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Hi, y'all! Seven weeks of NFL action are in the books and we're moving on to another. Welcome to our Week 8 matchup analysis and start/sit column for fantasy football. Each week we'll be analyzing every game from the Sunday slate, helping you optimize your fantasy lineups and take down your opponent. Be sure to check back regularly for any updates on player injuries or other pertinent information.
Frank Ammirante will start off by covering the first set of games that begin at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, and Justin Carter will take you home with his analysis of the late afternoon and evening games. You can also read about the Monday Night Football matchup. Let's help guide you to that Week 8 victory!
If you have any additional lineup questions, follow us on Twitter @FAmmiranteTFJ and @juscarts and feel free to ask away. Let's get on to the matchups!
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including Best NFL Series, MLB Series, NBA Writer, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!
Matchups Analysis - 1:00 PM ET Games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Matchups We Love:
Marquise Brown (WR, BAL)
Hollywood Brown needs to be in your lineup every week because of his big-play ability and high volume. His 16.0 aDOT ranks 5th among receivers with at least 30 targets. Brown has also posted a 26% target share (10th in NFL) and 45% air yard share (1st in NFL). The Ravens will likely have to pass more in this game because of the stout Steelers run defense. Brown's 4.32 speed should pose problems for Joe Haden (4.52 speed). Fire up Hollywood as a WR2 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT)
Big Ben has a tough matchup here against a Ravens Defense allowing 6.72 yards per attempt (6th in NFL). The Steelers and Ravens have two of the best defenses in the NFL, so there's a risk that this turns into a low-scoring affair. Currently QB21 in PPG, Roethlisberger is a clear avoid this week given the depth of the quarterback position.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, PIT)
JuJu had a much better game last week, catching 9-of-14 targets for 85 yards against the Titans. PFF projects him to line up against Marlon Humphrey (79.7 Coverage Grade), which is bad news because he's developed into one of the better cornerbacks in the league. Consider JuJu a low-floor WR3 in this tough matchup.
Gus Edwards (RB, BAL)
The Steelers Defense has limited opposing running backs to 16.4 PPR PPG (1st in NFL) and 3.31 yards per carry (3rd in NFL). If Mark Ingram is out for this game, Edwards would become the primary runner between-the-tackles against this nasty front. Consider Edwards a touchdown-dependent FLEX if Ingram misses this game.
Other Matchups:
James Conner (RB, PIT)
Conner has received RB1 usage - since Week 2, he's played 71.15% of the snaps, which ranks 5th among running backs. The problem is that the Ravens are stout against the run, allowing only 20.6 PPR PPG (6th in NFL) to opposing running backs. Still, Conner's workload keeps him in play as a volume-based RB2 even in the tough matchup.
Diontae Johnson (WR, PIT)
Johnson made his presence felt immediately in his return to the lineup, catching 9-of-15 targets for 80 yards and two touchdowns. If it wasn't clear prior to last week's game, it is now - Johnson is the new WR1 in Pittsburgh. While the matchup makes this more of a floor week, you can still fire up Johnson has a high-end WR3 given the volume.
Chase Claypool (WR, PIT)
Claypool turned in a dud last week (1 target, 1 reception, -2 yards), but he still played 64.56% of the snaps, while James Washington only played 22.78%, so Claypool is still in play as the WR3 in this offense. Claypool's explosive ability gives him more upside than JuJu, making him the better option as a WR3.
Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL)
Jackson takes on a Steelers defense that is tied for 7th in fantasy PPG to opposing quarterbacks, but his rushing upside should always keep him in your lineup. There's a chance that the bye week came at the perfect time for Jackson, as it allowed him to rest up his ailing knee. Consider him a lukewarm play as a Top-10 quarterback instead of the usual elite option.
J.K. Dobbins (RB, BAL)
We have seen fellow rookie D'Andre Swift get more work coming out of the bye, so there's a chance that this is also the case for Dobbins, especially if Ingram is out of the lineup. While Edwards likely struggles to get things going up the middle, we could see the Dobbins do some damage in the screen game against this tough defense. Dobbins is my preferred play as a FLEX if Ingram misses this game. I also like him as a DFS tournament contrarian play.
Mark Andrews (TE, BAL)
Andrews has a tough matchup against a Steelers defense allowing the sixth-fewest PPR PPG to opposing tight ends. They just limited Jonnu Smith to 1 reception and 9 yards. The good news is that the Ravens will likely be forced to pass more in this game, which keeps Andrews in play as a lukewarm option.
Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions
Matchups We Love:
Jonathan Taylor (RB, IND)
Taylor is another rookie who should receive a higher workload coming out of the bye, which is perfect timing for this smash spot against a Lions Defense that is tied for 27th in PPR PPG to opposing running backs. The Lions have been on gashed on the ground (4.79 YPC, 24th in NFL), so we can expect the Colts to lean on Taylor in this one. Fire up JT as a Top-1o RB1 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Philip Rivers (QB, IND)
Rivers had his best game of the season against the Bengals, throwing for 371 yards and 3 touchdowns, but that was due to the positive game script, as the Bengals jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half, forcing Rivers to air it out. Expect this game to align more with the usual Colts' game scripts: lower-scoring, slow-paced, and run-heavy.
Trey Burton (TE, IND)
Burton has established himself as the premier option at tight end in Indy, at least while Mo Alie-Cox is out of the lineup (he missed Wednesday's practice). The problem is that he takes on a Lions defense allowing the third-fewest PPG to opposing tight ends, so it's tough to rely on him here.
Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)
Stafford hasn't been that great this season (QB23) and this is a matchup to avoid - the Colts are allowing 17.1 PPG (2nd in NFL) and 6.54 yards per attempt (3rd in NFL) to opposing quarterbacks. Leave Stafford on your bench this week because he's become a matchup-based streamer this year.
Adrian Peterson (RB, DET)
Peterson is still playing a role in this offense, but the Colts Defense is allowing only 18.7 PPR PPG (4th in NFL) and 3.48 yards per carry (4th in NFL). It's going to be tough for him to find running room here. Consider him a touchdown-dependent, low-upside FLEX in this tough matchup.
D'Andre Swift (RB, DET)
Not only have the Colts been tough to run against, but they've also limited running backs in the passing game. The Colts have allowed only 17 receptions to opposing running backs (2nd in NFL). Consider Swift an RB3/FLEX type this week and hope for an early Colts lead that forces Stafford to air it out.
T.J. Hockenson (TE, DET)
The Colts are also stingy against tight ends, ranking 1st in PPR PPG allowed to the position. Hockenson's yardage output is inconsistent because of his 16% target share (19th in NFL). Star linebacker Darius Leonard returned to practice on Wednesday, which is more bad news for Hockenson. He's a touchdown-dependent TE2 against the Colts.
Other Matchups:
T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND)
Hilton has an exploitable matchup against a vulnerable Lions secondary. PFF projects him to be matched up with struggling rookie Jeffrey Okudah (30.1 Coverage Grade, PFF). At the same time, Hilton has been underwhelming this season, currently ranked as WR81 in PPR formats. The matchup keeps Hilton in the lukewarm section and on the WR3/4 fringe, but temper your expectations.
Kenny Golladay (WR, DET)
Golladay is coming off consecutive 100-yard games, which keeps him as a WR2, even against a Colts defense that ranks 13th in PPR PPG to opposing wide receivers. Xavier Rhodes (83.3 Coverage Grade, PFF) is having a renaissance season, which caps Golladay's upside, so temper your expectations.
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Matchups We Love:
Dalvin Cook (RB, MIN)
Cook returns to the lineup just in time for a smash spot against a Packers Defense allowing the most PPR PPG to opposing running backs. In his last two games against the Packers, Cook has combined for 204 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Packers have become a run-funnel defense, so we could see the Vikings lean on their star back in this one.
Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB)
Rodgers should be able to shred this Vikings Defense allowing 8.47 yards per attempt (30th in NFL). Earlier this season, Rodgers threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns against this defense. Coming off a four-touchdown effort against the Texans, we can expect more of the same against another overmatched opponent.
Jamaal Williams (RB, GB)
Williams performed admirably in Aaron Jones' absence last week, posting 113 total yards and one touchdown against a vulnerable Texans Defense. He gets another strong matchup against the Vikings, who rank 18th in PPR PPG to opposing running backs. Williams should have another positive game script here, as the Packers are projected to control this game.
Davante Adams (WR, GB)
When these two teams met in Week 1, Adams exploded for 14 receptions, 156 yards, and two touchdowns. He's coming off a similar game against the Texans, where he went off for 13 receptions, 196 yards, and two touchdowns. This is the overall WR1 in fantasy football right now. He gets another great matchup against a Vikings defense allowing the third-most PPR PPG to opposing wide receivers.
Matchups We Hate:
Kirk Cousins (QB, MIN)
Cousins has a tough matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 11th in PPG to opposing quarterbacks. This makes him a clear avoid because the only way you're considering Cousins is if he has a great matchup. Cousins looks like a mid-range QB2 in this one.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN)
Thielen is having a great season and has established himself as an every-week WR1, but it's going to be tough for him to reach his ceiling while matchup up against Jaire Alexander (90.6 Coverage Grade, PFF), who has been one of the top cornerbacks in football this season. Fire up Thielen as a volume-based WR1, but temper your expectations this week. I would avoid him in all DFS formats.
Irv Smith Jr. (TE, MIN)
Smith has come alive in this offense, racking up 10 targets for 110 yards in the last two games after combining for six targets and 14 yards in the previous three. He has a tough matchup here, facing a Packers defense that ranks 7th in PPR PPG allowed to opposing tight ends. We could see the Vikings try to lean on the running game this week, leading to less passing volume and opportunity for Smith.
Other Matchups:
Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN)
PFF projects Jefferson to avoid Alexander, getting the easier matchup with Josh Jackson (59.0 Coverage Grade, PFF). The rookie sensation is coming off a dominant effort prior to the bye week, torching the Falcons for 9 receptions, 166 yards, and two touchdowns. His upside keeps him in play as a WR3, even in the tough matchup.
Robert Tonyan (TE, GB)
After breaking out for 98 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons, Tonyan has combined for 5 receptions and 57 yards in the last two games. The Vikings have done a decent job against tight ends, ranking 14th in PPR PPG allowed. Tonyan is a lukewarm play because the Packers should be able to move the ball with ease, leading to more scoring opportunities. Consider him a low-end TE1 this week.
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Matchups We Love:
Damien Harris (RB, NE)
The Bills are more vulnerable on the ground, allowing 4.42 YPC to opposing running backs this season. The Pats offense is totally out of sync right now, so we could see the coaching staff decide to emphasize the running game as Cam Newton tries to find his early-season form. Harris is the lead back on early downs, so he has a chance to have a breakout game here. I expect the Pats to bounce back from consecutive poor performances and play a close game, which bodes well for Harris.
Matchups We Hate:
Cam Newton (QB, NE)
Cam is playing terrible right now, so you can't trust him against a Bills Defense that is tied for 12th in PPG to opposing quarterbacks. I wouldn't consider playing Cam in any format this week, as he'll be without Julian Edelman and forced to throw to N'Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers.
Devin Singletary (RB, BUF) & Zack Moss (RB, BUF)
Singletary failed to take control of this backfield when given more opportunity due to the injury to Zack Moss. Now Moss is healthy and taking Singletary's touches. Moss (7 attempts, 47 yards, 3 receptions, 25 yards) outplayed Singletary (8 attempts, 29 yards, 2 receptions, 18 yards) against the Jets last week. Until one of these backs emerges, they should be considered no more than low-end RB3/FLEX types.
Stefon Diggs (WR, BUF)
Bill Belichick has proven to be able to shut down an opposing team's best player, especially when that player is the clear-cut top option in the passing game. Stephon Gilmore remains one of the elite corners in football, so this looks like a floor game for Diggs. Consider him more of a WR3 in this tough matchup.
UPDATE: Stephon Gilmore is OUT for this game. Fire up Diggs as a WR2.
Other Matchups:
James White (RB, NE)
With Edelman out of the lineup, we could see White rack up more check-down receptions. Prior to last week's dud against San Francisco, White had combined for 17 targets in his previous two games. I expect him to get back on track against the Bills, so you can throw him in your lineups as a decent FLEX, especially in PPR leagues.
Jakobi Meyers (WR, NE)
Meyers is the better option that Harry at this point and we can project the former to take Edelman's place as the team's primary slot receiver. The Bills have struggled against slot receivers like Cooper Kupp and Mike Gesicki (he plays more slot than in-line tight end), so Meyers could be a WR4 in PPR formats.
Josh Allen (QB, BUF)
Allen has struggled in the last three weeks and it's tough to be optimistic about his outlook in a game that projects to be low-scoring with a 41-point total. While Allen's rushing upside always keeps him on the QB1 radar, he looks like more of a lower-end option this week (QB12-14 range). The Pats have allowed the fourth-fewest PPG to opposing quarterbacks.
John Brown (WR, BUF)
Brown is expected to be back in the lineup this week and he has the better matchup on the outside, as PFF projects Diggs to be covered by Gilmore. The Pats rank 12th in PPR PPG to opposing wide receivers, so this is not a great matchup, but consider Brown a lukewarm play on the WR3/4 fringe for this week.
Cole Beasley (WR, BUF)
Beasley has established a high floor this season, especially in PPR leagues. He's racked up six or more targets in five of his six games this season. We could see the Bills' slot man continue to be peppered with targets in this grind-it-out type of game that this projects to be. Consider him a mid-range WR3 in PPR leagues for this one.
Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals
Matchups We Love:
Ryan Tannehill (QB, TEN)
Tannehill is in a terrific bounce-back spot against a Bengals Defense that ranks 22nd in PPG allowed to opposing quarterbacks. This is a defense that just allowed a combined 668 yards and eight touchdowns to Baker Mayfield and Philip Rivers in their last two games.
Derrick Henry (RB, TEN)
Fire up Henry as an elite RB1 against a Bengals defense allowing 5.06 YPC (T-30th in NFL) to opposing running backs. Henry will have several scoring opportunities in this projected shootout (53-point total). He has a legit chance to finish as the overall RB1 this week.
A.J. Brown (WR, TEN)
Brown has been a certified WR1 since returning from injury, racking up 18 receptions for 291 yards and four touchdowns in his last three games. PFF projects Darius Phillips (50.3 Coverage Grade) to cover Brown, which is a clear mismatch. Most observers still consider Brown a WR2, but they're wrong - this is a legit WR1.
Jonnu Smith (TE, TEN)
Smith is coming off consecutive duds, combining for 2 receptions and 22 yards over the last two games. The good news is that this is a smash spot, as the Bengals defense is allowing the second-most PPR PPG to opposing tight ends. Like Henry, Smith will have a ton of opportunities to find the endzone in this game.
Joe Burrow (QB, CIN)
Burrow has been airing it out this season, averaging 41.85 pass attempts per game. The Titans rank 24th in PPG allowed to opposing quarterbacks. With Joe Mixon expected to miss another game, we can expect the Bengals to lean more to the pass in another exploitable matchup.
Tyler Boyd (WR, CIN)
Boyd has racked up eight or more targets in five of his seven games this season, including a big game against the Browns last week, where he caught 11-of-13 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Browns. The Titans rank 29th in PPR PPG allowed to opposing wide receivers. PFF projects Boyd to match up with Chris Jackson (29.9 Coverage Grade).
Matchups We Hate:
Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN)
Bernard came through last week as the RB-fill-in for Joe Mixon, rushing for 37 yards on 13 attempts and adding 5 receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown, but this is a tougher matchup. While the Titans have been vulnerable on the ground (4.83 YPC allowed), they have done a good job limiting running backs in the passing game (21 receptions allowed, T-2nd in NFL), which is where Bernard does most of his damage. Consider Bernard more of a FLEX this week.
Other Matchups:
Corey Davis (WR, TEN)
Davis returned to the lineup last week and caught 6-of-10 targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. The target share was encouraging for his first game back, so we can safely fire him up as an upside WR3 in this projected shootout. Davis makes for a nice pivot from Brown in DFS tournaments, as the former projects to have a lower ownership percentage.
Tee Higgins (WR, CIN)
In a year where Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb are taking up the spotlight as rookie sensations, Higgins has been quietly impressive. In his last four games, he's totaled 19 receptions for 335 yards and a touchdown. Fire up this promising rookie as an upside WR3 in this exploitable matchup.
A.J. Green (WR, CIN)
Green has come alive in recent weeks, catching 15-of-24 targets for 178 yards in his last two games. There's a chance that either Green has found his form or the Bengals are peppering him with targets to showcase him for a potential trade. Either way, consider him an upside WR3 in this shootout.
Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns
Weather Update: Windy conditions with winds reaching up to 50 MPH is concerning for both passing games. Downgrade Carr, Waller, Ruggs, and Agholor for the Raiders. Downgrade Mayfield, Higgins, Landry, and Bryant for the Browns. We could see both teams rely on their running games.
Matchups We Love:
Derek Carr (QB, LV)
The Raiders are a different team with Ruggs in the lineup, as his ability to stretch the field really opens things up for the rest of the offense. In his last two games with Ruggs, Carr has thrown for 631 yards and 5 touchdowns. He takes on a Browns Defense allowing the fourth-most PPG to opposing passers.
Darren Waller (TE, LV)
Waller should be able to have his way with a Browns defense that ranks 22nd in PPR PPG to opposing tight ends. Waller is tied for the league lead with George Kittle with a 27% target share. This gives him a nice floor to go along with his high upside. In a game where Carr should be able to air it out, Waller is in a smash-spot.
Kareem Hunt (RB, LV)
Hunt is getting RB1 usage with Nick Chubb out of the lineup and he now gets a terrific matchup against a Raiders defense allowing the third-most PPR PPG to opposing running back. There should be a ton of scoring opportunities in this projected shootout, so Hunt is a great bet to find the endzone. He's an elite RB1 this week.
Jarvis Landry (WR, CLE)
Landry will have to step up with OBJ now out for the season. The Raiders rank 22nd in PPR PPG allowed to opposing wide receivers, so this is an exploitable matchup. PFF projects Landry to match up with Lamarcus Joyner (45.3 Coverage Grade). Consider Landry a solid WR3 in this game.
Matchups We Hate:
Josh Jacobs (RB, LV)
Jacobs has struggled in his last three games, rushing for 142 yards on 48 attempts (2.96 YPC). The Browns have been decent against the run this season, ranking 15th in PPR allowed to opposing running backs. They're allowing only 3.71 YPC (8th in NFL), so it's going to be tough for Jacobs to find running room.
Other Matchups:
Henry Ruggs III (WR, LV)
Ruggs is an upside WR4 every week because of his explosive ability, but temper your expectations because he's only received six targets in the last two games. I like Ruggs as a tournament play in DFS tournaments since he'll be a high upside option with a low ownership percentage.
Nelson Agholor (WR, LV)
Agholor is starting to establish himself as the WR1 in Vegas, posting 11 receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns in his last three games. He has a good matchup against a Browns defense allowing the second-most PPR PPG to opposing wide receivers. The only reason why Agholor and Ruggs aren't in the "love" section is that I think that only one of them will have a big game here. Consider Agholor a high-floor WR3 here.
Baker Mayfield (QB, CLE)
Mayfield broke out for 297 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception against the Bengals last week. The Raiders are allowing the fifth-most PPG to opposing quarterbacks this season. Consider Mayfield a solid streamer this week, but temper your expectations because we could see a run-heavy approach with Hunt in a smash-spot.
Rashard Higgins (WR, CLE)
Higgins takes over the OBJ role and he looked good last week, catching 6-of-6 targets for 110 yards. He has an established rapport with Baker Mayfield. Consider Higgins a WR3 in this exploitable matchup. He's a good play to reverse stack the Raiders in DFS tournaments.
Harrison Bryant (TE, LV)
Bryant stepped up in Austin Hooper's absence last week, catching 4-of-5 targets for 56 yards and two touchdowns. The Raiders rank 13th in PPR PPG allowed to opposing tight ends, so this isn't the greatest matchup, but Bryant remains a high-end TE2 who could find the endzone once again in this projected shootout.
Hi, Justin taking over now. Thanks, Frank!
New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC)
The Jets Defense has allowed the 10th-most passing yards per game. They've not actually been terrible in terms of allowing fantasy points to quarterbacks, but they haven't faced a murderer's row of quarterbacks outside of the three games of Josh Allen and Kyler Murray. Mahomes is Mahomes. Start him as a high-end QB1 and have some exposure in DFS.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, KC)
Call me crazy if you want to, but I like CEH is still the top back in KC, and I'd start him like that against a Jets defense that allows the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
Tyreek Hill (WR, KC)
Hill is ninth among wide receivers in fantasy points per target, even as he's just 58th in catch rate. He's also just 27th in completed air yards, despite a reputation as a deep ball guy. Still, he's ninth among wide receivers in total air yards and -- maybe most importantly for his usage -- third in red zone targets. Start him as a low-end WR1 play.
Travis Kelce (TE, KC)
The Jets allow the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Kelce is a top-two NFL tight end. Don't overthink this.
Matchups We Hate:
Sam Darnold (QB, NYJ)
I really don't think I should have to tell you why you shouldn't start Sam Darnold this week. Kansas City allows the eighth-fewest passing touchdowns per game and fourth-fewest passing yards per game. Sam Darnold is 33rd among quarterbacks in fantasy points per dropback. Just...no.
Frank Gore and La'Mical Perine (RB, NYJ)
Maybe if one of these two established a firm grip on this role, I'd be willing to like one. But in a game where we know the Jets are going to trail big early and move into a more pass-friendly game script, I can't justify playing Gore or Perine, even against a Chiefs team that ranks in the middle of the league in points allowed per game to running backs.
Braxton Berrios (WR, NYJ)
Assuming Jamison Crowder is out, Berrios will get some looks this week. But he's been inconsistent all season and had a stretch of three games where eight targets turned into one 18-yard catch. I'll go ahead and avoid him.
Other Matchups:
Le'Veon Bell (RB, KC)
A lighter projected workload for Bell pushes him down a bit from Edwards-Helaire, but he's a solid RB3 play with upside against his former team. We might not get a Revenge Game from Bell, but expect a fine performance.
Denzel Mims (WR, NYJ)
Mims made his NFL debut last week and was targeted seven times while playing 79 percent of the Jets offensive snaps. If you're desperate and have to play a Jets wideout, Mims is where the upside is, even if it's not a lot of upside.
Sammy Watkins (WR, KC)
Potentially returning this week, Watkins has some solid games this year, but isn't poised for a breakout as the third receiving option on this team. He's a fine WR4 if you need him to be, but he might be a little below 100 percent, which introduces too much risk.
UPDATE: Watkins is expected to be out again for Week 8.
Los Angeles Rams at Miami Dolphins
Matchups We Love:
Darrell Henderson Jr. (RB, LAR)
Miami allows the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Last game, Henderson saw 55.56 percent of the snaps for the Rams, and had 60 percent of the positional rushing attempts. He's the lead back here. Start him as an RB2.
Myles Gaskin (RB, MIA)
With Tua making his first NFL start, the Dolphins will need to rely on their running game. Good thing they've got Myles Gaskin, who has been productive as a runner and receiver this season. The Rams have been good against opposing running backs, but do allow the ninth-most receiving yards per game to the position. Consider Gaskin a really good RB2 play.
Matchups We Hate:
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, MIA)
Good news: we get to talk about Tua now that he's a starter. Bad news: his first start is against a Rams Defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game. I don't think this offense will be as gung-ho about throwing as they were with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Tua shouldn't be considered a fantasy starter...yet.
Cam Akers (RB, LAR)
Akers had a 4.17 percent snap rate last week and no carries. He should be off your fantasy radar.
DeVante Parker and Preston Williams (WR, MIA)
I just...don't think I trust either guy as more than a low-end WR3 at best in Tua's first start. The Dolphins will run too much early, and if their defense can keep them in the game, they'll be running in the second half too. Less opportunities for the wide receivers against a defense that already allows the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position? Yeah, not great!
Gerald Everett and/or Tyler Higbee (TE, LAR)
Miami allows the second-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. Higbee might not play, in which case Everett is fine as an emergency streaming play, but we shouldn't expect much production from this offense.
Other Matchups:
Jared Goff (QB, LAR)
Man, I came close to throwing Goff in that "matchups I hate" section. Miami allows the 10th-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and the Rams are 28th in pass plays per game. But Goff is 12th in passing yards and eighth in adjusted yards per attempt, so I'm fine using him as a QB2 option this week, even if the matchup does scare me.
Malcolm Brown (RB, LAR)
Good matchup, but Brown's role is fading some, so he's just an RB3/4 play behind Darrell Henderson Jr. Brown does have the advantage of being a touchdown threat inside the five-yard line.
Robert Woods (WR, LAR)
Not a great matchup, but Woods has at least five targets in every game this season, so even with a recent dip in production, his usage and his three touchdowns are reminders that you can start him as a low-end WR2 each week.
Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR)
Kupp has 40 or more yards in six of seven games this year. He's been targeted six or more times in every game since Week 2. Like Woods, there's downside based on recent production, but even against a good Dolphins Defense, Kupp's a low-end WR2 option.
Mike Gesicki (TE, MIA)
The Rams allow the 13th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Gesicki's numbers have been down lately, but this seems like the kind of game where Miami and their rookie QB will look to the tight ends more often, giving Gesicki a chance to be a productive low-end TE1 play.
Matchups Analysis - 4:05/4:25 PM ET Games
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
Matchups We Love:
Justin Herbert (QB, LAC)
Well, Herbert's seemingly grabbed the Rookie of the Year title from Joe Burrow with no signs of looking back. 10 touchdown passes to just one interception in the past three games, plus a rushing touchdown over that span. Denver has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points per game to the position, so this seems like another good spot for Herbert to deliver a QB1 performance.
Keenan Allen (WR, LAC)
Allen's the one dependable wide receiver on this Chargers team, someone who has a growing rapport with Justin Herbert. He's virtually a lock to see double-digit targets and is in the WR1 tier this week and moving forward.
Matchups We Hate:
Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley (RB, LAC)
Denver allows the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, and in the past two games, Kelley and Jackson have really split carries, with Kelley at 35.94 percent and Jackson at 31.25 percent. Jackson's got a slight advantage right now it seems, but neither guy is more than
Non-Keenan Allen Chargers Wide Receivers
It's just too hard to predict things. Mike Williams isn't getting enough targets. Jalen Guyton is either scoring a 75-yard touchdown or doing nothing. Joe Reed scored a touchdown last week but won't get enough looks. Just...meh.
Jerry Jeudy (WR, DEN)
Upgrade him a little if Tim Patrick (hamstring) is out just out of necessity, but Jeudy has become an afterthought, with three straight games with exactly two receptions. One of those games saw him find the end zone, but in the past two games he has just 52 total yards.
Other Matchups:
Drew Lock (QB, DEN)
The Chargers allow the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Drew Lock is 33rd among quarterbacks in adjusted yards per attempt and 35th in fantasy points per dropback. One of those things has to give, right? Lock probably struggles like always, but if there's ever a time to use him as an emergency streamer, I guess this is it.
Melvin Gordon III (RB, DEN)
With it looking likely that the Broncos will be without Phillip Lindsay, Gordon will serve as the primary back this week. The Chargers allows the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position, but Gordon's projected workload makes him a solid RB2 option in this Revenge Game.
Tim Patrick (WR, DEN)
We don't know if Patrick will play due to a hamstring injury. If he does, his recent production makes him a solid WR3 play. If he doesn't, then...well, he doesn't.
Hunter Henry (TE, LAC)
Henry has 50 yards or fewer in four consecutive games and while he's been targeted 15 times in the past two games, that hasn't resulted in yards. Denver allowing the 11th-fewest fantasy points to the position doesn't help, though Henry's talent does make him a low-end TE1 option still.
Noah Fant (TE, DEN)
The Chargers allow the 10th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. That would be enough to make Fant a sure-fire TE1 play up until recently, but now it looks like Albert Okwuegbunam will cut into his work just enough to make him risky in DFS contests, though he should still be deployed as a season-long TE1 play.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Matchups We Love:
Russell Wilson (QB, SEA)
This Niners defense isn't quite as imposing as it has been in the past, though they do allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. But they do allow more rushing yards to quarterbacks than any other team at 36.1 per game, which gives a nice boost to Wilson. He's a matchup-resistant QB1 play and his elusiveness makes it to where you can probably pay up for him in some DFS contests.
Brandon Aiyuk (WR, SF)
With no Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk looks poised to be the No. 1 receiver for the 49ers this week. Considering no team allows more fantasy points to wide receivers than Seattle, Aiyuk feels like a must-play option if he's on your roster, plus someone who might be in a lot of optimal DFS lineups.
George Kittle (TE, SF)
Yeah, you're playing Kittle in season-long and DFS as the top tight end option because of this matchup. Yes, Seattle actually allows the third-fewest receptions per game to tight end, but Kittle isn't just any tight end. I'd rather look at how bad they are against wide receivers and how many yards they allow than look solely at tight end stats.
Matchups We Hate:
Greg Olsen and Will Dissly (TE, SEA)
Dissly's role is increasing, which really just means that neither player can be trusted as more than a TE2 option now, especially against a Niners team allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Other Matchups:
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, SF)
In theory, I should love any quarterback facing a Seahawks Defense that's allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, right? But Garoppolo ranks 31st among QBs in fantasy points per game, even though he's 19th in fantasy points per dropback. There's not enough passing opportunities on this team, and while Garoppolo should perform better than usual, I still don't think I'd trust him in DFS and in season-long see him as a decent streamer, but don't trust him to be more than that.
Whoever The 49ers Running Backs Are
Okay, so it looks like this week it'll be Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty, right? This is a team that runs the football a ton, so both guys have RB3 upside against Seattle, though it's worth noting that this Seahawks defense has been funneling fantasy production towards the passing game, so McKinnon and Hasty don't have some unlimited ceiling or anything. Tevin Coleman has a chance to suit up as well, and has been out since Week 2 with a knee injury. His status should become official on Saturday afternoon, so stay tuned.
Carlos Hyde (RB, SEA)
It seems safe to assume Chris Carson won't be suiting up, though Hyde might not be either due to a hamstring injury. If we assume he does, he should get enough touches to be a high-end RB3 play, but you're never really that excited about the prospect of playing Carlos Hyde, are you?
UPDATE: Carlos Hyde (foot) is officially listed as doubtful. Chris Carson (hamstring) and Travis Homer (knee) are both officially listed as questionable. DeeJay Dallas was the only healthy running back at practice this week.
Kendrick Bourne (WR, SF)
Against a Seahawks defense that's this bad against the pass, Bourne has a definite place in fantasy lineups. He has a pretty high ceiling, but considering he has just four catches over the past three games and saw his snap rate drop below 50 percent for the first time all season, he also has a zero floor. I think you can get away with playing him in a deep league as a high-risk, high-reward WR4, and I do love him as a cheap sleeper play in DFS.
D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett (WR, SEA)
The 49ers allow the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. It shouldn't matter too much, because Metcalf and Lockett are both very good players who have a very good quarterback and are must-start WR2s in season-long, but the matchup means I wouldn't go heavy on them in my DFS lines.
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears
Matchups We Love:
Alvin Kamara (RB, NO)
Alvin Kamara is the most exciting player in football right now. Even in what might be his toughest matchup of the season, he's a high-end RB1 play due to his role on both the ground and through the air.
Jared Cook (TE, NO)
Tight ends fare much better against the Bears Defense than wide receivers do, and Cook has caught touchdowns in three of his last four games. His target share is a little lower than I'd like, but he's a great DFS value this week, especially with so many questions about other pass-catchers on this team.
Matchups We Hate:
Non-Michael Thomas Saints Receivers
The Bears allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Marquez Callaway has an ankle injury. Emmanuel Sanders has COVID. And Tre'Quan Smith was targeted just four times last week and likely has to contend with the return of Michael Thomas.
UPDATE: Michael Thomas has been officially ruled out.
Other Matchups:
Drew Brees (QB, NO)
Is Brees declining? Yes. Do the Bears allow the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks? Also yes. But as long as Brees has Alvin Kamara and (probably) Michael Thomas to throw to, you can't count him out. He's still a fine QB2 play and a fine bye-week fill-in.
Nick Foles (QB, CHI)
New Orleans allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Foles is 30th in fantasy points per dropback and 29th in fantasy points per game among QBs. This is the classic situation where we find out who wins between bad quarterback and bad defense. Foles gets a slight upgrade to his stock this week if you really need a streamer or a contrarian DFS play.
David Montgomery (RB, CHI)
The good thing for Montgomery: over the last four games, he has every single one of the carries by a running back on this Bears roster, as long as you don't count Cordarrelle Patterson as a running back. (Shh!) The bad news is he's averaging 3.06 yards per carry over that span and the Saints allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Montgomery has a high floor because of the number of touches he gets, but also a low talent because he's David Montgomery.
Michael Thomas (WR, NO)
He should be back this week and will instantly be inserted into your season-long lineup as a WR1. But how healthy will he be? Will he instantly be back in his old role? I'm worried just enough to make me avoid Thomas in DFS.
UPDATE: Michael Thomas has been officially ruled out.
Allen Robinson (WR, CHI)
Robinson is in concussion protocol. If he clears it and plays, he's a high-end WR2.
UPDATE: After being listed as doubtful all week, Allen Robinson is officially active and passed the league's concussion protocol.
Darnell Mooney (WR, CHI)
Mooney has officially displaced Anthony Miller as the WR2 in Chicago and has a solid matchup this week against the Saints. He's still too risky to trust as a week-in, week-out starter, but Mooney's among my favorite dart throws each week at this point, as he's getting a solid number of targets.
Jimmy Graham (TE, CHI)
Wish he had a different quarterback because I'd trust him more, but you should definitely play Graham in season-long leagues as he faces a Saints Defense allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the tight end position.
Matchups Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Matchups We Love:
Carson Wentz (QB, PHI)
Remember when we thought Carson Wentz was washed? Well, he threw for 359 yards last game and now has 250-plus passing yards in two of the last three games, plus multiple touchdown passes in all three games. And now he gets an inexperienced Cowboys Defense that allows the 11th-most fantasy points per game to QBs. Assuming this game isn't a blow-out that leads to few second half throws from Wentz, we should think of Wentz as a high-end QB2 with upside.
Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL)
Even if Elliott's numbers aren't as good as they have been in the past, this is a game where I'd expect a lot of early work for Elliott due to the Cowboys likely starting a rookie quarterback. Elliott is a solid RB1 play in season-long and his projected workload gives him a high ceiling. Elliott's recent play might cause him to somehow be overlooked in DFS>
Boston Scott (RB, PHI)
Dallas does not have a good run defense. And with it looking more and more like Miles Sanders will be out, Scott will likely serve as the No. 1 back for the Eagles. He had 15 touches last week and caught a touchdown pass. 15 touches against this defense should put him firmly in RB2 territory and makes him a great value option in DFS.
Richard Rodgers (TE, PHI)
With no Zach Ertz and no Dallas Goedert, Rodgers was targeted eight times last week, catching six passes for 85 yards. Turns out the Eagles will throw to whoever their tight end is! Dallas hasn't been particularly good when it comes to defending against tight ends, so pencil Rodgers in as a high-end streaming play with TE1 upside.
UPDATE: Dallas Goedert has been activated from IR, and is expected to return this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Ben DiNucci (QB, DAL)
CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup (WR, DAL)
Lamb isn't unplayable like Gallup is, but neither find themselves in a good position this week. Against Washington, Lamb had one carry for one yard, but didn't bring in any of his five targets. Gallup brought in zero of his two targets. Lamb has a big enough role to be a WR3/4 option, while Gallup isn't someone I would be starting in any formats right now.
Other Matchups:
Travis Fulgham (WR, PHI)
I had Fulgham in the "matchups we love" section until the news that Jalen Reagor is trending towards playing happened. Fulgham is still a solid start, but Reagor could impact his upside enough to make him someone I avoid in DFS out of concern he'll be overused there. But I mean -- he's had double-digit targets in three straight games, and that workload won't drop too much due to Reagor.
Jalen Reagor (WR, PHI)
It's looking like Reagor could play for the first time since Week 2. This Cowboys defense -- which allows the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers -- is a good one to return against. I don't love Reagor because I don't know what kind of workload he gets, but if you need to take a risk on someone having a big game, maybe Reagor gets a ton of looks from Wentz?
Amari Cooper (WR, DAL)
If you trust a Cowboys receiver, it should be Cooper. In the two games without Dak Prescott, he's got twice as many receptions as CeeDee Lamb, and his 159 receiving yards dwarf Lamb's 64, while Gallup has just 23. Cooper still has value as a WR2 play with DiNucci starting, though the floor is significantly lower than usual.
Dalton Schultz (TE, DAL)
Schultz has played 80.69 percent of Dallas's snaps in the last two weeks, with six catches for 57 yards. Philly allows the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends and if you prescribe to the "young QBs will look to the tight end as a safe option" philosophy, you might want to think of Schultz as a decent TE2 play.
Matchups Analysis - Monday Night Football
Tamps Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants
Click here to read about the Monday Night Football matchup between the Buccaneers and Giants.
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