Written by: Alexander Amir
*Each of these players are owned in less than 35% of leagues. Their ownership percentage is noted.*
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (22.4% own)
With an unexpected injury to Joe Flacco, Lamar Jackson was thrust into the starting QB role much sooner than expected. While he only threw the ball 19 times for 150 yards on Sunday, he ran the ball 27 times, accumulating 117 ground yards. He posted a respectable 16 fantasy points, and will be playing a very weak Oakland defense in week 12. Assuming Flacco continues to stay out, Jackson is a viable spot start if you need it.
Running Backs
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (0.0%)
A backfield that was dominated by Alex Collins for the first 10 weeks of the season was just taken over by unknown rookie Gus Edwards. He garnered 17 carries, which is actually more than Collins has had in all but two games this season. Maybe this was a product of Lamar Jackson being in the lineup, but Jackson will also probably be starting next week too. Getting a potential starting RB this late in the season is extremely rare, so jump on Edwards as fast as you can!
Josh Adams, Philadelphia Eagles (27.9% own)
Adams still hasn’t gotten enough touches to make a big fantasy mark, but he’s clearly been the most productive runner in the Philly backfield. The Eagles barely ran the ball against the Saints this weekend due to the blowout nature of the match, but Adams averaged almost 8 yards per carry on limited touches. He faces a porous Giants run defense that allowed 151 rushing yards to Peyton Barber, and he will likely get the majority of backfield touches.
Wide Receiver
Tre’Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints (13.3% own)
After a few weeks of volatile fantasy production, Smith exploded on Sunday with 10 catches for 157 yards and touchdown. It’s hard to know where all of Brees’ targets will go on a weekly basis, but 10 catches is certainly a good sign. The Saints play Atlanta in week 12, which should pave the way for a high scoring affair. If Sunday was any indication, Smith should continue to catch Brees’ eye.
Bruce Ellington, Detroit Lions (0.1% own)
The Detroit offense consistently supported three fantasy relevant receivers with Golden Tate, Marvin Jones Jr., and Kenny Golladay. Tate was shipped off to Philly and Jones has been injured. Furthermore, their running game may be nonexistent on Thursday since Kerryon Johnson is injured to. Ellington has vaulted to the #2 option in the offense with Jones’ absence. He has a very tough matchup against the Bears this week, but he can be used in a pinch.
Tight End
Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans (2.4% own)
Since Tennessee’s week 8 bye, Smith has been a top 10 fantasy tight end. He didn’t score a touchdown this week, but still maintained fantasy relevance with 6 catches. It was also encouraging that he received targets from both Blaine Gabbert and Marcus Mariota, so it doesn’t really matter who starts. He’s a strong pickup in a weak tight end pool.
Defense/Special Teams
Indianapolis Colts (21.7% own)
This defense has far exceeded expectations and has turned it around since last season. Linebacker Darius Leonard is legit, and is the Defensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner. The Colts play a Dolphins team in week 12 that is the 4th best matchup for fantasy defenses, and that has given up double digit fantasy points in consecutive weeks. This is one of the top streaming options of the week.