Passing
Game Thoughts: Stefon Diggs was on fire seeing back-to-back
double digit reception totals, prior to battling with Patrick
Peterson this past week. Although the Lions also feature a shut
down corner of their own, Darius Slay isn’t likely to follow
Diggs into the slot like Peterson did. Diggs has not been practicing
so far this week, and it appears he might miss this game with
a knee injury. If Diggs is healthy, he should be a good play.
Adam Thielen would be in play if Diggs sits. Sam Bradford has
put up decent fantasy numbers in recent weeks and the Lions pass
defense has allowed 22 passing touchdowns this season, but with
no bye weeks in Week 12, most fantasy owners should have better
starting options at quarterback. Detroit is a plus matchup for
fantasy tight ends (second only to Cleveland in fantasy points
allowed to the position) so while Kyle Rudolph has seen his targets
drop considerably since Norv Turner “resigned” this
matchup may be too good to keep him out of your lineup. Rudolph
did score when these two teams met up in Week 9, but it was the
only reception he pulled in on three targets.
DET FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.3
DET FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.26
DET FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.18
DET FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.2
Running Game Thoughts: Minnesota ranks 32nd in rushing yards
making them the league’s worst rushing attack. With that
said, it’s tough to imagine anyone reading this considering
starting either Matt Asiata or Jerick McKinnon based on their
production this season. While Detroit is only a middle of the
road run defense, it should be noted that they have only allowed
4 rushing touchdowns, so even hoping for a short yardage plunge
into the endzone from Asiata seems like a bad bet.
Passing
Game Thoughts: The Vikings’ defense hasn’t
been quite the force that it was early in the season, but overall
they are still ranked third in the league against the pass and
have been a difficult matchup for opposing quarterbacks. Matt
Stafford has been up and down this season and fantasy owners should
take note that he has struggled against the Minnesota defense
since Mike Zimmerman has been on board. He’s averaging only
239 passing yards per game in his last seven starts against the
Vikings and has had very little fantasy success during that span.
If you must start anyone from this passing game, Eric Ebron is
likely your best bet. Ebron has been solid since his return from
injury and the Vikings allowed him to accumulate 92 yards on 7
receptions back in Week 9 and have allowed Vernon Davis and Jermaine
Gresham to score in the two subsequent games since.
MIN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.28
MIN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.17
MIN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.31
MIN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.11
Running Game Thoughts: Theo Riddick, as a running back, is listed
in this section despite the fact that nearly 75 percent of his
fantasy points have come through the air. While he’s not
used much in the running game, this matchup is a good one as the
Vikings haven’t been stopping opposing runners over the
last five games. The Lions should look to test this run defense
this week, especially if Stafford struggles as usual against this
defense, with a combination of Riddick, Zach Zenner and Dwayne
Washington.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Can someone point me in the direction of
the person in charge of NFL scheduling? I just want to know who
thought it was fair to have the Redskins play on Sunday night
four days before a 4:30 pm Thanksgiving Day game (haven’t
fact checked it, but pretty sure it’s never happened before).
As incredible as the Redskins offense looked Sunday night, the
toll that unprecedented turnaround has on the human body is significant.
But if anyone is up to it, it’s the red hot Redskins. At
some point, while we were all looking away, the NFC East became
the best division in football. Also, while at least I was looking
away, Kirk Cousins became a quality NFL starting quarterback.
I always respected his fantasy game, but what he did Sunday night
is not simply a case of getting lucky. Essentially, Cousins did
whatever he wanted against the definitely not making the playoffs
Packers. The dimes he dropped on Crowder’s two long receptions
and Garcon’s touchdown were impeccably placed. That’s
five straight games for Cousins with multiple touchdowns, five
straight games with 100 yards or a touchdown for Jamison Crowder,
and don’t look now, but Garcon has been useful in five of
his last six. The only sour note is that Jordan Reed’s game
probably should’ve been bigger, but the Redskins connected
on so many big plays that Reed wasn’t really needed. The
Redskins are firing on all cylinders. Hopefully, for fantasy owners,
they can recover well enough to make Thursday’s showdown
in Dallas look similar to the Cowboys-Steelers shootout…or
maybe like the epic 2012 shootout back when Robert Griffin actually
played football. Either will suffice.
DAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.17
DAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.28
DAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.13
DAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.13
Running Game Thoughts: Rob Kelley is officially a workhorse running
back. He still comes out on passing downs and proved why on Sunday
night, but the man is a rock solid RB2 in a season where running
backs are hard to trust. Kelley handled a career high 24 carries,
marking his third consecutive game with 20-plus touches and ripped
off 137 yards to go along with his three touchdowns. Now don’t
get over the top excited by this line as Kelley was having a standard
day until the fourth quarter when he went bonkers with a 66-yard
run and stole Jamison Crowder’s touchdown after he was downed
at the one-yard line. Kelley’s line would have been useful
regardless, but certainly not as robust. The Cowboys are only
allowing 84.4 rushing yards per game. Kelley dominates goal line
carries so the potential for a short score is always there, but
I think this will be more of an aerial assault.
Passing
Game Thoughts: I can distinctly recall sitting on my friend’s
couch last Thanksgiving, watching the Cowboys play the Panthers
and clinging to the last slivers of hope that the Cowboys would
win and make a run at the playoffs. Little did I know that was
the last time I’d ever see Tony Romo throw a pass as a Cowboy.
Here we are one year later with the Cowboys atop the NFL with
a new quarterback and a new sense of hope. I don’t know
how many superlatives I can use to describe Dak Prescott. Last
week, he completed his evisceration of the AFC North where he
totaled ten touchdowns against zero interceptions (he did lose
two fumbles). The last time Prescott failed to throw for a touchdown
or account for multiple scores – Week 2 against the Redskins.
I think we’ll get a bit of a different performance this
time. Prescott is having no trouble connecting with definitely
an elite WR1 again Dez Bryant. Since Bryant’s return from
injury, he has scored in three of his four games. Against these
Redskins in Week 2, Bryant had his season high in catches with
seven and 102 yards. I do find it quite the coincidence that this
is the second year in a row Bryant finds himself matched up against
Josh Norman on Thanksgiving. The scheduling gods are funny like
that. While Norman’s complete lockdown of Bryant in 2015
should be cause for some concern, I have seen nothing from any
of the Cowboys’ opponents indicating they can be stopped.
The Redskins are an average defense facing an elite offense. Advantage:
Cowboys.
WAS FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.16
WAS FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.11
WAS FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.20
WAS FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.9
Running Game Thoughts: Only 127
yards of offense? Ezekiel! How dare you! That’s where we’re
at with Ezekiel Elliott right now. He rushed for 97 yards on 25
carries and added 30 yards on four receptions. It was his worst
fantasy performance since Week 1. I guess we can credit the Ravens
top ranked rushing defense? Or, as I prefer, chalk it up to all
the touchdowns being through the air. Touchdowns are hard to predict,
but I think Zeke is a lock to score on Thursday. I’m sure
we’ll hear some talk about rookies and Thanksgiving and
Jerry World, but that’s all noise. With the way the Cowboys
are playing, none of these guys are fazed by anything right now.
Elliott is averaging 4.9 yards per carry and two receptions per
game. The Redskins allow 4.6 yards per carry. Last week, the Packers
leading rusher was Aaron Rodgers. It won’t be that easy
on Turkey Day. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and remember
that just like all of us, Zeke is going to eat.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Pittsburgh snapped a four game skid last
week and looks primed to make it two in a row against a vulnerable
Colts secondary. The Steelers have carved up this defense in their
last two meetings to the tune of ten touchdowns and nearly 900
yards of offense through the air. The stats suggest another feast
is in the offing as Indy is yielding a league worst 284.5 passing
yards per game and Ben Roethlisberger ranks sixth amongst quarterbacks
in passing attempts per game. Antonio Brown has only two touchdown
grabs in his previous five games, but he poised to go over 20
fantasy points for the third time this season. Sammie Coates is
dealing with broken fingers and Darrius Heyward-Bey continues
to be bothered by a sprained foot so the door is wide open for
Eli Rogers, Cobi Hamilton or Ladarius Green to be a deep league
option for fantasy owners this week. Eli Rogers has been good
for about four catches a game and is the most talented guy in
the passing game after Brown and Le’Veon Bell. He has put
up better target totals in recent weeks making him flex option
in leagues with at least 12 teams. Ladarius Green has returned
to the fantasy scene with a resounding thud. Banking on his potential
is a risky proposition for fantasy owners but the match up isn’t
too shabby if you are looking for a long shot.
IND FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.2
IND FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.12
IND FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.12
IND FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.7
Running Game Thoughts: DeAngelo Williams (knee) is aiming for
a Week 13 return so Le’Veon Bell will continue to be the
bell cow in this backfield. The Colts have been better against
the run recently allowing only 3.33 YPC and no touchdowns to opposing
running backs over the past three games. That might be enough
to deter DFS managers but it sure won’t keep one of the
game’s best fantasy performers out of seasonal lineups.
The former Spartan comes into the week leading all running backs
with 142 total yards per game. Expect him to serve up the pumpkin
pie in the second half and put the finishing touches on an eventful
day in the NFL. Fitzgerald Toussaint remains the primary backup
but his short term value as a handcuff for Bell owners should
come to an end following this week.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Andrew Luck is in concussion protocol and
the team isn’t expecting him to be available for the third
leg of NFL action on Turkey Day. Scott Tolzien has backed up Aaron
Rodgers and Andrew Luck thus far in his career so he hasn’t
exactly been battle tested at the NFL level. His last passing
attempt was also his only throw of the 2015 season but the coaching
staff has no doubt simplified the offense for Week 12. This is
still a home game for the Colts and the offense has plenty of
weapons for Tolzien to keep the chains moving. However, it is
hard to overlook the potential for turnovers given the fact that
this offensive line gives up plenty of sacks (second most in the
league) and the quarterback is unproven. The Colts will lean on
the running game but there should be some garbage time yards in
the second half to prevent complete busts from T.Y. Hilton and
Donte Moncrief in PPR leagues but the floor for both is substantially
lower in standard leagues. Last week Dwayne Allen played ten more
snaps than Jack Doyle and the pair combined for only one reception
on four targets. Oftentimes the tight end will see more work when
the backup quarterback is given a spot start but this is the exception
to the rule.
PIT FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.23
PIT FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.4
PIT FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.29
PIT FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.15
Running Game Thoughts: Without Luck slinging the ball all over
the field, Frank Gore will need to be a tank in order for the
Colts to pull out a victory this week. That would be a stark change
for an offense built around the passing game. Although Gore has
been solid to this point in the year, yards will be tough to come
by without Indianapolis’ typical passing attack. Pittsburgh
defense is allowing less than 100 yards rushing per game and will
welcome a physical battle in the trenches by loading up the box
and daring Tolzien to throw the ball downfield. Gore’s number
should be called when the Colts get the pigskin into the red zone.
Only six teams have given up more rushing touchdowns on the year
than Pittsburgh. I don’t see how Indy wins this game without
winning the time of possession battle by mixing in Robert Turbin
and Jordan Todman. In the end, I don’t see this game being
close by the time the fourth quarter comes around, limiting Gore’s
overall production for Week 12.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Jared Goff’s first professional start
produced a whopping 7.8 fantasy points which made him the worst
fantasy QB of the week (not counting Cody Kessler’s injury
shortened affair). There is only one direction the needle can
go but I don’t know if there will be much movement considering
how well the Saints’ pass rush has been of late. The Rams
will need to at least try and open up the offense to stay competitive
in this game. That should translate into a little bit of upside
for Los Angeles’ receivers. Kenny Britt has seen at least
6 targets in each of the past six games and is about the only
option in the passing attack worth considering this week. In deeper
leagues, fantasy managers could look to Lance Kendricks. The former
Badger has seen the second most targets and a rookie quarterbacks
tend to lean on their tight end. Tavon Austin and the rest of
the receivers are secondary options on a team starting a rookie
quarterback playing on the road in one of the tougher venues for
visiting teams.
NO FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.15
NO FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.3
NO FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.19
NO FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.17
Running Game Thoughts: Todd Gurley finally put together a game
that his owners could at least say was useful in Week 11. The
second year runner out of Georgia scored for the first time since
Week 5 to post his third best output of the year. In Week 12,
he has a better shot at reverting back to being a flex option
than keeping up the momentum as a low end RB2. New Orleans has
been the twelfth toughest team against opposing running backs
in the past three weeks. The passing game doesn’t scare
anyone other than fantasy managers actually thinking about starting
a Los Angeles Ram this week. The Saints will load the box against
Gurley and make him earn every inch he gains. Nonetheless, any
running back in the league getting twenty touches a game is worth
a flex start. Plug him in this week and hope Goff can make strides
in his second start.
Passing
Game Thoughts: From a fantasy perspective it’s comforting
to know that when opposing teams prevent Drew Brees from throwing
the ball down the field, he can still dink and dunk his way to
a quality fantasy start - as he did versus the Panthers last week.
The Rams have held four of the last six quarterbacks they have
faced to less than 200 passing yards so this will be a tough test
for the Saints offense. This is definitely a rare occurrence where
a backup with a good match up is worth a spot start for Brees’
owners. That reasoning carries over to the pass catchers. This
offense has a lot of mouths to feed and the Rams will make it
tough to rack up a lot of yards. It’s still one of the best
passing offenses in the league so there isn’t anything wrong
with flexing Michael Thomas or Willie Snead - just factor in the
risk of starting a guy with a low floor before making a final
decision. The Rams haven’t allowed a touchdown to an opposing
tight end since Week 3 so this might be the week to keep Coby
Fleener on the bench.
LAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.25
LAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.23
LAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.22
LAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.27
Running Game Thoughts: Mark Ingram (concussion) was cleared to
practice this week and he has put in limited sessions on Wednesday
and Thursday which suggests that he should be cleared from the
protocol prior to Sunday’s showdown against LA. Ingram has
looked like a rejuvenated rusher ever since Tim Hightower was
given a larger role. I’d be skeptical of starting Ingram
or Tim Hightower considering they will be splitting the workload
for what might be very few yards. Los Angeles has been a top five
unit against the run over the past month and we already know that
the touches will be getting split. Without much volume neither
player offers a whole lot of yardage potential for Week 12. Touchdowns
are certainly possible but I still feel like this game will be
full of field goals. The only way I’d touch either running
back in most formats is if my team doesn’t have an adequate
RB2 because there are better flex options available.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Carson Palmer is currently the 18th ranked
fantasy quarterback in FPts/game. That rating goes up to 15th
over the past five weeks. That’s a telling sign that this
offense is running through David Johnson these days and not the
passing game of years past. Palmer gets a boost because he’s
facing the Falcons defense in Week 12 but he’s still a fringe
starter based on your other options. Larry Fitzgerald just keeps
on trucking at the age of 33. He remains a weekly starter in most
formats but plays up in PPR leagues because his touchdowns are
fewer and farther between (Fitz has not scored since Week 5).
J.J. Nelson burst onto the scene a few weeks back and started
to look like a potential difference maker after being named the
starter over an ailing Michael Floyd. Fast forward to this week
and it’s almost like that never happened. Floyd and Nelson
are joined by John Brown to offer plenty of talent for Palmer
to throw to but little certainty as to who see the most action
from week to week. The potential for a shootout makes this decision
even tougher as all three are boom or bust fantasy plays for Week
12.
ATL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.1
ATL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.6
ATL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.7
ATL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.6
Running Game Thoughts: David Johnson is reminding fantasy owners
of the days when LaDanian Tomlinson and Marshall Faulk won fantasy
championships. Arizona’s leading rusher has scored a touchdown
via the run and the pass in each of the past two games as he continues
to devour the NFL. He’s the sports car that you take out
for a drive on Sunday’s that inspires that “wind in
your hair” kinda feeling when you read the ticker across
the bottom of the screen. Andre Ellington is locked into the backup
role with the team not choosing to bring Chris Johnson back from
the IR.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Prior to their Week 11 bye week, Matt Ryan
helped Julio Jones become the first receiver to go over the 1,000
receiving yard threshold in 2016. The dynamic duo walks into a
tough match up in Week 12. Arizona leads the NFL in passing yards
allowed and will make stopping Julio Jones their mission in this
game. Jones is as “unbenchable” as any player in the
NFL these days but don’t expect him to do the heavy lifting
for your fantasy squad this week. Due to the bye week, you may
have missed Austin Hooper’s promotion to being the team’s
top tight end following an injury to Jacob Tamme. The rookie out
of Stanford has had his moments over the first half and has had
an extra week to prepare as the starter. If you are in the market
for a dark horse tight end that could be a worthwhile fantasy
starter over the final weeks of the year then Hooper is your guy.
If the Falcons are able to take the win in this game one of Mohamed
Sanu or Taylor Gabriel will have had to make some big catches.
However, that doesn’t make either one of them worthy flex
plays in an unfavorable fantasy situation.
ARI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.30
ARI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.32
ARI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.27
ARI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.32
Running Game Thoughts: Tevin Coleman is healthy and ready to
reassume his role in the backfield. He is part of the big play
potential of this offense and is always a threat to score. He’s
over the fumbling issue that plagued him last year (zero fumbles
in 2016) and should eat into Devonta Freeman’s carries once
again to be a decent flex option in Week 12. Freeman has held
his own while splitting time with Coleman at the outset of the
year. He’s typically a good bet to make a run at 100 total
yards every week but Freeman might struggle to get half of that
against an Arizona rush defense that leads the league with 3.2
rushing yards allowed per carry. The match up and return of Coleman
are enough to give fantasy owners pause before plugging Freeman
into their lineup this week. Then again, if you’ve rode
him this far, why get off the horse?
Passing
Game Thoughts: Chargers are in the basement of the AFC
West and will start to look towards the future as they come out
of their bye week. Philip Rivers isn’t going down with his
guns in the holster and you can expect him to be plenty motivated
to take a shot at a first place team like Houston. Tyrell Williams
is 26th amongst receivers in targets through eleven weeks. He’s
going to get a lot more before the end of the year but I’m
not going anywhere near him this week. Houston’s corners
are more than capable of keeping him at bay so unless the Chargers
decided to add a bunch of short routes to his playbook he will
struggle in Qeek 12. Conversely, I’m expecting a quality
outing from the guy on the other side, Travis Benjamin. He’s
been slowed by a knee injury in recent weeks but has practiced
all week and should be at close to full speed by Sunday. His quickness
in the short passing game should be useful against this defense
but keep things in perspective. Only the Vikings’ secondary
has allowed fewer points to opposing wide receivers over the past
five weeks. I’d only take a shot with Benjamin as a flex
option in deep leagues. Rivers’ favorite target, Antonio
Gates, is too hot to keep on the bench. The match up isn’t
ideal but how many tight ends are getting nine targets a game
and have scored in three consecutive games?
HOU FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.29
HOU FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.8
HOU FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.30
HOU FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.29
Running Game Thoughts: I was one of the masses who felt Melvin
Gordon would come back to Earth. A quick glance at his game log
to see five straight games with over 20 carries erases that feeling.
Don’t forget to scroll over and check out the receiving
stats. He’s stood up to the challenges on a team that has
been ravaged by injuries this season and continues to defy the
odds. He faces the Texans this week; a team that has given up
the eighth most fantasy points to running backs this year. He’s
getting the touches all over the field and coming off a bye so
get him into your lineup and be thankful you took a shot on him
this year. The team claimed Ronnie Hillman off waivers to do what
he was doing in Minnesota-learn another offense and be ready in
emergency situations. Hillman will slot in behind Kenneth Farrow
on the depth chart.
Passing
Game Thoughts: It’s tough to watch Brock Osweiler
these days. Where other quarterbacks are known for making it look
easy, Brock makes it look harder. Case in point, DeAndre Hopkins
and his freakish athleticism that allows him to catch balls thrown
anywhere near him is averaging five catches a game. What is even
crazier is that a team with Hopkins and Will Fuller on the roster
has completed the fewest passes of at least 20 yards in the entire
league. Heck, Houston has only passed for 108 first downs this
season (27th in the NFL). The fact that San Diego has been one
of the better match ups for fantasy quarterbacks this year won’t
even matter as long as Osweiler fails to dive his receivers chances
to make plays down the field. Remind me again how the Texans are
leading the AFC South? The lone bright spot has been the increased
usage of the tight end position this year. C.J. Fiedorowicz is
coming off his first career game with ten targets and I that’s
a trend that should continue this week against the Chargers. Outside
of PPR leagues, it is very tough to trust anyone in this offense
to put up meaningful stats in Week 12.
SD FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.11
SD FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.5
SD FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.14
SD FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.22
Running Game Thoughts: After opening the year without a touchdown
until Week 6, Lamar Miller has now scored four times over his
past five games. The team’s struggles to get first downs
have prevented Miller from reaching his fantasy potential this
season but he could be in for his best game of the year against
San Diego. Not only are the Bolts generously giving up fantasy
points to opposing running backs, but the offensive line appears
to be playing better than they were at the beginning of the year.
He was limited in practice this week to help him recover from
minor ankle and rib injuries. Yet all reports have indicated that
he is still expected to shoulder the load in Week 12 so start
him with confidence. Akeem Hunt served as the primary backup for
Miller a week ago with Alfred Blue (calf) out of the lineup. Blue’s
status isn’t looking good for this week so expect to see
Hunt get a few more snaps this week.
Passing
Game Thoughts: It’s amazing how much better this
offense looks when Russell Wilson is healthy and running around
extending plays. The improved health of No.3 has translated to
the box scores with his average fantasy points per game climbing
from 16.5 over the first seven games to 26.3 over the past three.
This should be a closely contested game with plenty of back and
forth so keep riding Wilson’s hot streak. Doug Baldwin has
seen his fantasy stock improve slightly and I like his chances
at producing in this game. He’s still one of the streakier
fantasy options but the injury woes in the run game should translate
into more passes for Wilson and no other receivers have stepped
up. Jimmy Graham passed his 2015 total for receiving yards a week
ago and should do the same with his reception total this week.
He has been the team’s second most targeted player in 2016
and the Buccaneers have allowed the ninth most fantasy points
to opposing tight ends over the past three weeks.
TB FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.5
TB FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.10
TB FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.4
TB FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.12
Running Game Thoughts: The revolving door that is the Seahawks
backfield took yet another hit last week when rookie C.J. Prosise
went down with a shoulder injury. Patient Thomas Rawls should
be giddy about his opportunity to carry the load down the stretch
where he has the talent to be a difference maker for fantasy owners
trying to secure a playoff spot this weekend. Seattle is conscious
of Rawls’ workload as he works past his injury and will
not be too keen on letting him get too involved for Week 12. However,
a conservative projection of 15 or more touches should be enough
for him to produce as a RB2 this weekend. Rookie fifth rounder
Alex Collins is next up on the depth chart and he should see a
few carries right out of the gate. He can’t be trusted as
a flex option just yet but offers plenty of insurance considering
Rawls’ running style and injury history.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Seattle has been banged up defensively and
will be without Earl Thomas for the first time ever. That’s
good news for Jamies Winston and the rest of the Bucs passing
game. Mike Evans leads all receivers in targets coming into this
week’s game and he has a good shot at retaining that title
when the clock hits zeroes. Adam Humphries has done his best to
provide Winston with another consistent option in the passing
attack besides Evans. Unfortunately, Russell Shepard (hip) returned
to the lineup last week and he has a history of eating into Humphries
upside so choose at your own risk with these two players. Raise
your hand if you knew that Cameron Brate has moved into the top
ten of fantasy tight ends! He has delivered modest yardage and
catch totals in a weak year at the position to climb his way up
the rankings. Nevertheless, that has been good enough to get him
this far so consider him a high end TE2.
SEA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.26
SEA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.22
SEA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.28
SEA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.25
Running Game Thoughts: After getting a couple of tough assignment
the past two weeks, Doug Martin draws a Seattle defense that has
given up four touchdowns over the past three games. The coaching
staff hasn’t been shy about giving Martin plenty of volume
so he may approach RB1 level numbers but he is still best deployed
as a high end RB2 for Week 12. Jacquizz Rodgers (sprained foot)
returned to practice this week and is closer to returning but
his official status for Week 12 remains up in the air. He could
work his way into more carries down the road but he shouldn’t
sniff a fantasy lineup this week. On another note, Charles Sims
(knee) was the player Tampa tabbed to return from the IR this
year. He returned to practice on Wednesday but nobody has indicated
if a return to the field is imminent or if they will need the
entire three weeks to evaluate his progress. If the aforementioned
backup running backs are unable to return to play against Seattle
then the team will rely on Peyton Barber once again as the team’s
second best fantasy running back.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Andy Dalton and the Bengals lost two players
last week, A.J. Green and Gio Bernard, who had accounted for 45.9%
of the team’s targets and 49.4% of the team’s receiving
yardage. So obviously a big part of the passing game will be missing
for at least the next couple of weeks. Brandon LaFell and Tyler
Boyd will need to step up against a tough Ravens’ defense
allowing only 219 passing yards per game. Fantasy owners can take
some hope that the Raven’s have allowed 19 passing touchdowns
with wide receivers doing most of the damage. Unfortunately for
Tyler Eifert owners, while he should see an uptick in targets
because of those injuries, he will be facing a very difficult
matchup. Baltimore is allowing the second lowest fantasy points
to tight ends this season.
BAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.18
BAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.31
BAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.5
BAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.31
Running Game Thoughts: Jeremy Hill’s workload should increase
with the loss of Bernard. While Rex Burkhead will step directly
into the passing catching role, it stands to reason that Hill
should see an increase in targets as well going forward. Like
Eifert however, Hill’s increased role may go to waste as
Baltimore is the top ranked run defense, allowing only 76 yards
per game and 4 touchdowns this season on the ground. Hill has
seen his share of sub-4 yard per carry days and he’ll face
a team allowing only 3.4 yards per attempt on the season. The
volume should be there but it may not amount to huge fantasy numbers.
Passing
Game Thoughts: With no teams on a bye this week, it’s
difficult to imagine anyone starting Joe Flacco, a quarterback
that has only finished as a QB1 twice this season. The Bengals
do present a decent matchup, allowing 248.7 yards per game and
19 passing touchdowns, but that’s just not enough to think
about staring Average Joe. Mike Wallace and Steve Smith, on the
other hand, have been fantasy starting options for most of the
season and have combined for 7 of the team’s 10 receiving
touchdowns. Smith has finished in the top 20 at the position four
of the past six games while Wallace has only once been out of
the top 30 during that span.
CIN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.7
CIN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.13
CIN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.26
CIN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.4
Running Game Thoughts: Terrance West and rookie Kenneth Dixon
should be able to move the ball on the ground against a Bengals
defense allowing 123.4 yards per game and has yielded 8 rushing
touchdowns. The problem however is that we could see an even split
of the touches this week, limiting their individual upsides. Dixon
has seen his snaps rise in each game since he returned five weeks
ago which has rendered West not worthy of even being a RB2 during
those weeks. One of the two could end up having a nice week, but
a subpar day is the risk that you take.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Eli Manning has done much better at home
(307.5 ypg) than on the road (215.8 ypg) this season, but this
week in Cleveland should bump that road split up a little. The
Browns are allowing 265.5 passing yards per game and have yielded
a league high 25 passing touchdowns. As one may expect, Odell
Beckham has a similar home/road split to Manning, and the Browns
with Joe Haden healthy have managed to slow down outside wide
receivers keeping them in check. Expectations for Beckham should
be lowered, but his owners cannot really bench him. Its slot-man
Sterling Shepard who has scored in three straight games that should
benefit the most as Cleveland has been eaten up by slot receivers
this season. Cleveland has also struggled against opposing tight
ends, allowing the most fantasy points to the position, so Will
Tye who has come on as late could see a big day as well.
CLE FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.4
CLE FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.2
CLE FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.8
CLE FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.1
Running Game Thoughts: Rashad Jennings had his best game of the
year last week, and gets rewarded with the prospects of facing
a terrible Browns run defense this week. The Browns allow 143.9
rushing yards per games and have given up 13 rushing touchdowns
on the season. Jennings has had a fairly unremarkable season,
but the Giants’ coaching staff knows that the team must
establish a running game in order to sustain success into the
post season. This should be a good week to keep that momentum
going.
Passing
Game Thoughts: With rookie Cody Kessler suffering another
concussion, the team will turn back to veteran Josh McCown. With
Cleveland having only scored 26 points combined over the last
three weeks, it’s hard to imagine the offense getting worse
under McCown. That’s not to say it will get much better
either though. Terrell Pryor (56-724-4) is the only Cleveland
offensive player that should get any real consideration for fantasy
line-ups. Corey Coleman just hasn’t done much since his
return from a broken hand and Gary Barnidge has not surpassed
50 yards in four straight games and has just a single touchdown
this season.
NYG FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.31
NYG FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.19
NYG FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.23
NYG FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.16
Running Game Thoughts: The Browns constantly falling behind quickly
has not allowed them to even try and run the ball most weeks and
this week should be no different. Isaiah Crowell has seen some
work in the passing game, but the Giants have shut down opposing
running backs this season making Crowell a risky choice. Duke
Johnson hasn’t even approached RB2 status in weeks, so while
in theory he could see heavy targets if/when the team falls behind,
it has obviously not panned out that way in reality. It’s
best to avoid this backfield unless you are desperate.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Marcus Mariota has been on fire, leading
the NFL in passing touchdowns over the last seven weeks with 19.
With him facing a reeling Bears’ defense that has allowed
a top 12 scorer in four of their past six games, there seems to
be little reason to bench Mariota this week. The one caveat for
those starting Mariota or any of the Titan pass catchers is that
Tennessee should be in full control of this game against a Bears’
team starting its third string quarterback and just playing the
season out at this point. Passing volume could therefore be minimized.
Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe have benefitted from Mariota’s
hot streak, but only Delanie Walker can really be counted on given
the likely game script this week.
CHI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.19
CHI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.29
CHI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.3
CHI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.24
Running Game Thoughts: The Bears’ run defense has been
extremely solid this season, allowing only 98.8 yards per game
with 8 rushing touchdowns allowed, but DeMarco Murray is having
the type of season where his owners aren’t even looking
at the matchup when inserting him into their line-ups. He has
scored double digit fantasy points in every game this season and
as stated above he should see a heavy workload in a game where
Tennessee should be protecting a lead throughout. There may be
no safer RB1 this week.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Jay Cutler’s torn labrum means that
Matt Barkley takes the reins of the offense this week. Anyone
excited? With Alshon Jeffrey suspended and Zach Miller out for
the season, this will likely be one of the worst passing game
performances of the season despite what should be favorable circumstances.
Barkley was dreadful in his one appearance this season completing
only 6 of 15 passes for 81 yards with two interceptions. Based
on the rest of his career, only a small improvement over that
performance should be expected.
TEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.13
TEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.25
TEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.9
TEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.10
Running Game Thoughts: Jordan Howard should be the focal point
of the offense this week. While the expected struggles of the
passing game will work against him, volume shouldn’t be
an issue and he has shown that he can also contribute in the passing
game once the Bears inevitably fall behind. Double digit touches
shouldn’t be an issue and Howard has gained at least 99
yards from scrimmage in five of the last six games that that has
happened.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Blake Bortles is an embarrassment to the
position of quarterback. I don’t know what more to say.
He’s terrible. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, and in particularly,
Allen Robinson owners, he’s not getting benched. If they
had a young QB to give a shot, I’d be all for it, but because
they’re the Jaguars, they don’t. So Bortles will continue
to be a turnover machine. Robinson has scored in three straight,
which is nice, but he’s still only averaging 56.7 receiving
yards per game. Marqise Lee appears to have surpassed Allen Hurns
on the depth chart. Lee has had exactly four catches in his last
three games, but scored last week. He’s worth a look in
a bind. The Bills are a very good defense. They are going to dominate
this game and win comfortably. Bortles might throw three picks.
The Bills also lead the NFL with 31 sacks. I think my favorite
start in this game might be the Bills defense.
BUF FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.21
BUF FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.14
BUF FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.21
BUF FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.20
Running Game Thoughts: The Jaguars rushing attack is just as
much of a mess as the passing game. Okay. I take that back. Nothing
is as much of a mess as Bortles (except maybe Brock Osweiler).
But the Jaguars running game is not good. T.J. Yeldon left last
week’s game with ankle injury. I guess he was playing well
before that, but we’ve heard this song from Yeldon before.
Chris Ivory then entered the game and promptly fumbled because
Jaguars. With that being said, Ivory did catch all six of his
targets for 75 yards and handled 17 carries, albeit for only 39
yards. He will be a volume RB2 if Yeldon can’t go. The Bills
have given up twelve rushing scores on the season. You could do
worse than Ivory.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Just when you’re ready to trust Tyrod
Taylor as an every week QB1, he goes and throws for 166 scoreless
yards with a pick. The Bills beat the Bengals with defense last
week since they basically ran out of offensive players. As if
the Bills’ receivers weren’t bad enough, Robert Woods
is looking at a multi-week absence. Brandon Tate and Marquise
Goodwin are now the Bills starting receivers…for now. Sammy
Watkins returned to practice this week and just might play on
Sunday. I don’t know how effective he will be coming off
the long layoff, but he certainly could be an impact player down
the stretch. I prefer to wait a week with situations like this,
but Watkins is always a threat whenever he’s out there.
The Jaguars are last in the league with just three interceptions
and have allowed 14 passing touchdowns on the season. Taylor should
bounce back nicely this week. I don’t know who he’s
throwing to if not Watkins, but he’s going to find a way.
JAC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.27
JAC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.21
JAC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.24
JAC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.21
Running Game Thoughts: Adding injury to injury, LeSean McCoy
dislocated his thumb on Sunday and missed the entire second half.
On Monday, he had a procedure done and is expected to play this
week. I’m not sure how or if this is a good idea, but I’m
also not a doctor. If he’s playing for the Bills, he’s
playing for you. He could end up being the Bills leading rusher
and receiver. He was on pace for a monster game last week before
getting hurt, ripping off 33 yards and a score on just five carries.
The Jaguars have allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season. If
Shady plays, he’s a good bet to find the end zone. Also
helping his cause is the fact that the Bills should be playing
with a lead and looking to win this game with ball control and
defense. McCoy may touch the ball 30 times, even with only nine
functioning fingers.
Passing
Game Thoughts: The biggest praise I can give Colin Kaepernick
is he’s better than Blaine Gabbert…at least for fantasy
purposes. Kaepernick is an awful quarterback, but despite the
advice you may see from other places, he is, in fact, a viable
streaming option week to week. You’re not getting 30 from
him, but he’s good for at least one score (he has two in
each of his last three games) and he’ll usually get you
30-40 yards on the ground. You can get by with Kaepernick if,
for example, you have to replace Andrew Luck this week in a bind.
What you don’t need are any of his receivers. Between Jeremy
Kerley and the General (that’s Quinton Patton for the non-history
buffs), it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be the
apple of Kaep’s eye on a particular week. The most consistent
receiver of late has been Vance McDonald. He’s reemerged
as a viable TE1 given the poor state of tight ends.
MIA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.22
MIA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.27
MIA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.15
MIA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.14
Running Game Thoughts: Carlos Hyde is so incredibly talented.
It’s a shame to see him waste away in San Francisco. He
looked fantastic last week and is firmly entrenched as the feature
back. DuJuan Harris is not seeing any significant uptick in snaps.
He is there when Hyde gets tired. Shaun Draughn is a bit of a
nuisance stealing some of Hyde’s third down work, but this
backfield belongs to Hyde. The 49ers shouldn’t get completely
blown out by the Dolphins, thus keeping Hyde relevant and the
focal point of the offense for all four quarters. The Dolphins
are poor against the run, allowing 126.1 rushing yards per game.
Hyde could push RB1 numbers this week for the first time in a
while.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Let’s all give a round of applause
to Jarvis Landry for finally returning to the end zone. That’s
about all the good news I can give you on Landry. The guy is bordering
on useless. The PPR floor is still there, but he’s only
topped 100 yards twice this season and has been held to 61 yards
or fewer six times including his last three. The problem is Ryan
Tannehill. It’s bad enough that Tannehill is not a good
quarterback, but at least guys like Blake Bortles and Jameis Winston
throw a ton of passes. Tannehill averages fewer than 30 pass attempts
per game. There’s just no volume. Tannehill completed 24
throws last week, which is just the third time this season he’s
completed more than 17 passes in a single game. The matchup is
great against the hapless 49ers defense, but the Dolphins may
run the ball 35-plus times. DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills are
way too inconsistent to trust either.
SF FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.6
SF FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.1
SF FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.1
SF FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.23
Running Game Thoughts: Jay Ajayi is still a bad, bad man. He
had a down week last week mostly because he didn’t find
the end zone. That will not be the norm and shouldn’t be
the case this week against the NFL’s worst rushing defense
at 179.5 yards per game allowed. It’s truly an astonishing
figure. Ajayi is going to crack triple digits and should be good
for at least one score in a game the Dolphins plan to control
on the ground. He’s still averaging 5.6 yards per carry
on the season. The 49ers have no chance.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Tom Brady does not like when he doesn’t
throw a touchdown pass. So last week he threw four of them. There’s
no need to discuss Brady. He’s the No.1 play at QB every
week. The Jets passing defense is awful. Brady is going to Brady.
Last week, Julian Edelman saw 17 targets. Now that’s more
like it. He scored, along with Malcolm Mitchell, James White,
and Danny Amendola. Of those four, Edelman is the only one you
need to start. Rob Gronkowski was absent last week and it appears
as if he’s going to miss this week’s contest as well.
It likely means more for the running backs on check downs than
it does for anyone else. Last week without Gronk, Martellus Bennett
saw all of two targets. His usage is not linked to Gronk’s
health. Tom Brady missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but
I’m not worried. He will be out there on Sunday.
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.20
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.15
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.16
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.19
Running Game Thoughts: Dion Lewis returned, but is clearly being
eased into action. He is not taking James White’s job. That
is going to be a split and really annoying for fantasy owners.
LeGarrette Blount did what everyone does against the 49ers and
rushed for over 100 yards. Brady hogged all the touchdowns, but
even against the Jets elite run defense, Blount should get a goal
line carry or three. The Patriots should score a lot of points
in this one so don’t be afraid to deploy Blount as usual.
Just don’t expect lofty yardage totals against a team allowing
just 3.5 yards per carry.
Passing
Game Thoughts: I think we all remember the last time the
Jets played the Patriots around this time of year. It was Thanksgiving
2012. It was the infamous butt-fumble. While much has changed
since then, the Patriots dominance has not. For some reason, the
Jets are going back to Ryan Fitzpatrick this week because apparently
their coaching staff has no desire in seeing what they have in
Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg. Fitzpatrick hasn’t
thrown more than one touchdown in a game since the first week
of the season. That’s bad news for Jets receivers, of whom
you want no part of. Quincy Enunwa has caught exactly one ball
each of the last two games. You can drop him. Brandon Marshall
is officially a WR4 and still falling. He has two touchdowns on
the season and 70 yards or fewer in all but three games. He was
last seen catching four balls for fifteen yards. The Patriots
defense has been mediocre on the season, but is an elite play
because of the favorable matchup.
NE FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.14
NE FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.16
NE FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.25
NE FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.18
Running Game Thoughts: The lone bright spot for the Jets has
been Matt Forte. Aside from that four game stretch weeks 3-6,
Forte has been a rock solid RB1. Over his last four games, he’s
averaging over 90 yards rushing and a touchdown. The Patriots
are also average against the run. They’re an average defense.
Forte is going to be used heavily as the Jets try to avoid having
Fitzpatrick throw and also to keep Tom Brady off the field. Bilal
Powell could have flex value as the passing down back if this
game gets out of hand, but that’s a hard thing to forecast.
Trust Forte, but no one else.
Passing
Game Thoughts: That’s five straight with at least
three touchdowns for the garbage time King in the North. The Packers
descent to being one of the worst teams in football has been a
boon for Rodgers from a fantasy standpoint. Constantly trailing,
Rodgers is always throwing, having attempted an average of 45.8
passes over his last five games. Jordy Nelson has not scored in
four straight and even Jared Cook got invited to the party last
week. He saw a team high eleven targets, catching six for 105
yards and a score. But we’ve seen this from Jared Cook before.
A huge game that overshadows the fact that he still makes unfathomable
drops and then disappears the next week. He needs to do it again
before we even consider trusting him. Davante Adams remains the
second option in this passing game as Randall Cobb has caught
nine passes over his last three games combined. In their last
six games, the leading passer in an Eagles game has been the opposing
quarterback. That streak will extend to seven this week as the
Eagles once strong pass defense has fallen apart. This one should
be high scoring so it’s all systems go for your Packers.
PHI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.24
PHI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.24
PHI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.17
PHI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.30
Running Game Thoughts: Well…not all of your Packers. If
James Starks does not manage to bumble his way into the end zone,
he is completely useless. He’s rushed for 25, 33, and 33
yards over his last three games. He does have at least three receptions
in those contests, but that’s not enough to offset the lack
of yardage. Without a touchdown, you’re looking at single
digit fantasy point totals. The Eagles allow 4.5 yards per carry,
but have only allowed five rushing touchdowns on the season. Starks
has zero rushing touchdowns on the season. If he gets in, it will
likely be through the air, but that’s not something I’d
be willing to bank on.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Remember when the Cowboys played the Eagles
and the big story line was all about which rookie QB is better?
Carson Wentz threw seven touchdowns against just one interception
over his first four games. He has thrown four touchdowns against
six interceptions in the six games since. For lack of a more complex
analysis – he’s not very good. At least he’s
learned who his best receiver is – Jordan Matthews. After
seeing fewer than ten targets in every game since Week 2, Matthews
has seen double digit targets in each of the last four games.
He’s produced respectable lines, but has been held out of
the end zone for his last three. Only three teams have allowed
more passing touchdowns than the Packers. This is the week for
JMatt…we think. For reasons I’ll never fully understand,
Doug Pederson has insisted on having Nelson Agholor on the field
for more than zero snaps and Carson Wentz throws him passes. Dorial
Green-Beckham also should never see eleven targets in a game like
he did last week. Zach Ertz, on the other hand, is a little more
justifiable. He finally scored last week, too. The bad news is
he turned his eleven targets into just 35 yards. That’s
Dennis Pitta levels of inefficiency. Regardless, the Packers bleed
points to opposing passing games so Ertz and Matthews are strong
plays this week.
GB FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.10
GB FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.20
GB FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.2
GB FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.5
Running Game Thoughts: Let’s all take a step back, breathe
in and out, and repeat together: “I will not listen to Doug
Pederson.” Say it one more time: “I will not listen
to Doug Pederson.” There, much better. The Eagles’
head coach might as well have been the subject of Leonardo DiCaprio’s
2008 spy thriller, Body of Lies, because that’s what he’s
been. One week it’s Ryan Mathews. The next week it’s
Darren Sproles. But it’s never who Pederson says it is.
Last week, Mathews sprained his MCL and Sproles broke a rib. Neither
practiced on Wednesday, but Sproles returned to practice Thursday.
I would expect Mathews to miss and Sproles to play, but how effectively
remains to be seen. One would think Wendell Smallwood would be
the primary runner with Mathews and Sproles out/limited, but I
would not put it past Pederson to feature Kenjon Barner just to
mess with us. The sad part is that I really like whatever Eagles
back is the main guy this week. I just don’t know who it
will be. My guess is Smallwood based upon his usage last week
after Mathews went down. He was moderately effective on the ground
against a tough Seattle defense and utilized in the short passing
game. He could have a nice volume based day against a Packers
defense that’s in shambles. Just make sure Mathews is inactive
before deploying Smallwood and also prepare yourself for him to
suddenly vanish because the Eagles are so clever.
Passing
Game Thoughts: The defending NFL Most Valuable Player has
been a major disappointment for fantasy owners this season. Not
only are his 11 passing touchdowns a horrible number for this
point in the season, but his lack of rushing has surprisingly
made him a player worth benching in certain situations. A matchup
against the Raiders in Week 12 should not be one of those situations,
however. While Oakland has been doing fairly well at slowing down
opposing quarterbacks in recent weeks, it’s worth noting
that they’ve been doing it against some of the league’s
worst pass offenses, including Houston, Denver and Kansas City.
Against a more formidable passing attack, look for the Raiders
defense to come back to Earth in what could be a shootout. Tight
end Greg Olsen could be ranked as high as the top player at his
position given the Raiders’ recent struggles against the
position including allowing 10 receptions to Houston’s tight
ends this past week. Meanwhile, Kelvin Benjamin is a solid WR2
in this contest with upside to be a WR1.
OAK FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.9
OAK FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.9
OAK FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.11
OAK FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.8
Running Game Thoughts: He’s touching the ball at a good
enough rate that fantasy production should come eventually, but
Jonathan Stewart really hasn’t been much of a fantasy asset
in recent weeks. He’s averaging under 2.5 yards per carry
over his past three games. The Raiders have given up fewer than
4.0 yards per carry over their past four games, so this doesn’t
seem like a great opportunity for Stewart to turn things around.
If he were a bit more involved in the passing game, Stewart could
give his fantasy owners a bit higher of a floor, but right now
he’s tough to trust as anything more than a Flex play in
PPR formats and a low-end RB2 in Non-PPR formats.
Passing
Game Thoughts: Oakland quarterback Derek Carr continues
to produce MVP-caliber numbers and a matchup against the 25th-ranked
fantasy defense against quarterbacks would seem to be another
great opportunity for him to improve upon his already stellar
numbers. The Panthers defense has given up at least one passing
touchdown in all but one game this season which certainly bodes
well for the Raiders’ top two options, Amari Cooper and
Michael Crabtree. Crabtree was surprisingly held in check this
past week against the Texans, but that should not keep him out
of fantasy lineups in this premiere matchup. It’s very possible
that both Raiders receivers could find their way into the end
zone this week and they’re both viable WR1’s or at
least high-end WR2’s.
CAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.8
CAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.30
CAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.10
CAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.3
Running Game Thoughts: The Oakland backfield continues to be a
complete crapshoot on a week to week basis. It’s mostly
been Latavius Murray who’s been the team’s primary
ball carrier, but with carries going to as many as four other
backs, the fantasy production can be unpredictable. The uncertainty
in touches, particularly near the goal line, is bad enough, but
a matchup against the Panthers is unlikely to provide great fantasy
production for Murray owners. There are situations where Murray
is going to have to be in fantasy lineups, but he isn’t
likely to produce great numbers.
Passing
Game Thoughts: There are some situations where Alex Smith
could be a viable fantasy option, but a game on the road against
the Broncos and their No. 1 fantasy defense against the pass is
certainly not one of those times. The Broncos have allowed just
two quarterbacks – Philip Rivers and Drew Brees –
to pass for multiple touchdowns against them this season. With
Smith not running the ball anywhere near as much as he had in
previous years, he is an easy player to pass on this week in all
formats. Tight end Travis Kelce, who caught seven passes for a
season-high 108 yards this past week, is the only player in this
passing game who should be considered in this extremely difficult
matchup.
DEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.32
DEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.7
DEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.32
DEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.26
Running Game Thoughts: As great as the Broncos have been against
opposing passing games this season, they’ve been almost
equally bad against the run. Aside from the awful Browns and 49ers,
no team has given up more rushing yards this season than the Broncos.
That should be music to the ears of fantasy owners who roster
Spencer Ware. Ware has struggled a bit over his past two contests
since returning from injury, but this is the kind of matchup that
could allow him to get back into the RB1 conversation.
Passing
Game Thoughts: He’s still not a fantasy option himself,
but Trevor Siemian is coming off of a two-game stretch of throwing
multiple touchdowns for the first time in his young career. That’s
nothing special for most passing games, but for a Denver offense
that has severely struggled with passing the ball this season,
that’s a huge improvement. Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas
and Emmanuel Sanders are the only two players in this Denver passing
game who should be looked at for fantasy purposes at the moment,
but neither player has topped 100 receiving yards since both did
so in Week 3. Both receivers are solid WR2’s given their
high usage in the Denver offense, but their upside is relatively
limited, especially a Kansas City secondary that hasn’t
allowed more than one touchdown to an opposing team’s wide
receivers since Week 7 against the Saints.
KC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.12
KC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.18
KC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.6
KC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.28
Running Game Thoughts: His final numbers weren’t great,
but Devontae Booker is coming off of a game where he touched the
ball 26 times. It hasn’t just been one week of high usage,
either. Booker has touched the ball an average of 20 times per
game over his past four contests since taking over as the Broncos’
primary running back. That type of usage is tough to come by in
today’s NFL, which means that he’ll still be an RB2
this week, but this matchup against a very good Kansas City run
defense is enough to cause some concern. The Chiefs haven’t
allowed a rushing touchdown since all the way back in Week 4 and
they’ve given up an average of just 81 rushing yards over
that stretch.