Start ‘Em
Lamar Jackson
This one is obvious, but I didn’t want to have anyone second-guessing themselves heading into Sunday’s matchup with the 49ers. There’s no way to gameplan for this guy, and as good as San Francisco’s front seven is, they are going to have trouble stopping the train that is Lamar Jackson and this Baltimore Ravens innovative offense.
Carson Wentz
If you can’t throw against Miami, you can’t throw against anybody. Wentz and the Eagles offense have been pathetic of late, but this is an opportunity to bounce back in a big way.
Jared Goff
Goff has been a droppable commodity in fantasy for a while. He didn’t throw a TD in all of November for God’s sake. There are also no QBs on a bye, so you probably do not need a flier. However, if you do, or you are looking for a low-cost option in DFS leagues, Goff is your guy against the Cardinals this week, who have surrendered the most points to opposing QBs.
Josh Jacobs
The Chiefs have been the worst team at defending against running backs the entire season, and it’s not that close. Through the air and on the ground, backs have crushed Kansas City. In a must-win game for the Raiders on the road, they should know who to turn to early and often.
Ronald Jones
Jones and Peyton Barber have split carries all season. It’s difficult to tell which one might go off, but my gut tells me it will be Jones this week, as the Bucs get the opportunity to face a porous Jaguars rush defense. He’s a solid flex play and could be a DFS sleeper.
David Montgomery
It’s been a rough few weeks for David Montgomery and this Bears offense, but a date with the Detroit Lions should make everything better. Detroit is surrendering the second-most points to opposing running backs, and they seem to be a team that is spiraling out of control. This should be a week to remember for Montgomery.
Mark Ingram
See Lamar Jackson. Don’t you think about benching him.
D.J. Chark
Chark has had a breakout year for the Jags, especially early in the season. I think that picks back up again this week. The Bucs can score, and they will, but their pass defense is miserable. For Jacksonville to keep up, Chark is going to need to have a big game.
Robert Woods
It’s been a disappointing year for Woods and his fantasy owners, as he’s yet to catch a touchdown pass. BUT… this is the day it changes. I’m calling it; Woods catches for not one but two touchdown passes and over 100 yards against the Cardinals. I’ve already talked about Jared Goff, and somebody has to be on the receiving end. I believe Woods will be that guy this week. All Rams receivers should be considered against a terrible Arizona pass defense.
Sammy Watkins
Watkins is the definition of a boom or bust player. This is one of those weeks it could be a massive BOOM. The Raiders secondary is prone to giving up big plays, and I like Watkins to be on the receiving end of a couple of those. He’s an excellent sleeper in DFS leagues.
Calvin Ridley
Ridley has become an even more significant part of the Falcons offense since Mohamed Sanu’s trade to the Patriots. Now, Julio Jones is also nursing an injury. Knowing Jones, I expect him to play, but Ridley should still be considered a WR2 this week, no matter what.
Jared Cook
Cook has been a fantastic find on the waiver wire for me, and I expect that to continue on Thanksgiving against the Falcons. Atlanta hasn’t allowed gobs of fantasy points to opposing tight ends so far this season, but their defense remains exceptionally vulnerable. Look for Cook to take advantage of that this week.
Sit ‘Em
Jimmy Garrapolo
If you can’t tell, I’m all in on the Ravens this week. Their offense is so challenging to prepare for the first time around, but it’s been their improved defense since the arrival of Marcus Peters that has made this team the best in football. I’m not a huge fan of Jimmy G, especially in fantasy, so I definitely will not be starting him this week.
Phillip Rivers
Phillip Rivers has struggled this season, and even though the Broncos are nothing to write home about, their pass defense is among the best in the league. They have allowed the 25th most points to opposing quarterbacks and are even better when at home, which they are this week. It will be below freezing on Sunday, and I don’t see Rivers thriving in that type of environment against Denver’s defense.
Devonta Freeman
Freeman has been a full participant in practice, so I think he’ll be able to go this Thursday night against the Saints. However, I have him in a couple of leagues and am leaving him on my bench. This is a revenge game for New Orleans, who is already one of the best teams against the run. The Falcons have been awful at running the ball, Freeman hasn’t been the same back this season, and he’s not 100%. Count me out.
Tevin Coleman
I’m telling y’all this Baltimore defense is coming to life. Perhaps the short week and travel will impact this. However, I’m still not confident in Tevin Coleman or any running back for the 49ers getting anything going on the ground. The Ravens have only given up 825 rushing yards in 11 games on the season. Considering the Niners like to split their carries, you might want to find another option this week.
De’Andre Hopkins
You’re starting him, but there’s no way I’m paying for him in DFS leagues. Bill Belichick knows who he needs to shut down, and the Patriots defense should pressure Deshaun Watson early and often. It’s going to be difficult for Hopkins to have a big game.
Kenny Golladay
Golladay hasn’t produced the same without Matthew Stafford, and the Bears defense is one of the most unforgiving in the league. Backup QB Jeff Driskel is also nursing a hamstring injury and is questionable. I have a hard time imagining Golladay fills up the stat sheet in this one.
Keenan Allen
I just don’t see the Chargers scoring a lot of points. It’s going to be a grind-it-out affair in Denver. The last time these teams met earlier in the season, Allen had four catches for 18 yards. You probably have to start him, but he’s nothing more than a flex option for me this week, and I’m staying far away in DFS leagues.