The Falcons defense continues to be dreadful, and Matt Ryan has
thrown for at least 300 yards in all five games this season with
the offense in constant catch-up mode. This game has the makings
of a shootout between two terrible defenses and top 12 offenses,
with Ryan being the quarterback to own in cash games due to his
high floor.
Minshew has a great matchup at home this week against a Saints
defense that gives up the second-most points to opposing quarterbacks.
The rookie sensation has at least two passing touchdowns in each
of his last two games and enters this week’s game against New
Orleans on the heels of his first 300-yard passing game last week
against the Panthers. The Saints are tough against the run, and
Leonard Fournette is likely going to struggle on the ground, leaving
it up to Minshew and the passing game to pick up the slack.
Wentz has a tough task ahead of him on the road against a Vikings
team that has not given up more than two touchdowns to any quarterback
this season. It would not surprise me to see the Eagles upset
the Vikings this weekend, but I can’t see Wentz putting
up big fantasy points for DFS, and I would rather pay up $400
for Matt Ryan against the Cardinals.
Only the Miami Dolphins have given up more fantasy points to
running backs this season than the Bengals, with nine different
players reaching double-digit fantasy points against Cincinnati
in the first five games. If there was ever a week to play Mark
Ingram in DFS this is this one, especially at his price tag of
$6,600. Look for a touchdown or two for Ingram, with around 80
to 100 total yards.
The Colts provided the blueprint to the rest of the NFL on how
to beat the Chiefs with a focus on pouring the ball between the
tackles. The Texans do not have anything close to the offensive
line that the Colts possess, and Hyde has been underwhelming for
most of the year. But, it sounds like the Chiefs will be without
Chris Jones in the middle of the defensive line, which could open
holes for Hyde to be a fantasy stud this week.
Other options to consider – Kenyan
Drake @ Washington
The big man has been on a tear with 333 yards and a touchdown
in his last two games. He also continues to be an active participant
in the passing game with seven targets last week against the Panthers.
The Saints are tough against the run and can be beat with through
the air, and Fournette could burn owners this week with a poor
rushing total average and no scores.
After starting the season with back-to-back 100-yard games, Fitz
slowed down over the last two games with no touchdowns and fewer
than 60 yards in each contest. The Falcons coming to town is exactly
what Fitz needs to get back on track, as no team has allowed more
points to opposing wide receivers, and Vegas projects this to
be a high scoring game with a 52-point over/under.
McLaurin’s touchdown scoring streak came to an end last
week with a 3/51 line against the Patriots. Although there is
a ton of drama surrounding the team with Jay Gruden’s firing
and questions surrounding who should start at quarterback, I like
F1 to have a monster game this week against a Dolphins team that
ranks 24th against WRs.
Chark’s insanely low price tag for a guy with five touchdown
receptions in five weeks will certainly give people a reason to
play him this week, But I am benching Chark based on the narrative
that he will be shadowed by Marcus Lattimore, who just shut down
Mike Evans with zero catches last week.
Playing tight ends against the Cardinals has paid dividends all
season, with four of five opponents reaching double figures in
fantasy points. Add in the fact that Hooper has been active in
the Falcons offense with 21 catches in his previous three games,
and you have the makings of a stud cash game player.
Other options to consider - George
Kittle @ Los Angeles Rams
The 49ers have been stout against tight ends this season with
just 14 combined catches for 87 yards and one score in four games.
While those numbers are impressive, San Francisco has not played
a tight end who is ranked in the top 12 this season in targets
and catches. Everett had 11 targets last week against Seattle
and should once again be active this week with the chance of Brandin
Cooks missing with a concussion.
Andrews continues to be limited with a foot injury, and the Ravens
should have no problem running wild on the Bengals. Look for Baltimore
to lean on their run game and defense in this matchup, while limiting
the snaps of Andrews with the goal of getting him healthy.
Defense & Special Teams
High Priced Option Worthy of the Cost: Ravens
($4,100) vs. Bengals
