This is a pretty wild week. There are so many good matchups that there are endless options to choose from when making lineups. There’s a lot of flexibility, and at the same time, it’s pretty overwhelming having to decide between so many different guys. All assured, I’m likely to start the wrong ones and watch the guys I passed on go absolutely nuclear.
Either way, let’s ride!
QUARTERBACKS
Patrick Mahomes $8,300 (at CIN)
Yes, he’s the most expensive quarterback so, he’s obviously the most likely to produce. However, I could see people leaning more towards Joe Burrow in this one for the value and the return of Ja’Marr Chase, leaving Patrick Mahomes under-owned. He’s averaging 28.2 DK ppg and this game should be a shootout and battle between last season’s AFC finalists. The Chiefs have little to no running game, meaning I’d expect Mahomes to throw the ball all over the yard and even call his own number on the ground.
Justin Fields $7,400 (vs GB)
If Justin Fields is healthy and practicing in full (which he is), I’d be all for playing him this week. He’s progressed as a passer and we all know how deadly he is with his legs. Per usual, the upside is sky-high and others might be timid to play him off an injury and without Darnell Mooney.
Aaron Rodgers $5,800 (at CHI)
On the flip side, Aaron Rodgers completely owns the Bears. Their defense absolutely stinks so there’s no reason he can’t continue his streak of dominance against Chicago. The return of Randall Cobb and the emergence of Christian Watson really helps Rodgers out in terms of weapons.
Mike White $5,400 (at MIN)
My favorite play at QB of last week shined bright and was a standout with over 300 yards and three touchdowns on the day. Mike White has another plus matchup in Minnesota with ideal conditions in the dome and awoken talented receivers at his disposal. Ride the White while he’s still hot.
Other intriguing options:
Justin Herbert $7,200 (at LV), Joe Burrow $6,900 (vs KC), Deshaun Watson $6,400 (at HOU), Geno Smith $6,100 (at LAR), Derek Carr $5,600 (vs LAC), Jared Goff $5,300 (vs JAX)
RUNNING BACKS
Nick Chubb $8,000 (at HOU)
Nick Chubb has been the most consistent running back in fantasy football this year and he’s done that with Jacoby Brissett under center and stacked boxes on a weekly basis. Now, Deshaun Watson comes back to lighten up those boxes and the ability to challenge teams vertically in the passing game. Mix in the Texans’ horrific run defense and this could be a 30-plus point smash spot for Chubb.
Aaron Jones $6,900 (at CHI)
Aaron Jones has seen great usage in Green Bay’s offense, especially in the passing game. We noted how poor the Bears’ defense has been, so Jones shouldn’t have much problem taking advantage of this great matchup. We just need to hope AJ Dillon doesn’t take away too many opportunities.
David Montgomery $6,200 (vs GB)
The Packers have struggled against the run and David Montgomery has done well in his increased role with Khalil Herbert sidelined. Fields’ return will likely take away some of his touches, but Montgomery is still the Bears’ most reliable weapon. The loss of Mooney makes that even more true.
Jaylen Warren $4,900 (at ATL)
With Najee Harris on the wrong side of questionable to start the week, Jaylen Warren could be in for his first start in Pittsburgh’s offense. He had been working his way into a more significant role before the injury and now he could be staring down the barrel of the coveted Steelers heavy usage RB1 role.
Other intriguing options:
Josh Jacobs $7,900 (vs LAC), Jamaal Williams $6,000 (vs JAX), Kyren Williams $5,200 (vs SEA)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Tyreek Hill $8,800 (at SF)
This is a big-time matchup between Super Bowl contenders. I’m expecting a back-and-forth affair, one where the Dolphins lean heavily on their superstar wide receiver to make some amazing plays. His speed is unmatched and Miami will need a monster game from Hill to beat this elite defense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,100 (vs JAX)
The volume king, Amon-Ra St Brown continues to dominate targets in Detroit and put up numbers. He nearly led the Lions to an upset over the Bills with 30 DK points and now he’s got a home matchup with the Jaguars this week. A juicy matchup with heavy volume in what should be a high-scoring affair… what’s not to like?
Christian Watson $5,200 (at CHI)
The rookie simply has a nose for the end zone with six touchdowns over his last three games. Finally putting it all together, Christian Watson has been a much-needed weapon for Rodgers in the passing game. Now, he gets a bad Bears defense to feast on with big-play upside.
Mack Hollins $4,600 (vs LAC)
The absences of both Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow have allowed Mack Hollins to play a reliable WR2 alongside Davante Adams. When Adams isn’t ripping off 30-point DK games, Hollins is usually the other beneficiary and also has pretty good touchdown upside of his own. Josh Jacobs won’t rack up 50+ points again, so Hollins has good value here.
Other intriguing options:
AJ Brown $7,800 (vs TEN), Tee Higgins $7,200 (vs KC), DK Metcalf $6,700 (at LAR), Amari Cooper $6,400 (at HOU), Tyler Lockett $6,000 (at LAR), Courtland Sutton $5,500 (at BAL), Garrett Wilson $5,300 (at MIN), George Pickens $5,100 (at ATL), Adam Thielen $5,000 (vs NYJ), Van Jefferson $4,800 (vs SEA), Treylon Burks $4,600 (at PHI), Nico Collins $4,200 (vs CLE), Chase Claypool $3,800 (vs GB), Elijah Moore $3,700 (at MIN)
TIGHT ENDS
Travis Kelce $7,900 (at CIN)
Being the Chiefs’ No. 1 weapon in a big-time revenge game against the Bengals should garner a ton of targets. Travis Kelce is the greatest cheat code in fantasy and with his elite volume and touchdown upside, he should feat in this matchup.
Foster Moreau $3,600 (vs LAC)
Similar to the Hollins pick, Foster Moreau has been a nice fill-in for a depleted Raiders offense. Moreau has higher touchdown upside as a red zone weapon and the Chargers have struggled to defend tight ends so far this year.
Other intriguing options:
TJ Hockenson $5,200 (vs NYJ), Pat Freiermuth $4,300 (at ATL), David Njoku $3,900 (at HOU)
DEFENSE
Baltimore Ravens $4,000 (vs DEN)
The Broncos have had a historically bad offense this year with Russell Wilson and it’s pretty remarkable. The Ravens have been getting to the QB recently with four sacks in each of their last three games, so as long as Wilson continues to “ride” at this pace, Baltimore should have no problem stacking points.
Pittsburgh Steelers $2,600 (at ATL)
The return of TJ Watt does wonders for this defense. They can get pressure on the quarterback and rack up points through sacks and turnovers. Marcus Mariota and the Falcons are in trouble this week against an aggressive Steelers’ defense.
