Get some insider tips on who to start or sit this week from our fantasy expert George Haraktsis!
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
It might sound crazy, but you should sit Tom Brady this week. If you don’t have another option I understand, but TB12 isn't the fantasy product he once was. Brady has managed only one touchdown pass in the last two weeks, and now faces a Titans defense that has allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points to the quarterback position this year. Throw in that Brady averages 1.3 fewer yards per attempt on the road than in Foxboro (6.82 vs 8.13) and it’s even more reason to bench him. Without a Gronk that is 100%, and getting back Sony Michel who will help revive a running game, I cannot see Brady dealing with a game script that calls for too many pass-happy scenarios, especially against a Titans offense that is not great at scoring points. Brady just isn't a top-12 option this week.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton should probably still scare you after his wretched Sunday Night Football performance against the Chiefs, but he did bounce back the week after against the Bucs. He’s coming off of a bye and now faces the New Orleans Saints’ terrible pass defense at home. Even with A.J. Green out, Dalton will be forced to throw a lot against the league’s second-worst pass defense just to keep up with Brees and his high octane offense. He’s the perfect streamer in week 10 for anyone looking for an option.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Running Backs
Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears
Rushing yards have been hard to come by for Jordan Howard this year, as he has relied mostly on touchdowns as of late to save his fantasy weeks. But that should all change this week against the Detroit Lions. The Lions have been one of the league’s easiest teams to run on all year, yielding 5.1 yards per rush and the third-most yards (142.5) per game. The Bears are at home and this is the juiciest matchup Howard has faced all year. At worst, Howard should extend his touchdown streak to four games in this matchup.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars
Leonard Fournette will finally suit up for the Jaguars after missing a combined 6 games this year. His opponent, the Colts, have been a middle of the pack team against running backs this season but that shouldn't nudge you in the direction of starting Fournette. Fournette could be held to a pitch count after dealing with hamstring woes, he will likely split carries with T.J. Yeldon and now the newly acquired Carlos Hyde. And if the Jaguars fall behind to the Colts early he could be completely game scripted out. I’d stay away from Fournette in this one.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions
Johnson has done very little since his week 7, 158-yard outburst against the Miami Dolphins. Since then he has only accumulated 59 yards on 20 carries in the last two weeks and will continue to lose receptions with Theo Riddick returning from injury. The Bears are flourishing against the run this year, allowing only 84.9 yards per game, and still haven't given up a touchdown on the ground. This is not the week for Johnson to get right- look elsewhere.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Wide Receivers
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Adam Humphries has shown that he is extremely useful in TB’s offense, Mike Evans is still the team’s number one receiver, O.J. Howard has emerged as a consistent threat, and DeSean Jackson isn’t going anywhere either. This makes for a crowded receiving corps in Tampa Bay. Godwin hasn’t scored a TD since Week 6, his snap count has decreased, and he does not put up enough receiving yards to be dependable. Even with a solid matchup against Washington’s defensive backs, I would fade Godwin due to the competition for targets. Only so much can go around.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Golden Tate, Philadelphia Eagles
Golden Tate needs some time to learn the offense in Philly after being traded from the Lions. His matchup against the Cowboys isn't favorable (second-best fantasy squad against WRs) so he now has two things working against him. Tate should eventually produce as a WR2 by season’s end, but he should be kept on your bench until he shows some consistent performance.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals
Kirk has either 50 yards or a touchdown in his last four games. The Cardinals will need to play catch-up for most of this game against the Chiefs high-powered offense and Kirk should benefit. The Chiefs are middle of the pack when it comes to allowing points to fantasy wide receivers, and Kirks snap count and targets have been steadily increasing all year. It might seem scary to start the rookie, but all signs point to Kirk having a solid day at Arrowhead.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Tight Ends
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
All signs point to sitting Doyle in this one. The Jaguars have been fantastic at shutting down tight ends this season, ranking 8th best in fantasy points allowed to the position. I believe you should give Doyle the benefit of the doubt in this one due to circumstance. T.Y. Hilton will most likely have a rough outing against Jalen Ramsey, so Luck will almost be forced to pepper Doyle with targets since the Colts lack other receiving options. Start him in this one because it seems like he will get the volume.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Ben Watson, New Orleans
The Bengals/Saints game boasts Vegas’ highest over/under of the week at 58 points, so there will be plenty of opportunities for Watson to succeed in this one. Cincinnati has been one of only four teams who has allowed over 600 yards to tight ends this year and is 31st in fantasy points allowed to the position. Watson’s role in the offense is clearly evolving and he has a prime matchup to exploit this week.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Evan Engram, New York Giants
The only thing Engram really has going for him is that the Giants will be in plenty of matches that boast a pass-happy game script for receivers. This week just doesn't happen to be one of them. Over the last four weeks, the 49ers have given up the fifth fewest fantasy points to tight ends and 13th fewest on the year. This does not figure to be a high scoring game, so you should look elsewhere for a tight end start this week.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Defense/Special Teams
Jets D/ST
The Bills have been atrocious on offense since losing Josh Allen to an elbow injury. Since week 6, defenses have been averaging 21.2 fantasy points against Buffalo’s turnover-happy offense. If Nathan Peterman is under center then this is a must-start option you can easily find on waivers.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Packers D/ST
Brock Osweiler has not been as turnover prone as he once was, turning the ball over just once in his last three games, but something has to give. The Packers have been tormented by two of the league’s top quarterbacks in their last two games, but this week should be different. They get after the quarterback at a very good clip, with 19 sacks over the last five games, so Brock should be uncomfortable all game. An uncomfortable Brock turns the ball over.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Written by George Haraktsis