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
Tom Brady at Detroit Lions
Last week I told you to start Brady against the Falcons, and hopefully, you did, as he scored 23.4 fantasy points, his highest since Week 10. This week, fantasy owners should double down and start Brady again against the Lions. They are giving up an average of 21.6 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the fourth-highest in the league. Furthermore, they have given up three or more passing touchdowns in three of their last four games. – Mike
Jalen Hurts at Dallas Cowboys
Since taking over as the starting quarterback, Hurts has been unbelievable, averaging 28.6 fantasy points per game. Against the Cardinals last week, Hurts threw for 338 yards, scored four total touchdowns, and had 37.8 fantasy points. This week, he faces a Cowboys defense that has given up 19.2 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Furthermore, quarterbacks have scored 23 or more fantasy points in over a third of their games against the Cowboys this season. Thanks to his rushing ability, Hurts is a top 10 option this week. – Joshua
Matt Ryan at Kansas City Chiefs
Before last week, Ryan was on a cold streak, averaging only 9.9 fantasy points per game in his past four games. However, Ryan had one of his best games of the season against the Buccaneers, throwing for 256 yards, three touchdowns, and scoring 27.8 fantasy points. He should stay hot his week against the Chiefs in what should be a shootout. The Chiefs have given up at least two passing touchdowns in six straight games, giving up an average of 22.5 fantasy points per game during that span. – Mason
Justin Herbert vs Denver Broncos
The likely Offensive Rookie of the Year award winner has been great for fantasy owners this season, averaging almost 22 fantasy points per game. More importantly, Herbert broke out of his slump last week, scoring three total touchdowns and 28 fantasy points against the Raiders. Tomorrow, he faces a Broncos defense that has given up almost 20 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Last week they gave up 37.7 fantasy points to Josh Allen, and in their Week 8 matchup against the Chargers, Herbert scored 21.2 fantasy points. – MJ
Sits
Derek Carr vs Miami Dolphins
Last week, Carr left the game against the Chargers with a groin injury that expected to sideline him for at least this game. However, Carr practiced this week and is off the injury report. While that is good news for the Raiders, Carr shouldn’t be in your lineup. The Dolphins have held quarterbacks to an average of 16 fantasy points per game this season. Furthermore, they have held quarterbacks under 12.5 fantasy points in four of their last five games. – Mike
Ben Roethlisberger vs Indianapolis Colts
Over the last five weeks, Big Ben has struggled. During that span, he has scored under 17 fantasy points four times, averaging 13.5 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Big Ben is coming off a season-low 6.7 fantasy points against the Bengals last week, where he barely completed over 50 percent of his passes. Things don’t get better this week as he is facing a Colts defense that is giving up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Furthermore, they have held quarterbacks to one or fewer passing touchdowns in over half their games this season. – Joshua
Ryan Tannehill at Green Bay Packers
Over the last three weeks, Tannehill has played some of the best football of his career. During that span, he is averaging 27 fantasy points per game, scoring 10 total touchdowns compared to one turnover. However, he faced three of the worst passing defenses in the league during that span and that will change tomorrow tonight as the Packers are holding quarterbacks to an average of 16.5 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, over their last eight games, the Packers have held quarterbacks to 14.8 fantasy points and 1.4 passing touchdowns per game. Expect a big game from Derrick Henry and a quiet one from Tannehill. – Mason
Russell Wilson vs Los Angeles Rams
Based on his name value, benching Wilson will be hard to do. However, after throwing at least two passing touchdowns in each of his first eight games this season, Wilson has thrown one or less in three of his last four games. Furthermore, he has scored under 15.5 fantasy points in three of his past four games and threw for only 121 yards last week against Washington. Meanwhile, the Rams are holding quarterbacks to a league-low 13.2 fantasy points per game. They haven’t given up more than 16.5 fantasy points to any quarterback since Week 6, including only 9.9 to Wilson in their Week 10 matchup. – MJ
Sleepers
Tua Tagovailoa at Las Vegas Raiders
The rookie has played well since returning from injury. Over his last three games, Tua is averaging 20.6 fantasy points per game, scoring at least 16 in every contest. Tua has scored 14.5 or more fantasy points in five of his last six games. Meanwhile, the Raiders have been giving away fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, giving up just under 20 per game. Furthermore, quarterbacks have thrown two or more touchdowns against the Raiders in five straight games. Expect Tua to make it six straight tonight. – Mike
Mitchell Trubisky at Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week Trubisky had only 13.5 fantasy points against the Vikings as David Montgomery had a big game on the games. However, since taking back over as the starter, Trubisky is averaging 17.6 fantasy points per game, throwing two touchdowns per game. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have no idea how to slow down quarterbacks this season, giving up the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, giving up 22.3 per game. The Jaguars have given up two or more passing touchdowns in eight straight games. – Joshua
Andy Dalton vs Philadelphia Eagles
Since returning from injury, Dalton has scored 15 or more fantasy points in four of five games, averaging 16.3 fantasy points and two passing touchdowns per game. Meanwhile, the Eagles have struggled to slow down quarterbacks recently, giving up an average of 25.2 fantasy points and almost three passing touchdowns per game over their last three games. The winner of this game will have a chance to make the playoffs, so expect Dalton to have his best game of the season against a struggling Eagles secondary. – Mason
Baker Mayfield at New York Jets
After a three-game span with zero total touchdowns, Mayfield has been on fire recently. Over his last four games, he has at least two passing touchdowns in each contest, scoring a total of 11 touchdowns during that span. More importantly, Mayfield has three straight games with 21 or more fantasy points, averaging 26.8 per game. Tomorrow he faces a Jets defense that has given up the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, giving up almost 22 per game. They have given up at least two passing touchdowns in every game since their bye week, and Baker should have no trouble throwing at least two tomorrow. – MJ
Running Backs
Starts
Jeff Wilson at Arizona Cardinals
Earlier this week, the 49ers announced that Raheem Mostert and Nick Mullens will miss the last two games of the season because of injuries. Down to their third-string quarterback and without their lead back, a big part of the 49ers’ offense will fall on the shoulders of Wilson. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have given up about the league average, 22 fantasy points per game to running backs. However, they have given up two or more rushing touchdowns in two of their last four games. Furthermore, in their Week 1 matchup, the Cardinals gave up a season-high 47.7 fantasy points to the 49ers’ running backs. If Wilson is unable to play, Jerick McKinnon would jump into a featured role and must-start status. – Mike
Giovani Bernard at Houston Texans
Just after many fantasy owners dropped Bernard, he had his best game of the season against the top run defense. Bernard had a season-high 25 carries for 83 yards and 22.7 fantasy points as he found the end zone twice. This week, Bernard gets to build on his success from Monday night against the Texans, who have given up the second-most fantasy points to running backs, giving up 30.3 per game. They have given up at least one rushing touchdown in all but one game this season. – Joshua
Darrell Henderson at Seattle Seahawks
Earlier this week, the Rams announced that Cam Akers would miss this game with an ankle injury. With Akers on the sideline, Henderson takes back over as the lead back. Earlier in the season, when Akers was out, Henderson averaged 16.4 fantasy points per game from Week 2 to Week 5. Furthermore, even with a healthy Akers on the roster, Henderson scored 10.3 fantasy points against the Seahawks in Week 10. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have struggled to stop running backs recently, giving up 30.5 or more fantasy points to the position in four of their last six games, including to the Rams in Week 10. The best way to keep Wilson off the field is by running the ball so expect a big game from Henderson tomorrow. – Mason
J.K. Dobbins vs New York Giants
Last week Mark Ingram was a healthy scratch against the Jaguars, sealing Dobbins fate as the featured back in Baltimore. He scored 15.1 fantasy points against the Jaguars, making it the fourth game in a row that he scored 13 or more fantasy points and found the end zone. Fantasy owners should expect Dobbins to do both again this week against the Giants. They have given up almost 25 fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Furthermore, over their last two games, running backs are averaging over 100 yards rushing and 24.1 fantasy points per game against the Giants. – MJ
Sits
Nyheim Hines at Pittsburgh Steelers
Hines has played a critical role in the Colts’ offense this season, but last week he had only seven touches against the Texans, his lowest since Week 9. This backfield is no longer a split as Jonathan Taylor has 16 or more touches in four straight games and has taken over as the main back. Meanwhile, the Steelers have given up the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, giving up only 17.7 per game. While everyone will point to the 105 rushing yards the Bengals running backs had last week, it took them 31 carries (3.4 yards per carry) to reach that total. The only Indianapolis running back you should start this week is Taylor. – Mike
Frank Gore vs Cleveland Browns
Last week Gore had a season-high 23 carries against the Rams that resulted in 13.5 fantasy points. However, Gore was averaging 11.5 carries per game this season before last week. Meanwhile, the Browns are giving up only 21.1 fantasy points per game to running backs this season. They have held running backs to under 17.5 fantasy points in four of their last six games. Expect a quiet performance from the future Hall of Famer. – Joshua
Kenyan Drake vs San Francisco 49ers
After a four-game stretch, where he scored 13.5 or more fantasy points in every game, Drake came back down to earth last week to score six fantasy points against the Eagles. Drake has struggled with consistency this season, scoring 13 points one week and scoring five the next week. Things don’t get better for him this week as he faces a 49ers defense that has given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Furthermore, they have held running backs to under 20 fantasy points in three of their four games since the bye week. – Mason
Phillip Lindsay at Los Angeles Chargers
Entering the season, many thought the Broncos’ backfield would be an even split. However, it hasn’t turned out that way as Lindsay hasn’t scored more than 8.5 fantasy points in 82 percent of his games this season. Despite 13 or more touches in three straight games, Lindsay has a total of 15.2 fantasy points during that span. Meanwhile, this week he faces a Chargers defense that has held running backs to one rushing touchdown and an average of 19.7 fantasy points per game over their last four games. – MJ
Sleepers
Zack Moss at New England Patriots
Last week Devin Singletary out-scored Moss 17.4-8.1 in their win over the Broncos. However, Moss had two more touches than Singletary. Furthermore, Moss has back-to-back games with 13 carries while Singletary has only two games all season long with over 13 carries. While Singletary had a better performance last week, this backfield is a 50-50 split. Meanwhile, the Patriots have given up 24.2 fantasy points per game to running backs but gave up 46.1 fantasy points to the Dolphins’ running backs last week without Myles Gaskin. In their Week 8 matchup, Moss had a career-high 14 carries for 81 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 20.1 fantasy points. – Mike
Ito Smith at Kansas City Chiefs
Earlier in the week, head coach Raheem Morris said Smith would take over as the Falcons’ lead runner this week. Smith has seen an uptick in carries over the last four weeks, averaging 9.3 per game after totaling 12 carries before the bye week. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are giving up 24.4 fantasy points per game to running backs this season. However, over the last two weeks, running backs are averaging 28.6 fantasy points per game against the Chiefs. – Joshua
J.D. McKissic vs Carolina Panthers
Whether rookie star Antonio Gibson plays or not this week, McKissic belongs in your lineup. Since Washington’s Week 8 bye, McKissic has scored 10.5 or more fantasy points in five of seven games, averaging 14.8 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, McKissic is coming off a season-high 22 touches for 107 scrimmage yards and 25.7 fantasy points last week. Meanwhile, the Panthers have given up over 25 fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Last week the Packers’ running backs scored 30.6 fantasy points against the Panthers on only 22 carries. – Mason
Malcolm Brown at Seattle Seahawks
With Akers out this week, Henderson will take over as the lead back but don’t expect Brown to just sit on the sideline. Brown is averaging eight touches per game this season and is used in critical situations like third down and the red zone. Despite only seeing eight touches per game, Brown is averaging 7.3 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have given up almost 25 fantasy points per game to running backs this season. They have given up 30 or more fantasy points to running backs in four of their last six games, including 33.2 to the Rams’ running backs back in Week 10. Expect both backs to have good games this week. – MJ
Wide Receivers
Starts
Jarvis Landry at New York Jets
Since Week 12, Landry has been one of the best fantasy wide receivers in the league, averaging 19.9 fantasy points per game during that span. Furthermore, Landry has scored all three of his receiving touchdowns over the last four weeks. He has seen at least eight targets in every game since Week 12. Meanwhile, the Jets are giving up an average of almost 41 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Furthermore, they have given up 53.5 or more fantasy points to wide receivers in over a third of their games this season. – Mike
Chris Godwin at Detroit Lions
Multiple injuries have kept the season from going the way Godwin had hoped. However, he has scored 13.5 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games, averaging 13.8 per game during that span. Meanwhile, the Lions have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, giving up over 41 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, wide receivers have scored 38 or more fantasy points against the Lions in five of their last six games. – Joshua
Jamison Crowder vs Cleveland Browns
Despite the tough matchup on paper, Crowder had his second performance with 12.5 or more fantasy points in his last three games. Crowder has now seen at least five targets in three of his past four games, averaging 7.5 per game this season. This week he faces a Browns secondary that has given up over 38 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Furthermore, wide receivers have averaged over one receiving touchdown per game against the Browns, so don’t be surprised if Crowder finds the end zone this week. – Mason
Marvin Jones vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Whether Kenny Golladay plays or not, Jones belongs in your lineup this week. He is coming off his best game of the season, with 10 catches on 12 targets for 112 yards, one touchdown, and 27.2 fantasy points. More importantly, Jones has scored 25.5 or more fantasy points in two of his last three games. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have struggled to slow down wide receivers recently, giving up 56 or more fantasy points to the position in three of their last four games. The Buccaneers will have no trouble scoring on the Lions’ defense, providing more opportunity for Jones in a negative game script. – MJ
Sits
Robby Anderson at Washington Football Team
Last week, Anderson was held in check by the Packers, catching only two of his five targets for 21 yards, ending his day with four fantasy points. D.J. Moore stole the show, catching six of his eight targets for a season-high 131 yards and 19.2 fantasy points. Things should play out similarly this week against Washington, as they have given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Last week they held the Seahawks’ great duo of wide receivers to only 77 yards and 16.7 fantasy points. Washington hasn’t given up a touchdown to wide receivers since Week 13, and that likely won’t change this week. – Mike
DJ Chark vs Chicago Bears
After a breakout season last year, Chark has struggled this season, averaging only 11.5 fantasy points per game. He scored 11.5 or more in four of his first five games this season but has scored more than 10 fantasy points only once since then. Meanwhile, the Bears have given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, giving up 32.1 per game. With Kyle Fuller matched up with Chark for most of the game, expect another quiet performance. – Joshua
Chase Claypool vs Indianapolis Colts
After a strong start to the season, Claypool has hit the rookie wall. Over the last three weeks, Claypool has seen his targets drop, averaging six per game during that span. By comparison, he saw 8.1 targets per game over his previous eight games. Furthermore, Claypool has failed to find the end zone since Week 11 and has three straight games under eight fantasy points. Meanwhile, they have held wide receivers to an average of 32.5 fantasy points per game over their last seven games. The Steelers offense is struggling right now, and Claypool should be on your bench. – Mason
D.K. Metcalf vs Los Angeles Rams
Much like Wilson, it will be hard to bench Metcalf, but it’s the right move to make. After scoring eight touchdowns over his first eight games this season, Metcalf has scored just twice over his last six games. Furthermore, he has scored under 14 fantasy points in four of his past six games. Meanwhile, the Rams have given up the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, giving up only 29 per game. When these two teams played back in Week 10, Jalen Ramsey held Metcalf to two catches for 28 yards and 4.8 fantasy points. – MJ
Sleepers
Darnell Mooney at Jacksonville Jaguars
The rookie has turned into a gem for the Bears, averaging 8.8 fantasy points per game this season. However, he has scored 10.5 or more fantasy points in back-to-back games and scored 16.5 fantasy points against the Vikings last week. This week he faces a Jaguars defense that has given up an average of 39.7 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. They have given up at least 145 yards or two touchdowns to wide receivers in three straight games. – Mike
Rashard Higgins at New York Jets
Landry isn’t the only Browns wide receiver who has played well recently. Higgins has scored 11.5 or more fantasy points in three straight games, averaging eight targets and 17.3 fantasy points per game during that span. Meanwhile, the Jets have given up 11 receiving touchdowns to wide receivers over their last seven games, including four over their past two weeks. Higgins has received the targets and has the matchup to be a top 30 wide receiver this week. – Joshua
Allen Lazard vs Tennessee Titans
While Davante Adams gets a lot of the credit, as he should, Lazard has played well this season, averaging 11.3 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he has scored 10.5 or more fantasy points in half his games this season. Tomorrow night, he takes on a Titans secondary that has given up the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, giving up almost 43 per game. The Titans have given up five receiving touchdowns and an average of 48.8 fantasy points per game to wide receivers over their last three games. – Mason
Brandon Aiyuk at Arizona Cardinals
Earlier this week Kyle Shanahan announced that Deebo Samuel will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. With Samuel done for the year, Aiyuk maintains his WR1 status for the rest of the season. Over the last three weeks, Aiyuk has scored at least 20.5 fantasy points in each game, averaging almost 13 targets per game. Expect that success to continue against the Cardinals, as they have given up 41.5 or more fantasy points to wide receivers in two of their last three games. Furthermore, the Cardinals game up almost 200 yards, three touchdowns, and 52.7 fantasy points to the Eagles’ wide receivers last week. – MJ
Tight Ends
Starts
Austin Hooper at New York Jets
Hooper had left fantasy owners down over the last few weeks, scoring under 9.5 fantasy points in four straight games. However, last week he broke out of that slump to scored a season-high 15.1 fantasy points against the Giants. This week he faces the other New York team, the Jets. They have been the best team to stream tight ends against as they have given up over 17.3 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, they have given up an average of 26.9 fantasy points and 1.5 touchdowns to tight ends over the last four games. Hooper is in line to have a big performance against them this week. – Mike
Logan Thomas vs Carolina Panthers
Last week Thomas exploded for a career-high 13 catches for 101 yards and 23.1 fantasy points. Thomas has quietly turned into one of the better fantasy tight ends this season, averaging 10.8 fantasy points per game. He has scored 10 or more fantasy points in seven of his last nine games, including four straight. Meanwhile, the Panthers are giving up over 14 fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. They have given up 10 or more fantasy points to the position in all but two games this season. Thomas should have no trouble continuing the trend tomorrow. – Joshua
Noah Fant at Los Angeles Chargers
Fant has been inconsistent this season, scoring 11.5 or more fantasy points in only 31 percent of his games this season. Part of the reason is he has dealt with injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. However, Fant is coming off his best game of the season, catching eight of 11 targets for 68 yards, a touchdown, and scoring 20.8 fantasy points against the Bills. This week, he faces a Chargers defense that has given up an average of 13.7 fantasy points per game to tight ends. When these two teams faced off in Week 8, Fant caught seven of his nine targets to score 11.7 fantasy points. – Mason
T.J. Hockenson vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hockenson has been one of the best fantasy tight ends this season, averaging almost 12 fantasy points per game. However, last week he scored a season-low 1.8 fantasy points against the Titans. Before that game, Hockenson had scored 10.5 fantasy points or more in seven of his past eight games. He should bounce back this week as the Buccaneers have given up an average of 14.3 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Furthermore, they have given up at least 16 fantasy points to the position in three straight games. – MJ
Sits
Rob Gronkowski at Detroit Lions
Since the bye week, Gronk has fallen off the fantasy map. He has a total of four catches on nine targets over the last two weeks, totaling 13.1 fantasy points despite good matchups. Things won’t turn around this week as the Lions have given up the eighth fewest fantasy points to tight ends, giving up 10.7 per game. With so many weapons at wide receiver to pick from, Brady might not have to look Gronk’s way much in this game. – Mike
Jonnu Smith at Green Bay Packers
Smith has been up and down all season long, scoring double-digit fantasy points one week only to score under five the next week. Furthermore, Smith has scored under 10 fantasy points in six of his last nine games. Meanwhile, the Packers have given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, giving up only 9.9 per game. They have held right ends to under 10 fantasy points in 64 percent of their games this season. – Joshua
Dawson Knox at New England Patriots
After failing to score more than 7.2 fantasy points in any game this season, Knox has scored 11.5 or more in two of his last three. However, he is a touchdown or bust kind of tight end as he has more than four targets in only one game this season. Meanwhile, the Patriots have given up the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends, giving up only 9.1 per game. They have given up only one touchdown to tight ends this season, and that was back in Week 3 to Darren Waller. – Mason
Dan Arnold vs San Francisco 49ers
Over the last three weeks, Arnold has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners, averaging 13.1 fantasy points per game. However, that success will end today against the 49ers, as they have given up the second-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends, giving up only 8.5 per game. Furthermore, in their matchup earlier this season, Arnold had only 4.1 fantasy points against the 49ers. – MJ
Sleepers
Tyler Eifert vs Chicago Bears
When Eifert signed with the Jaguars in the offseason, many didn’t think much of it. However, Eifert has played a critical role in the Jaguars’ offense over the last four weeks. During that span, he has 14 catches on 16 targets, averaging 8.4 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, the Bears have given up the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, giving up 16 per game. Furthermore, the Bears have given up 21 or more fantasy points to tight ends in three of their last four games. – Mike
Jordan Akins vs Cincinnati Bengals
Last week Akins saw six targets for the second game in a row, this time catching five of them for 50 yards and 10 fantasy points. The five catches and 50 yards were the most Akins has had since Week 11. Meanwhile, the Bengals have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, giving up over 14 per game. Furthermore, they have given up over 100 receiving yards to tight ends in two of their last four games. – Joshua
Chris Herndon vs Cleveland Browns
Yes, this is a deep dive, but if you are in a bigger or two tight end league, Herndon is a possible streaming option this week. Herndon has scored more than eight fantasy points only once this season. However, he is coming off a 7.8 fantasy point game against the Rams last week. He has a good matchup tomorrow as the Browns have given up almost 16 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Furthermore, since their bye week, the Browns have given up five touchdowns and 18.3 fantasy points per game to tight ends. – Mason
Jimmy Graham at Jacksonville Jaguars
After a strong start to the season, Graham’s play has dropped off the last few weeks. However, he has a great matchup this week against the Jaguars. Not only have they given up an average of almost 14 fantasy points per game to tight ends, but they have given up a touchdown to a position in four of their last five games. In those four games, tight ends are averaging 15.3 fantasy points per game. – MJ
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