Start ‘Em
Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy G was on my “Start ‘Em” list last time he faced the Cardinals and rewarded me with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Now, he’s at home, and I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be in for another monster game. Arizona has allowed the most points to opposing quarterbacks by a wide margin.
Drew Brees
I’m not going to overreact to one miserable week by Drew Brees against a bad Falcons defense. Atlanta made some coordinator changes over the bye week, and clearly, it played a factor. Now, the Saints get an even worse defense this Sunday in Tampa Bay. I’m expecting Brees to bounce back in a major way.
Melvin Gordon
Gordon is finally starting to produce like the high-end RB1 that he is, receiving back-to-back games of 20+ touches. He should be heavily involved in the gameplan against the Chiefs, who give up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs. I love Gordon as a DFS play.
Josh Jacobs
The Bengals are otherworldy bad on both sides of the ball, but especially on defense. Josh Jacobs is the frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Bust out the bankroll for him in DFS leagues.
Amari Cooper
The Dak Prescott to Amari Cooper connection is as real as it gets. You’re starting him in your fantasy league, but he’s my #1 receiver overall this week against a lowly Lions pass defense.
Deebo Samuel
With George Kittle and Emmanuel Sanders possibly out against the Cardinals, someone is going to have to catch the ball from Jimmy G. I like Samuel as a sleeper this week if you need a substitute or are looking for a low-cost play in DFS leagues. He caught for 114 yards on Monday night against the Seahawks.
Curtis Samuel
Like I said above – don’t overreact to one week. The Falcons defense is still bad, and they’ve allowed #2 wide receivers to feast on them. This is a terrific matchup for Curtis Samuel, who has been a decent fantasy contributor all season.
Jared Cook
I expect New Orleans to put up a lot of points against Tampa Bay, who is allowing the second-most points to opposing tight ends. The Bucs are also really good at defending backs out of the backfield, so after Michael Thomas, I like Jared Cook to be Brees’ favorite target this Sunday.
Sit ‘Em
Carson Wentz
I know New England was exposed by Lamar Jackson two weeks ago, but they have still yet to allow a pro-style quarterback to have any success against them and are coming off of a bye week. There’s a chance Wentz has a decent game, but I’d rather find a more sure thing.
Kyler Murray
Murray had loads of success against the Niners last time out, but that was at home, and I believe the Cardinals caught San Francisco sleeping a bit. They won’t this time around, and the 49ers’ spectacular defense now has some experience against Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. I’m trying to find another option this week if Murray is my starting QB.
Jared Goff
Goff has been droppable in fantasy leagues, as he’s only completed 60% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. His offensive line can’t protect him like they used to, and the running game is not what it once was. That shouldn’t get any better against the Bears, who are one of the top ten teams against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy.
Sony Michel
Philadelphia’s been really good at stopping opposing running games, and you never know what to expect out of the Patriots backfield. You probably have to start him in your fantasy league, but I’m staying away if I can.
Todd Gurley
I’m not sure what’s going on with the Rams and Todd Gurley. I do know, as a fantasy owner, I’m tired of it. This week he has a tough matchup with the Bears, and I’m not expecting things to get any better. I’m contemplating sitting him altogether if you have better options.
Mike Williams
It might come as a surprise, but Kansas City is actually one of the best teams at limiting opposing wide receivers from racking up fantasy points. Mike Williams was a guy that I loved coming into the year, but he has yet to score a touchdown and only has 585 yards on the season. Don’t expect this week to be his breakout campaign just because the Chiefs defense is rather atrocious all-around.
Odell Beckam Jr.
Don’t look now, but the Steelers are becoming one of the elite defenses in the NFL, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick, who might win Defensive Player of the Year. I feel bad for Beckam Jr. because he’s such an elite football player, but the Browns are a mess, and it’s not going to get any better this weekend.
Larry Fitzgerald/Christian Kirk
See Kyler Murray.
O.J. Howard
Howard had a promising first game back, catching four balls for 47 yards and a touchdown. However, I wouldn’t get too excited. He has not come as advertised his entire career, Bruce Arians hasn’t been any help to his stock, and the Saints defense is among the best at defending tight ends.