First off, I would like to congratulate all of you. If you’re still here reading this column, that probably means you made it to the finals in your fantasy football league, or you’re a DFS junkie that can not get enough. Either way, I appreciate you for following along this entire season. Now, let’s win you a championship.
Start ‘Em
Jameis Winston
Despite all the jokes about Winston’s turnovers, he’s been a fantasy stud all season. The Bucs love to air it out, and that is not going to stop against the Texans this weekend, who are allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Winston is not only a must-start; he’s my favorite play of the week.
Drew Lock
I’m a Drew Lock believer; he could be the future of the Broncos franchise. But that’s not what you guys care about. You’re looking for points this week, and Lock will provide them if you are desperate for a QB. The Lions pass defense is atrocious; just look at what they allowed Jameis Winston to do to them last week. The former Mizzou Tiger will be good for at least 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns this week.
Ryan Tannehill
I’m not off the Ryan Tannehill bus yet and think he should probably be in your starting lineup this week if you own him. Don’t let last night’s Monday Night Football game fool you; the Saints secondary is swiss cheese. Tannehill has still been the best passer in the game since taking over the starting job in Tennessee. Add in the fact that New Orleans will be playing this game on short rest, and you have a recipe for a shootout in Nashville.
Devonta Freeman
The Falcons haven’t been very successful running the ball this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t stick with it, and Devonta Freeman receives the bulk of the touches every week. This Sunday, they play a Jacksonville team that has arguably the worst run defense in the league. The Jags will also be on the road for the second consecutive week. This is an opportunity for Freeman to have his best scoring output of the season.
Marlon Mack
Mack’s production has slowed down considerably since the beginning of the year, but I like his matchup this week. The Panthers are surrendering 30.2 fantasy points a game to running backs. They haven’t been able to stop anybody from racking up 100 yards on them. Mack should be in for a big game right when you need it.
Joe Mixon
Mixon’s been a massive disappointment for fantasy owners this year, and if you have him, you’re probably not in your championship. However, if you are, this is the week to start him. The Dolphins have given up the most rushing yards of any team, averaging well over 100 per game allowed. Mixon has a chance to eclipse the century mark on the ground and should reach the endzone at least once.
Will Fuller
Will Fuller is one of the ultimate boom or bust players. Tampa Bay has allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers all season, which sets up perfectly. If I own Fuller, I’m giving him the start confidently this week.
Tyler Boyd
Miami’s rush defense is pitiful, and their pass defense is equally as bad. The Bengals have been much better offensively with Andy Dalton back under center, and he has to throw to someone. Boyd is the best receiver on the Cincinnati roster right now and should be in for a high-quality performance come Sunday.
D.K. Metcalf
Arizona has been a doormat for opposing wide receivers all season. With Josh Gordon out, Metcalf, whose already put together a fantastic rookie season, should be in for even more targets. I like him to have a monster performance this weekend at home against the Cardinals.
Mike Williams
Williams has finally started to find the endzone of late and become a much bigger part of the Chargers offense. He has a juicy matchup against the Raiders this weekend, and I expect him to score at least once for the third consecutive week. He should be in your starting lineup if you own him.
Jared Cook
Cook’s become a bit of a fantasy darling of mine. He should be started in all leagues, and this week is no different. The Titans aren’t great at defending tight ends, and you know Cook is good for at least ten points a game.
Sit ‘Em
Jared Goff
Jared Goff and the Rams went back to their normal 2019 selves against the Cowboys this past weekend. Now, they have very little to play for and get the 49ers on the road, who are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Falcons themselves. I expect the Niners to roll, and for Goff to have another difficult afternoon.
Derek Carr
Carr and the Raiders have hit a wall, and while I think they have a chance to beat the Chargers on Sunday, I don’t believe Carr will be the reason why. Los Angeles is only giving up 14.5 fantasy points per week, on average, to opposing quarterbacks. Hopefully, you were not relying on Carr to get to this point, but if you’re thinking about starting him, find another option.
Tom Brady
Brady remains the ultimate winner, but father time is catching up to him, and it’s showing in his fantasy production. This week, he gets the Bills at home. I like the Patriots to squeak out a win because that is what they know how to do, but do not expect very many points scored. Brady should be sitting in all fantasy leagues this week.
Devin Singletary
Singeltary has started to receive the bulk of the snaps in the Bills backfield and has become a productive fantasy option weekly. However, don’t get cute and start him unless you have to. The Patriots may not be as good as usual, but their defense is still the best in the league. They will shut Singeltary down and make Josh Allen beat them on Saturday night.
Robert Woods
See Jared Goff. Woods was having a miserable season until recently. However, I expect him to go back to his old ways against the 49ers. Expect a quiet night from him on Saturday.
Kenny Golladay
You might have to start him, but I would try to look for a replacement. Golladay’s production has gone down since Matt Stafford’s injury, and this week, they face a Denver team that is good at one thing – defending the pass. He’s nothing more than a flex play to me.
John Brown
Brown’s turned into a #1 receiver for the Bills, and New England is where #1 wide receivers come to die. Even if Brown got you to your fantasy championship, give him the week off this week.
Tyler Higbee
Higbee has been on my Start ‘Em list for the last two weeks and has performed splendidly. However, the Niners are one of the best at defending against tight ends. Don’t get cute and start him this week with a championship on the line.