Quarterback
Start
Jameis Winston: Winston takes on the Saints, who are the most exploitable matchup this season. They have allowed 24.9 Fantasy points per game to opposing QBs, while no other team has allowed more than 21.15 (Jaguars).
Tyrod Taylor: Over the past month the Eagles are the only team to allow more Fantasy points to QBs than the Saints. Taylor has thrown for three touchdowns in two straight games and will add valuable Fantasy points with his legs.
Other Strong Plays: Blake Bortles, Russell Wilson, Brian Hoyer.
Sit
Matt Ryan: It’s been three games since Ryan has topped 300 yards. In that stretch he has five touchdowns, but has thrown just one in each of the last two games. He also has six picks in this stretch. Against the Panthers, now is not the time to expect him to turn things around.
Philip Rivers: Rivers has not thrown a touchdown in two of his past three games. In those two games he has thrown for 178 and 202 yards. His wide receivers are banged up and he takes on a tough Chiefs defense.
Running Back
Start
T.J. Yeldon: Yeldon’s owners have to be watering at the mouth, given the matchup against a Colts defense that has allowed 18 Fantasy points to opposing RBs. Perhaps better than that is the fact that the Jags finally started using Yeldon in the red zone, giving him four attempts within the 20 last week.
Shaun Draughn: On draft day did you ever hear of Shaun Draughn, let alone think your playoff hopes would rely on him? In his four games with the Niners he has seen at least 12 carries in each and had five or more receptions three times. He gets a Browns defense that has allowed a league high 1,543 rushing yards to opposing running backs.
Sit
DeMarco Murray: The Eagles have gone with the ‘hot hand’ approach, which does not bode well for Murray. It is clear that Ryan Mathews is a better fit for the offense and with his return likely this week, Murray could see another reduction in touches. He carried the ball just eight times last week.
Saints RBs: Tons of Fantasy Owners have been sending in questions not only asking which Saints RB they should pick up, but if they should start one of Tim Hightower or C.J. Spiller. Both are far in impact from Mark Ingram and they get a Bucs defense that has allowed just 12.35 Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in the past month.
Wide Receiver
Start
DeVante Parker: Parker has been targeted 15 times in the past two weeks, with over 60 receiving yards and a touchdown in both games. He takes on a Giants defense that has been burned by the passing game as of late.
Tyler Lockett: Lockett led the Seahawks with seven receptions last week. If he sees the targets this week he could be in store for a big game against the Ravens, who have allowed 2,097 yards and 19 touchdowns to opposing wideouts this year.
Sit
Amari Cooper: Cooper was a midweek addition to the injury report, with a foot issue. He also takes on a vaunted Broncos defense that has allowed the fewest points to opposing wide receivers. He is a very boom-or-bust play, with bust being the more likely outcome.
Julio Jones: This is more of a bust alert rather than a straight sit. Julio Jones remains one of the best talents in the game, but he could be hard-pressed for numbers this week against a tough Panthers defense. Not only will he likely have Josh Norman shadowing him, but it is hard to trust Matt Ryan’s ability to avoid pressure and get him the ball as well. Last year against Norman, Jones had games with 6 receptions for 59 yards and 4 catches for 58. He did not have a touchdown in either game. If you are debating between Jones and other top 20 WRs, go the other route.
Tight End
Start
Scott Chandler: Although Rob Gronkowski practiced, reports indicate that he is unlikely to play this week. Chandler has filled in nicely with 17 targets, nine receptions, 119 yards and two touchdowns in the past two weeks.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins: Any matchup against the Saints is worth exploiting. The Saints have allowed a league high 13.3 Fantasy Points per game to opposing tight ends.
Sit
Antonio Gates: Gates should still see plenty of targets given the depleted Chargers receiving core, but the matchup is not in his favor. He takes on a Chiefs defense that have allowed a league low 4.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing TEs.
Charles Clay: The Eagles have been great at shutting down tight ends all year, allowing just 5.4 Fantasy points per game. Clay remains a touchdown dependent option and the Eagles have allowed just three touchdowns to tight ends.
If you have any other questions make sure to follow me on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio.
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