher and receiver makes him a very enticing start on Sunday.
Wide Receivers
Tee Higgins vs. PHI
Higgins had another solid week against Cleveland last Sunday. He posted 82 yards on 4 receptions (8 targets), as well as a touchdown. Higgins has been heavily involved in this high-powered Bengals offense, averaging 9.7 targets over the past three weeks and six or more catches in three of the last five games. He also has scored three touchdowns in three weeks. Higgins goes up against the Eagles, who rank middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to receivers. With CB Darius Slay Jr. likely to cover WR Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins will have a lot of favorable matchups. Start Higgins with confidence this week.
Amari Cooper vs. SEA
Considering he had only been with the team a couple days, Cooper was very solid for the Bills last week. He caught 4 of his 5 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. Cooper is still very new to the Buffalo offense, however, it was a very good sign that he was able to find his way into targets last week. With his and Josh Allen's chemistry only growing, Cooper should become a focal point in the offense soon enough, with this week being a great start. Buffalo's opponent, Seattle, has been struggling defensively over the past few weeks. They've allowed 259 passing yards a game over the past four weeks of the season, which ranks in the bottom ten in the league. With Cooper having a full week to learn the offense and gain chemistry with Allen, he's a must-start every week going forward.
Tight Ends
Cade Otton vs. ATL
Otton has been a nice safety blanket for QB Baker Mayfield this season, last week being the most recent example. He caught 8 of his 10 targets for 100 yards. The biggest note of emphasis with Otton this week, and possibly moving forward, is the health of his target competition around him. Chris Godwin is out for the season with an ankle injury, while Mike Evans is out until at least week 12 (after their bye-week). Thus, Otton's usage in the offense could skyrocket without Tampa's top two receivers in the lineup. Atlanta has been mediocre against tight ends this season, but has been vulnerable to allowing big passing days to their opponents. Look for Otton to be heavily relied upon this week and moving forward, making him a TE1 until Evans comes back.
Kyle Pitts vs. TB
Pitts has really turned things around; his involvement in the Falcons offense has increased as the year has gone on. Last week, Pitts caught 7 of his 9 targets for 65 yards. In a year where a good fantasy week for TEs is few and far between, the consistency over the past few weeks for Pitts has been extremely encouraging. Over the past three weeks, Pitts has averaged 5.7 receptions and 74.3 receiving yards. Though he has not scored a touchdown in that span, his production otherwise has made him a viable option at a very scarce position in Fantasy. Tampa Bay, Pitts' opponent this week, has allowed the 8th most fantasy points a game to tight ends so far this season. Managers should finally feel as though they can start Pitts with confidence this week.
Sit 'Em
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield vs ATL
Baker has been on a tear this year ranking 2nd in Fantasy points for QBs, 2nd in the league in passing yards and 1st in passing touchdowns and total touchdowns. Unfortunately for Mayfield, both of his elite WRs went down with serious injuries last week that will have them missing significant time each. While the Buccs have doubled down on their backing of Mayfield, it's easy to doubt him this week against an above-average Atlanta secondary with receivers like Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer.
Mayfield will truly be tested this week and a few more afterwards, with the question looming of whether his resurgence has been because of the dynamic duo of WRs in Tampa or if Mayfield really is "that dude." While the Falcons have given up the 11th most Fantasy points to QBs this season, they haven't allowed more than 240 passing yards in a game and their run defense has been elite this year, making the prospect of the Buccs having to force passes this week even more plausible.
Jayden Daniels vs CHI
After a quick exit in last week's game thanks to a rib injury, Daniels status for this week's matchup is in the air. Even if healthy, going up against the Bears defense has been a challenge for everyone this year; giving up the 31st most points to opposing QBs. If Daniels was 100% healthy you would have to start him based on his amazing performances this year, however after not practicing Wednesday or Thursday, even if he does play Daniels should be on fantasy owners benches this week.
Daniels has had a spectacular season, ranking as the 5th best QB in Fantasy points. With stat lines of 1410 yards, 6 TDs and 2 INTs with 372 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, Daniels is on the fast track to offensive rookie of the year. After last week's trouncing of the Carolina Panthers behind Marcus Mariota for the most part, look for the Commanders to sit their star rookie to bring him closer to 100% health.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara vs LAC
After an electric start to the season Kamara has cooled off over the past several weeks. It could be due to the fact he is playing with a lingering hand injury or the fact that the Saints have had a 5-game skid that rivals any other teams stretch of poor play. 14 touches for 24 yards was all Kamara could muster against a tough Denver defense last week and with a matchup against the arguably tougher Chargers' defense up next, Kamara may need to be sat.
While his Fantasy owners may be clinging on to the start Kamara had rather than looking at recent events, it's clear Kamara is on the down trend. While his receiving ability keeps him clearly a RB1 in PPR leagues, his 51.3 scrimmage yards average over his last three games should have everyone questioning whether he's even a flex option.
Kyren Williams vs MIN
The red zone threat of the year, Williams has cashed in on his team's belief in him with at least one touchdown in every game this year and totaling 9 on the season. Much of Williams' ability to get these touchdowns have also come because of the injuries suffered by Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and with the latter set to return this week Williams touches outside and inside of the red zone are in question.
With 20+ touches in every week since the receivers' injuries, Williams may be in line for a lighter load this week and against a defense the caliber of Minnesota's, Williams may be in for his worst fantasy output of the year.
Wide Receivers
DK Metcalf vs BUF
DK Metcalf is 9th amongst WRs for Fantasy points this season and 3rd in the league in receiving yards. A much better season than anyone had predicted, Metcalf may be in for a much lighter load this week against a great Buffalo defense who has only allowed 3 receivers to get 10+ Fantasy points all season long.
With Metcalf suffering a sprained MCL last week, it's in question whether or not the receiver will play this weekend in the league's best passing offense so far this season. Even if he does, his mobility and speed will be hindered to the point he won't be much more than a distraction the Seahawks will use to get the ball to Lockett and JSN most likely.
Terry McLaurin vs CHI
Scary Terry has had a quiet but great season so far for the Commanders with 454 rec yards and 4 TDs and ranking 13th for WRs in Fantasy points. However with Jayden Daniels possibly sitting out this week, it's likely McLaurin will see much fewer targets than expected against a stingy Chicago secondary that ranks 26th in Fantasy points allowed to WRs this season.
McLaurin has proven to be Daniels' best option when throwing the ball but if the team turns to Marcus Mariota to start this weekend, we're likely to see a more run balanced offensive which will limit McLaurin's Fantasy potential. Yes, McLaurin took advantage of 6 catches against the Panthers for 98 yards but those numbers aren't lijkely to be repeated with Jaylon Johnson shadowing him the entire game.
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry vs NYJ
Over the past several weeks we've seen a number of Tight Ends become much more respectable for Fantasy after a slow start to the season, one being Hunter Henry. Ranking 7th in Fantasy points for TEs, Henry has posted back-to-back games with good numbers. However all good things things must come to an end, and playing the Jets will probably do just that. Henry's connection with rookie QB Drake Maye has been evident but with the rookie QB making his first start against an elite defense this week it's a good idea to bench everyone on the Patriots in Fantasy this week.
Earlier in the year, Henry got 2 catches for 9 yards in a loss at MetLife stadium and while his numbers will likely be a little better this time around, Henry will likely be double teamed through the middle of the field after his performances as of late.
Travis Kelce vs LV
Don't look now but Travis Kelce is back on our Sit 'Em list. After two great performances before the BYE Week, Kelce came back down to his below average status this year with a 4 catch-17 yard performance against the 49ers. With a divisional road game ahead against an above-average Raiders' defense and the new acquisition of pass catcher DeAndre Hopkins set to make his debut, it's likely Kelce repeats a few catches for a few yards again.
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-Z.D.
- Matt Hylen
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