Quarterbacks
Kyle McCord at Colts
The second year QB gets a shot at being an NFL starter with Malik Willis on IR. McCord is a pocket passer that throws a nice ball with solid accuracy. He’s not very mobile and doesn’t possess elite traits but given time can move the offense. He’s faces the Colts, who are thinking next season after a flurry of trades before the deadline.
Jacoby Brissett vs Chargers
He fell from grace in Arizona after a dismal performance against the Cowboys, who have been one of the more favorable defenses to face. Now Brissett gets another new team, the 7th of his career. So why would he be a dark horse play? For one, the matchup is great. The Chargers had been pretty pesky vs the pass but the team looks lost, giving up nearly 400 yards and 5 touchdowns to CJ Stroud last week. I don’t think Brissett will match that stat line, but with Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews & Ja’Kobi Lane I think it’s solid enough weapons for Brissett to push a top 12 finish.
Running Backs
Dylan Sampson vs Texans
In his 3 games back from injury Sampson has averaged a respectable 4 receptions and 65 yards a game. The past 2 weeks he has been a better fantasy option than his running mate Quinshon Judkins. By the numbers, the matchup is not good. The Texans have been pretty stingy against the pass catching running backs. But Sampson is an explosive runner. The consistency he’s had puts him on the radar but his potential for a big play gets him on this list.
Emmett Johnson vs Falcons
Kenneth Walker has been one of the best stories of the fantasy circuit, currently sitting as the RB2 on the season. But he is out this week. Enter Emmett Johnson, who has shown tremendous ability to make plays and carry a hefty workload. Against a reeling Falcons defense, Johnson should not only be a featured runner but highly effective. He’s a must start.
Seth McGowan vs Dolphins
The trade rumors are done as the deadline past and Jonathan Taylor is staying put. While the Colts star running back will start, the rookie McGowan will have a role. He’s been averaging nearly 5 yards a carry and got his first pro touchdown last week from a goal line plunge. The Colts are playing through a busted season so I can’t imagine they run Taylor until the wheels come off. McGowan pushes for flex potential in favorable matchups, which this week he has one.
Kaelon Black at Cowboys
The Cowboys are a bottom 5 defense against the run. They’ve been playing so poorly against opposing running backs, they have given up a rushing TD in all of the past 6 games and 2 RB scores in 4 of them. The 49ers offense goes through Christian McCaffrey who is set for a big game. But as the Niners try to keep CMC fresh, expect Black to continue seeing meaningful snaps. 50 yards and a score are well within Black’s reach in big D on Sunday.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Jordan Watkins at Cowboys
Brock Purdy has been one of the hottest QB this season, currently sitting at QB3 on the season. He is still without Mike Evans but does get back Deebo Samuel this week. The team also traded for Keenan Allen which bolsters the receiving room. While George Kittle and Deebo are expected to lead the pass attack, I think Jordan Watkins will continue to see a high snap share at least for this week. Watkins had 7 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown the past 2 games and now faces the 6th most favorable defense for opposing wide receivers.
Travis Hunter at Titans
A leading factor in picking a Jaguar is the matchup, facing a Titans team that ranks 31st against the wide receiver position. One of the challenges in picking a Jaguar each week is that the ball moves so much in this offense. Parker Washington is a lock starter but it’s likely that Lawrence hits 2 or 3 different targets in the end zone. Hunter is the real dark horse because he simply doesn’t get a lot of offensive snaps. But he is an explosive talent so I like him this week specifcally in IDP leagues.
Hunter Henry vs Lions
No team has been more favorable to opposing tight ends than the Detroit Lions. The Patriots are once again without Romeo Doubs and unlikely to see AJ Brown (even if he plays it’s likely in a very limited capacity) in Germany. Henry has gone a month without getting into the end zone. I not only see heavier pass game usage for Henry but breaks his scoreless streak.
Rashod Bateman vs Chargers
The Ravens have their backs against the wall, throwing a Hail Mary to trade for Jacoby Brissett this week. Brissett is not afraid to go downfield and that bodes well for a big play receiver like Bateman. The Chargers are 5th worst against opposing wide receivers. While all eyes are on the connection between Brissett and Zay Flowers, it could end up the rookie Ja’Kobi Lane or Bateman, who I think surprises.
Tyler Higbee at Cardinals
There’s no Puka Nacua and no Davante Adams. Last week it was almost only Puka, who had 67% of all the receiving yards and no other player had more than 20 yards. The Rams decided not to make a move at the trade deadline. So who is stepping up for the Rams? I like Higbee, facing a Cards defense that has been one of the more favorable to opposing tight ends. Higbee is poised to be the 5th TE to score in the past 7 games against Arizona.
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