Every Saturday morning, I'll take a quick look at all the week's games, offering my own brief take on what I think will happen, as well as touching on significant injury news since our Weekly came out. I'll check in over the course of the day to answer questions, too.
The official rankings are the ones in the Weekly. Those take precedence. But sometimes players are very close, and in those cases I'm glad to offer opinions on how I'd approach those situations. Sometimes I like certain players more or less than Ian, and sometimes I have different risk tolerance with injuries etc.
Bears versus Jaguars across the pond: Game starts at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, make sure to get your players in or out of lineups before then. Teams are relatively healthy, at the skill positions anyway. Bears secondary a little banged-up, while Jaguars are just weak against the pass. Theoretically game should be higher scoring. I think Jaguars will be using a tandem backfield, and both have value.
Commanders at Ravens: Game of the Week, potentially, I'm sure they're very upset they have it buried in the early window. Brian Robinson (knee) being called a gametime decision. Between that and the tough matchup, I'm not using him. Commanders defense has struggled against both the run and the pass (Cleveland's offense doesn't count), so I'm in on Zay Flowers and would consider Likely, indeed I'm using him somewhere due to byes and whatnot. But with the Ravens putting 3 different tight ends on the field, there's some risk. Game most interesting for the QB battle.
Cardinals at Packers: Seems likely to be higher-scoring. Thumbs up on the main receivers and running backs for both. Cardinals have been surprisingly plucky in most games, but I don't think their defense will fare well against Jordan Love et al. Reed and Doubs (yes, actually) are the wide receivers I'd trust in this one from Green Bay.
Texans at Patriots: No Nico Collins, so I'm in on Diggs and Dell. Patriots defense has a rep but it's banged-up and I don't think it will limit Houston too much. Houston running backs, though, are complicated, with Dameon Pierce returning; could be him or Akers or even Dare Ogunbowale who's best. Unless Joe Mixon returns. So yeah, complicated. If Mixon is active, he's the only one I'd use. Patriots won't have Rhamondre Stevenson, so Antonio Gibson should play close to full-time, him I'd use. Drake Maye starts, some rushing potential, but passing probably won't go well.
Bucs at Saints: My son goes to South Carolina, so I watched a lot of Spencer Rattler last year. I'm hopeful for him, but not optimistic. Not keen on the Saints' passing game (but in fairness, I wasn't with Derek Carr either). Bucs are calling Rachaad White doubtful, last I knew anyway, so thumbs up on Bucky Irving as a likely full-time player; I'm using him. And typical Bucs pass catchers. I even have to use Mayfield and cross my fingers, bye week issues.
Browns at Eagles: Eagles a popular Survivor pick (for those few still alive in such pools). Doesn't seem like much hope for the Browns until they pull the plug on Deshaun. Philly defense not good so I'm sure some will be trying (by choice or probably lack thereof) Amari Cooper and/or Jerome Ford, but hard to feel good about the offense. Am using all Eagles starters, for sure, and their defense.
Colts at Titans: Very complicated situation with the Colts. Apparently Anthony Richardson returns at quarterback. But officially he's questionable. Same for Michael Pittman (back) and Josh Downs (toe). Not sure how I can recommend any of these guys on Saturday, so I won't be. No Jonathan Taylor, shocker; he has a high-ankle sprain, I don't know why they couldn't just say initially he's going to miss several weeks. Competitive advantage or whatever I guess. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson backfield. Tennessee, Tony Pollard yet, but hard to recommend wide receivers with DeAndre Hopkins playing sparingly to this point. Presumably the bye helped him get healthy, but you'd like to see it. Matchup makes him somewhat appealing, quarterback doesn't.
Chargers at Broncos: Low-scoring affair. No Gus Edwards, helping J.K. Dobbins and getting people excited about Kimani Vidal (too bad I dropped him already in the league I drafted him in and won't get him back). Regardless, Dobbins is the only Charger I'd recommend. For the Broncos, Javonte Williams and Courtland Sutton are the possibilities.
Steelers at Raiders: Russell Wilson will apparently be active for this game. Justin Fields apparently starts. Kind of a tricky situation; Mike Tomlin doesn't strike me as in-game switcher of QBs, but you never know. Offered up George Pickens for Nico Collins in dynasty. Probably not, but a win-now guy might think about it. Matchup good for Steelers, but the actual offense isn't. Najee Harris viable but unexciting, especially since Jaylen Warren will apparently return. For the Raiders, they're starting Aidan O'Connell at quarterback and probably Alexander Mattison at running back, and their current No. 1 wideout (Jakobi Meyers) is banged-up. Er, Brock Bowers seems like the lone good choice here .
Falcons at Panthers: Should not be much defense in this game, so I like the top running backs and receivers for both sides. And Kirk Cousins, sure. Not sure that Kyle Pitts will build on his good game, but I guess he's a starting option.
Lions at Cowboys: Game should be high-scoring with lots of good starters for both sides. Teams relatively healthy, with Detroit coming out of its bye, although Dallas defense banged-up (which again, is good for scoring potential). Start 'em if you got 'em, including Jalen Tolbert and even Rico Dowdle (Lions tough on the run, but Rico should get most of the work).
Bengals at Giants: Sad they couldn't flex this game out of primetime. Bengals have lots of stars but the Giants won't have their main one, Malik Nabers. New York may not have Devin Singletary, but they might, and with this being the night game, hard to know what to do with Tyrone Tracy. I'd like to use him if Singletary sits. Am using Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale, with the Bengals defense not playing well. And key Bengals offensive players, including both running backs, who are reportedly good to go despite being on injury report. Bengals are 1-4 and could/should be at least 3-2, we all have fantasy teams like that.
Bills at Jets: Important game, will be interesting to see if Saleh being fired gives the Jets a boost. Seemingly not a well-liked coach. Both defenses have struggled at times against the run. Bills won't have Khalil Shakir (I'm pretty sure) and might not have James Cook. That's a tough one, you want to use him if he plays I think, but we might not know until Monday. Ty Johnson seems like the best bet as a fill-in, although Ray Davis will also play. Dalton Kincaid my favorite Bill to use if both those guys are out.
Enjoy the games.
52 Reader Comments:
Mike Conway
Tyson Traveller
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
We've got Flowers 4th. I love the matchup but if one team opts not to pass much it would be Baltimore.
JON CASASENT
Slayton or jakobi meyers
Trevor Lawerence or levis
Someone dropped meyers so will be using my #1 waiver wire to add him.
Would have to drop Lawerence (probably will not get back) to add Levi’s so may have to use him next week also
Other qbs - Sam Donald & Caleb Williams
Joey Brown
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Slayton over Meyers this week. Meyers long-term, but he's dealing with an injury and Slayton looks promising with Nabers out again.
Caleb versus Jaguars
Robert Cummings
Alex Konop
I have Shakir, Coleman and Wicks for my third WR slot. In my position, would you hope Shakir plays and then pivot to Coleman if he doesn't or just go with Wicks on Sunday?
JOHN CAMP
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
I'll go with Jameson over using any Brown or Doubs I think too
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Aaron Vander Vorst
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Jon Schrempp
D. London / J. Reed / DJ. Moore / G. Wilson
Greg Resin
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Wally Ming
Happ Saturday!!!
Still in search of running back help (drafted Mostert)... Picked up Antonio Gibson for this week...
Going by the "sheet", but would one flex him over Etienne or Chris Godwin ??? Have James Conner in at RB---he has been pretty solid... Other options would be Brian Robinson (RB) or Tank Dell...
Thanks and have a great weekend!!!
-Wally-
William Hansen
David Kennedy
Timothy Leonard
I have 3 options (and all have a question mark...or 2)
1. T. Etienne ("Tank" problem, under achieving so far, and facing the Bears across the pond)
2. B. Irving (at New Orleans whose run defense at home has been quite good...so far)
3. T. Tracy (not sure about Singletary's status and really good chance of rain)
Your thoughts? Thanks!
Jake Frack
Darren Castillo
JK Dobbins or Jerome Ford (0-5) desperate for a win.
Austin Ekeler or Jerome Ford (1-4) desperate for a win.
Appreciate your time
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Tim, if it's up in the air tomorrow whether Singletary is playing or not, Irving. If we know Singletary will be inactive (and we probably won't), Tracy.
Don't know about Diontae but I'll start Thomas anyway.
I have only good stuff to say about Antonio Gibson. Starting a capable back in an offense that wants to run the ball when he should play close to full-time over a guy in a timeshare (with a shoulder injury to boot) like Etienne is not a tough choice for me. Or over Brian Robinson, who has a knee injury, is in a committee, and facing the Ravens. (And I generally like Robinson, btw, but why mess with it with a strong alternative.)
Yeah, sounds like Cook will play.
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Ford-Ekeler is tougher. If Robinson inactive, I'd be happy to use Ekeler over Ford. If Robinson active, it's still close but I'd probably lean Ford.
Jeff Zwiers
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
I probably say Dowdle and Olave… in general I want the guys who I know will get the most field time. But will defer to the rankings if they’re much different
DONALD VANDENBORD
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Darren Castillo
John Heim
L.B. Graham
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Brian Robinson out, Jakobi Meyers doubtful, Devin Singletary out
Lb I’m sitting Chase
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Scott Anderson
Dee Peppers
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Dee - definitely Conner. Not sure Ekeler will be a workhorse, could be him and McNichols. I think Ekeler and Etienne are close. They’ll both be the main pass catchers. Guessing a little but I think Ekeler would be higher than Etienne, but not by much
Brian Boyd
GREG GRIMES
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Bob Heaps
Thanks!
Steven Hecker
Starting Garett Wilson, Dell, and McClaurin as WR. So flex is Kirk or the 3rd RB (Sermon ?).
Thanks!
Scott Meltzer
Robert Cummings
Danny Weisberg
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Steven - not a big Sermon fan. The guaranteed touches do help. I think he's ranked a little higher but I don't have a strong preference versus Kirk, who's facing a banged up Chicago secondary.
Scott top 3 are clear from rankings. Fourth would probably be Ekeler
tolbert jameson a true tossup. Kind of depends if you want the safer floor of Tolbert or the higher ceiling of Jameson.
Rankings say Dobbins over Conner, but not huge separation. I trust Conner a little more personally.
Good luck all
Robert Cummings
GREG GRIMES
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Don McCown
Jacobs, Gibbs, Bucky Irving. Who's your 2 you'd go with? Thank you.
Don McCown
Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)
Scott Meltzer