The best part about fantasy football is winning. The second best part is the draft. However, the draft has come and gone, and fantasy owners struggle with who to start, who to sit, and who to target as a sleeper each week. Thankfully, four of our writers (Mike Fanelli, Joshua Abbe, Mason Thompson, and MJ Hurley) offer up their takes on who fantasy owners should start, sit, and play as a sleeper this week. Be sure to follow all of them on Twitter and reach out with any fantasy football questions you may have. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Quarterbacks
Starts
Ryan Tannehill at Jacksonville Jaguars
After a few week slump, Tannehill has bounced back over his past three games, scoring 19 or more fantasy points in each contest while averaging 22.9 per game. He has seven total touches over his last three games, throwing for at least 220 yards in each. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are giving up an average of almost 22 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They have given up two or more passing touchdowns in six straight games. Furthermore, in their Week 2 matchup, Tannehill scored just under 27 fantasy points. Expect at least 24 fantasy points from Tannehill tomorrow. – Mike
Taysom Hill at Philadelphia Eagles
Drew Brees will miss at least one more game, giving Hill another week to show he’s the Saints’ next franchise quarterback. In his three starts this season, Hill has scored at least 17.5 fantasy points and two touchdowns in every game. Tomorrow he faces the Eagles, who have given up 20 or more fantasy points to quarterbacks in over half their games this season. – Joshua
Justin Herbert vs Atlanta Falcons
Before last week’s stinker against New England, Herbert has put up great stats this season. He has the chance to put up elite numbers against Atlanta. The Falcons’ defense has been playing better as of late, but the receiving duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams should be able to get open against Atlanta’s young secondary. Despite playing better as of late, Atlanta’s defense is still allowing the most points to the quarterback position. – Mason
Andy Dalton at Cincinnati Bengals
Last week, Dalton threw 48 passes, even though the Dallas Cowboys have Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in the backfield. With 285 yards passing and two touchdowns against the impressive Ravens secondary, Dalton should have a big improvement against the struggling Bengals defense this weekend. – MJ
Sits
Derek Carr vs Indianapolis Colts
Last week Carr had his best game of the season, scoring four total touchdowns and 31.7 fantasy points. However, that was against the Jets and their awful defense. This week Carr faces a Colts defense that has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, giving up only 15.2 per game. Furthermore, they have held quarterbacks to one or fewer passing touchdowns in 67 percent of their games this season. Last week Deshaun Watson failed to throw a touchdown against the Colts, and Carr could easily have a similar performance. – Mike
Tua Tagovailoa vs Kansas City Chiefs
The rookie’s future is bright, but right now, he belongs on your fantasy bench. He is dealing with a thumb injury and could be limited this week. He is averaging a respectable 15.6 fantasy points per game but has scored more than 16.5 fantasy points only once this season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are holding quarterbacks to 17 fantasy points per game. Last week they held Drew Lock under 11 fantasy points, and Tua will end tomorrow’s game with under 15 fantasy points. – Joshua
Kirk Cousins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cousins has been one of the better streaming options over the last few weeks. He has posted over 17 points in each game since Week 10, but that streak could come to a screeching halt this week against the Buccaneers. Minnesota is currently in a playoff spot, but this is a big game for playoff implications for both Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Not only is the matchup not a great one, but Cousins also doesn’t do well in big games. – Mason
Kyler Murray at New York Giants
The Giants secondary has been impressive the last few weeks, including their season altering performance against the Seahawks last week. Although Murray is impressive, most experts and fans can agree that Russell Wilson is a better quarterback and has more weapons on his team. He struggled last week against the Giants, so if you have a quarterback with a better matchup, aim for them to start this week. – MJ
Sleepers
Philip Rivers at Las Vegas Raiders
While Rivers doesn’t offer much upside, if you need a safe floor option this week, he’s your guy. He has scored at least 16 fantasy points in four straight games, averaging two touchdowns per game during that span. Tomorrow he takes on a Raiders defense that is giving up 19.3 fantasy points per game this season and 20 to Sam Darnold last week. Expect Rivers to throw at least two touchdowns and score 20 or more fantasy points against the Raiders. – Mike
Mike Glennon vs Tennessee Titans
In his two starts this season, Glennon has thrown for a total of 615 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 15.1 fantasy points per game. While those numbers aren’t anything special, they are solid for a QB2 in super-flex leagues. Meanwhile, the Titans have given up over 21 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. They gave up four passing touchdowns and 29.5 fantasy points to Baker Mayfield last week. Glennon is a mid QB2 with upside against the Titans. – Joshua
Sam Darnold at Seattle Seahawks
The Jets were on their way to winning last week against the Raiders before Gregg Williams saved the tank. Darnold had his best game of the season last week and had over 20 fantasy points. Seattle has allowed the second-most points to the quarterback this season. Darnold could very well put the Jets in a position to win yet another game as Seattle has looked consistent as of late. – Mason
Jalen Hurts vs New Orleans Saints
Starting Hurts isn’t ideal, but if you are in a super-flex league and just lost Carson Wentz, Hurst should have a safe floor this week. While he likely won’t throw a lot, expect the Eagles to draw up a gameplan to take advantage of his legs. Don’t expect Hurst to have a Lamar Jackson like game on the ground, but his rushing ability means a floor of 15 fantasy points this week. – MJ
Running Backs
Starts
James Conner at Buffalo Bills
Conner has missed the last two games after being placed on the Covid-19 list. However, he is off the list and ready to go for tomorrow night’s game against the Bills. With Conner out of the lineup, Benny Snell took over as the lead back but averaged only 2.7 yards per carry and is no threat to Conner’s touches this week. Meanwhile, the Bills are giving up an average of 24 fantasy points per game to running backs. They have given up at least 20 fantasy points to the position in all but two games this season. Conner is a safe floor RB2 in what should be a fantasy-friendly game. – Mike
Giovani Bernard vs Dallas Cowboys
Joe Mixon is out again this week, and it’s uncertain if he will play again this season. With Mixon out of the lineup, Bernard was playing well till Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending knee injury. Over his last four games, Bernard has scored under 10 fantasy points in each contest. However, he faces a Cowboys defense that gave up 200 rushing yards to the Ravens’ running backs last week. While Bernard won’t come close to 200 rushing yards, he should finish the game with 14 or more fantasy points. – Joshua
D’Andre Swift vs Green Bay Packers
Swift returned to practice on Wednesday and is on track to play for the first time since Week 10. He has a fantastic matchup against Green Bay’s so-called run defense this week, which ranks third-worst against running backs. Detroit plays better when Swift is heavily involved in the gameplan, and Detroit is looking to win for the second week in a row following the firing of Matt Patricia. – Mason
Duke Johnson at Chicago Bears
With David Johnson out for this game after being placed on the Covid-19 list, Duke will get the start. The Texans’ offense normally revolves around Watson, but the Bears have been continually gashed by the run the last few weeks from Aaron Jones and Adrian Peterson. With the speed and benefit Johnson receives from Watson, look for him to have a big day against a reeling Bears defense. – MJ
Sits
Raheem Mostert vs Washington Football Team
In the two games since returning from injury, Mostert has scored a total of 15.6 fantasy points, averaging 13 touches per game. The 49ers have turned to a committee, using Mostert, Tevin Coleman, and Jeff Wilson last week. To make matters worse, Washington is holding running backs to an average of 18.4 fantasy points per game. They have given up less than 13 fantasy points to running backs in five of their past seven games, surrendering only one rushing touchdown during that span. Furthermore, Washington has given up only 65 rushing yards and 15.8 fantasy points to running backs over the last two weeks. Sit all 49er running backs this week. – Mike
Kareem Hunt vs Baltimore Ravens
Over the last three weeks, Hunt has struggled. Despite averaging 12.3 rushing attempts per game, Hunt is averaging only 2.9 yards per carry. Furthermore, he has scored a total of 24 fantasy points during that span. Meanwhile, the Ravens have held running backs under 22 fantasy points in seven of their past eight games. With Nick Chubb rolling, Hunt’s touches could start to decrease, making him a risky flex option at best this week. – Joshua
Miles Sanders vs New Orleans Saints
This isn’t a shot at Sanders as a player. It is a combination of the matchup, the fact the team is now starting Hurts, and the fact that Doug Pederson isn’t involving him in the offense anymore. In Weeks 10 and 11, Sanders had a combined 36 touches. In the last two weeks, however, he only has 18. Philadelphia is a mess currently, and to make matters worse, the Saints are the best against opposing running backs. – Mason
All Seattle Seahawks Running Backs vs New York Jets
Chris Carson ran for an unimpressive 65 yards last week, and Carlos Hyde only had one yard on two carries against the Giants. Even playing the Jets, the Seahawks seem to have completely fallen away from the running attack that brought them to multiple Super Bowls. With the chance to let Wilson cook, Seattle will likely rely more on their passing game than the running game on Sunday. – MJ
Sleepers
Ty Johnson at Seattle Seahawks
After Frank Gore suffered a concussion last week, Johnson took over as the lead back, finishing the game with 24 touches for 117 scrimmage yards, a touchdown, and 19.7 fantasy points. Whether Gore is out for this game or not, Johnson is in line for a big game. The Seahawks are giving up an average of 25.4 fantasy points per game to running backs. They have given up eight rushing touchdowns over their past six games. Furthermore, they gave up 188 rushing yards and 32.4 fantasy points to the Giants’ running backs last week. If you need a last-minute replacement, Johnson should be your target. – Mike
Phillip Lindsay at Carolina Panthers
While Lindsay has failed to score more than 10.1 fantasy points in all but one game this season, he had 14 rushing attempts last week and has a great matchup tomorrow. The Panthers are giving up an average of 25.6 fantasy points per game to running back this season. They have given up 10 rushing touchdowns to the position this year and at least 77 rushing yards in four of their past six games. Expect the Broncos to run the ball down the Panthers’ throat till they prove they can stop them. – Joshua
Peyton Barber at San Francisco 49ers
Unfortunately for fantasy owners and NFL fans, Antonio Gibson won’t play this week with a turf toe injury. Because of that, Washington will now turn to Barber and J.D. McKissic. Barber will likely get the early-down and goal-line work while McKissic will be involved in the passing situations. This game will likely be a close one, and Barber could very well find his way into the endzone a time or two. – Mason
J.D. McKissic at San Francisco 49ers
After the injury to Gibson, McKissic became Alex Smith’s number one option in the receiving game. With 10 receptions and 70 yards, the offense flowed through Washington’s backup running back in the second half of the Pittsburgh game. With a matchup against a 49ers team that is weak on the defensive line, McKissic should be able to carry the load and be a viable RB2 or flex option this week. – MJ
Wide Receivers
Starts
Corey Davis at Jacksonville Jaguars
A.J. Brown gets a lot of credit, and rightfully so, but Davis has quietly put together a good season. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in all but one game this season, averaging 15.7 per game. Furthermore, last week Davis had a season-high 11 catches on 12 targets for 182 yards and 35.2 fantasy points against the Browns. Tomorrow, he faces a Jaguars defense that is giving up an average of 41.3 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. They have given up 43 or more fantasy points to wide receivers in five of their past six games. When these two teams played in Week 2, the Jaguars gave up 34.1 fantasy points to the Titans’ wide receivers. – Mike
Tee Higgins vs Dallas Cowboys
Higgins is questionable with a hamstring injury, so keep your eye on the injury report. However, assuming he plays, he belongs in your lineup. Despite playing with three quarterbacks this season, Higgins has scored 10 or more fantasy points in all but one game since Week 3. He has at least eight targets in four of his past five games, averaging 5.2 catches per game during that span. Meanwhile, the Cowboys gave up two touchdowns and 27 fantasy points to the Ravens’ wide receivers last week. Don’t be shocked if Higgins has a two touchdown game tomorrow. – Joshua
Mike Williams vs Atlanta Falcons
As mentioned earlier, the Chargers are in prime position for a high-scoring contest this week against Atlanta. Williams has received five or more targets in every game since Week 7. He hasn’t put up the numbers that he did earlier in the season as of late, but he has a massive opportunity this week. – Mason
Jarvis Landry vs Baltimore Ravens
Landry is heating up at the right time for the Browns. Landry had 10 targets and a touchdown in each of the last two weeks, and the Browns offense has flourished with the re-emergence of Landry. Now that Mayfield has become even more comfortable in the lead role for the Browns, Landry has truly benefited. With a good matchup in the slot against Baltimore, expect Landry to produce once again this week. – MJ
Sits
Deebo Samuel vs Washington Football Team
Samuel is dealing with a foot injury, and while he should play, he may be limited. Furthermore, the rookie Brandon Aiyuk has stepped up as the team’s top receiver, scoring 17.5 or more fantasy points in four straight games. Meanwhile, Washington is has given up the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, giving up 32.2 per game. This game should be low scoring, and Samuel won’t get the volume needed to be in your lineup this week. – Mike
Nelson Agholor vs Indianapolis Colts
Since the Raiders’ bye week, Agholor has played well, scoring double-digit fantasy points in four of seven games. However, despite seeing 17 targets over the last two weeks, Agholor is averaging 9.1 fantasy points per game. Tomorrow he faces a Colts secondary that has held wide receivers to only two receiving touchdowns and 30.9 fantasy points per game over the last five weeks. Sit all Raiders wide receivers this week. – Joshua
Jalen Reagor vs New Orleans Saints
Again, this isn’t about the player. While Reagor has had issues finding his way onto the field, this is more about the matchup and the opportunity this week. New Orleans is on a roll, and the Eagles are reeling. The rookie will be catching passes from another rookie as Hurts will be getting his first NFL start this week against the Saints. – Mason
Allen Robinson vs Houston Texans
The Chicago Bears offense is a mess, and unfortunately, that brings down the value of Robinson. Outside of two garbage time touchdowns against the Packers, Robinson has not produced since the overtime loss against the Saints. Robinson will get targets, but there is little reason to believe he will produce more than as a flex option this week. – MJ
Sleepers
Jamison Crowder at Seattle Seahawks
The Jets will be without rising star rookie Denzel Mims for this game as he deals with a family emergency in Texas. With him out of the lineup and Breshad Perriman dealing with a shoulder injury, expect Darnold to target Crowder more than his usual 7.9 targets per game. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have given up the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, giving up 48.2 per game. Expect Crowder to score 20 or more fantasy points in a very friendly matchup. – Mike
Michael Gallup at Cincinnati Bengals
Over the last two weeks, Gallup has turned things around, averaging 6.5 catches on 9.5 targets for 63.5 receiving yards and 15.9 fantasy points per game. He is coming off a seven catch on 11 target game against a tough Ravens secondary. Meanwhile, the Bengals have given up an average of 35.7 fantasy points per game and five touchdowns to wide receivers since their bye week. Expect Gallup to have his second game in a row with over 15 fantasy points. – Joshua
Darnell Mooney vs Houston Texans
Over the last two weeks, Mooney has seen 15 targets. While he’s only caught seven of those balls, the targets are important. Mooney is now the second-best option in Chicago’s passing attack, which has a solid matchup against Houston this week. Houston is allowing the 11th most points to the receiver spot this season. Mooney is a great sleeper candidate and streaming option. – Mason
Brandon Aiyuk vs Washington Football Team
Aiyuk has been one of the best fantasy receivers over the last few weeks. He has at least 75 yards and seven targets every game over the past four weeks. Aiyuk has established himself as the clear number one receiver in San Francisco and is producing as one of the clear WR1 or WR2s in fantasy leagues. If you have Aiyuk, start him no matter who he is playing. – MJ
Tight Ends
Starts
Mark Andrews at Cleveland Browns
Andrews has missed the last two weeks after being placed on the Covid-19 list. Before that, Andrews had back-to-back games with seven or more targets and 13 or more fantasy points. However, Andrews has been inconsistent at times this season, scoring under 6.5 fantasy points in half of his games. The good news is Andrews has a great matchup against the Browns Monday night. They have given up the second-most fantasy points to tight ends, giving up 16.5 per game. Furthermore, in their Week 1 matchup, Andrews had a season-high 22.8 fantasy points against the Browns and should have another 20 plus point game Monday. – Mike
Hunter Henry vs Atlanta Falcons
Last week, Henry was a bust against the Patriots, catching one of two targets for five yards, scoring 1.5 fantasy points. However, in the three games prior, Henry was averaging 7.7 targets and 13.8 fantasy points per game. Tomorrow he takes on a Falcons defense that has given up an average of almost 16 fantasy points per game to tight ends. They have given up 15.5 or more fantasy points to tight ends in over half their games this season. Expect Henry to finish the week as a top-five tight end. – Joshua
Robert Tonyan at Detroit Lions
Imagine saying Tonyan would be the TE4 this far into the season. He has been targeted 15 times over the last three weeks. Furthermore, he has recorded a touchdown in each of those games. While the matchup isn’t great, Tonyan has become a facet in Green Bay’s potent aerial attack. He will likely have around his five target range again this week and could find the end zone once again. – Mason
Logan Thomas at San Francisco 49ers
With the emergence of Smith, Thomas has become one of the top tight end options in the league. Terry McLaurin is still in Washington, but Thomas has seen an uptick in targets with Smith under center. The 49ers are lacking in linebacker depth, something that will benefit Thomas on Sunday. Coming off of a 98 yard, one touchdown performance, Thomas will continue to improve against the 49ers in a must-win game for Washington. – MJ
Sits
Dan Arnold at New York Giants
Last week Arnold scored 20.1 fantasy points on three targets as both of his catches went for touchdowns. However, he isn’t likely to repeat that performance this week, as Arnold had 18 catches and one touchdown before last week. Meanwhile, the Giants are holding tight ends to an average of 10.6 fantasy points per game. They have given up only two touchdowns to the position this season. Don’t get cute and put Arnold in your lineup after his performance last week. – Mike
Evan Engram vs Arizona Cardinals
Coming off a 16.9 fantasy point game in Week 12, Engram let everyone down last week, scoring 7.2 fantasy points despite seeing eight targets. This week he takes on a Cardinals defense that has held tight ends to under 11 fantasy points per game this season. Furthermore, over their past four games, the Cardinals have given up an average of nine fantasy points per game and only one touchdown to tight ends. Engram is a fade this week against the Cardinals. – Joshua
Dallas Goedert vs New Orleans Saints
Sensing a trend yet? Goedert is a fantastic player, but how much separation is he going to create against an elite New Orleans defense? Right now, it’s better to just leave your Eagles on the bench until we see how well the offense is with Hurts. – Mason
Zach Ertz vs New Orleans Saints
Even before the change at quarterback, Ertz has struggled this season. He has only one game with more than 45 receiving yards this season and hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1. Ertz is barely rosterable at this point and should be nowhere near your starting lineup. – MJ
Sleepers
Tyler Eifert vs Tennessee Titans
Not much has gone right in Jacksonville this season, but over the last two weeks, Eifert has been a bright spot. He has caught nine of his 10 targets of 61 yards, a touchdown, and 21.1 fantasy points over the last two weeks. Furthermore, since the Jaguars’ Week 8 bye, Eifert has at least four targets in every game. Meanwhile, the Titans have given up an average of 13.7 fantasy points per game to tight ends. They have given up seven touchdowns to the position, including in two of their last three games. In their Week 2 matchup, Eifert had a season-high 12.6 fantasy points against the Titans and should score double-digits for the third week in a row tomorrow. – Mike
Jordan Reed vs Washington Football Team
Time for revenge! Reed spent seven seasons in Washington and left as one of the best, if not the best, tight end in franchise history. Tomorrow he gets to stick it to his former team in a must-win game for both franchises. Last week, Reed scored 12.2 fantasy points against the Bills after catching a touchdown late in the game. Meanwhile, Washington has given up an average of 13 fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, including 13.8 last week to Eric Ebron. Expect the 49ers to call Reed’s number early and often against his former team. – Joshua
Dawson Knox vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Knox is coming off of the best game of his season, catching all four targets for 27 yards and a score. In a depleted tight end landscape, Knox is a streaming candidate this week, even against Pittsburgh’s defense. Last week, Thomas was a menace against Pittsburgh as he caught nine passes for 98 yards and a score. While Knox won’t likely have that type of stat-line, he could produce similar results. – Mason
Drew Sample vs Dallas Cowboys
Sample has slowly emerged in Cincinnati as a viable receiving option. He has 16 targets over the last three weeks and is a streaming option this week against the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed points to anyone and everyone, which won’t stop against the Bengals and Sample this week. – MJ
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