Start ‘Em
Russell Wilson
Repeat after me: Start every quarterback that is playing the Falcons. This one is even easier because Wilson is having an MVP-type year. That will continue on Sunday in Atlanta.
Deshaun Watson
Rodgers just lit up the Raiders secondary for six touchdowns. Oakland is giving up nearly 300 yards per game through the air. I’m expecting Watson and the Texans to bounce back in style after a struggle last week in Indianapolis.
Dalvin Cook
Cook has been a pleasure to watch all season with his physical running style. This week, the Vikings get a Redskins squad that is ready to throw in the towel and doesn’t want to spend their Thursday night tackling Dalvin Cook 20 times. Washington is giving up 4.4 yards per carry and 135 yards per game on the ground. Cook’s a fantastic DFS play and should be starting in every fantasy league.
Todd Gurley
Gurley has let his fantasy owners down this year, but he did receive 19 touches against the Falcons and most of the snaps. If there is any team he is going to get right against, it is the Bengals and their miserable rush defense. This could be the week Gurley looks like the player he was last year – don’t miss it.
Aaron Jones
Jones quietly leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns with eight. This week, the Packers get a Sunday night matchup with the Chiefs, who are one of two teams to surrender 1,000 yards rushing this season. They are giving up 5.0 yards per carry and have already allowed nine rushing touchdowns. Jones should have a monster night on Sunday.
James Conner
They are playing the Dolphins, who are the second-worst rush defense in the NFL. If you’re not going to start him now, when are you?
Tyler Lockett
See Russell Wilson. Lockett is going to have a field day, and I love him as a DFS play as well.
Darren Waller
Waller has been the surprise at tight end in fantasy – currently sitting in second at his position in points. He’s fresh of a 31.6 point performance against the Packers, and I expect him to be ultra-effective again versus the Texans. This should be another high scoring contest that features a lot of opportunities for Waller.
Sit ‘Em
Baker Mayfield
Time to start treating this Patriots defense like one of the best in the league – if not the best. Mayfield has been the worst quarterback in the NFL this year, and this isn’t going to be the week where he finds his footing.
Carson Wentz
The Bills are barely giving up 200 yards a game through the air. It’s about that time of the year where it is going to be freezing in Buffalo, and Wentz doesn’t have all of his weapons. I’m trying to find a weekly flier this week if I’m relying on Wentz as my quarterback.
Kyler Murray
Murray’s been a valuable fantasy asset this season, but this is the week you give him off. The Saints’ defense is as legit as they come, and they are even stingier with Teddy Bridgewater under center.
Christian McCaffery
Obviously, he’s a must-start in all fantasy leagues, but I have to give the 49ers defense credit here. Those guys are absolute savages, and they are going to make life tough on rookie QB Kyle Allen. I see the Panthers having a challenging time moving the ball this week, which means you should not pay the high price in DFS leagues for Run CMC.
Melvin Gordon
Melvin Gordon is averaging well below three yards a touch since returning from his holdout, and now he faces a hungry Bears team on the road that just got embarrassed by the New Orleans Saints. I don’t like him in DFS leagues, and I’d probably try and find someone else to fill in for him in my fantasy leagues.
Any Eagles running back
I don’t know about the Bills as a team, but their defense is legit. The Eagles haven’t made anyone their featured back either, which makes their whole backfield a stay away in all types of fantasy leagues.
D.J. Moore
See Christian McCaffery. I’m finding a substitute in my fantasy leagues this week for Moore.
Odell Beckam Jr.Â
Because Mayfield has been ineffective, Beckam Jr. hasn’t been the WR1 like he’s been in the past. I have a difficult time believing Bill Belichick is going to allow Beckam to beat them.
Allen Robinson
The Bolts have actually been good against the pass, and I hate where this Bears offense is going with Mitch Trubisky under center. I’m trying to find a replacement for Robinson this week if I can.