(Image credit: Alyssa Barbieri/USA Today Sports)
By: Jett Rosenstein
Twitter: @rosey_jett
Welcome back to “The Playbook.” The one-stop-shop that gets you ready for the week ahead in fantasy football. Everything from who to start, who to sit, who to buy low, who to sell high, and much more. For fantasy managers, the goal every week is to set the best possible lineup and be celebrating a victory when it is all said and done. The fantasy playoffs are right around the corner, so let’s get right into it!
START
RB David Montgomery (CHI)
Before the Bears bye in Week 10, David Montgomery returned to the lineup and took back his starting role immediately. He had 15 total touches amounting to 10 fantasy points. After having another week to get back to full strength, Montgomery will look to eat against a Ravens defense that is allowing the 12th most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs. We have seen Montgomery dominate in the latter portion of the season before and I think his run begins in this game.
WR Brandin Cooks (HOU)
With the inconsistent play we have seen from the Texans QB position, it has directly affected Brandin Cooks’ fantasy output. He has had a game as high as 23 points and as low as 5 points. One good thing going for him has been the consistent amount of volume he has seen all year. We saw Cooks and Tyrod Taylor form a good rapport early on in the year and now that Taylor is back, they should be able to get back to their early-season form. Cooks faces off against a Titans defense that is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing WRs. Look for the Texans best offensive threat to eat in this one.
TE Dan Arnold (JAX)
Coming into the season, Dan Arnold was on no one’s fantasy radar. But, since he was traded to the Jaguars and established himself as one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets, he should be highly considered as a starting option the rest of the way. Dan Arnold has seen 7+ targets in each of the last 3 games and has no less than 10 points. The Jaguars get the Colts this week who are allowing the 6th most fantasy points per game to opposing TEs so for those TE needy teams, get him in your lineup.
SIT
QB Russell Wilson (SEA)
This is going to be very contradictory to my article last week where I advocated heavily to start Russell Wilson coming off of injury. Clearly, I was wrong as he definitely has some rust that needs to be shaken off. Based on what I saw in the game against the Packers, I am leaving Wilson on my bench until he proves to me that he is back. On top of that, Wilson plays a Cardinals team that is allowing the 3rd fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs.
WR Mike Williams (LAC)
After being a must-start to begin the season, Mike Williams belongs on all benches until further notice. The Chargers have not utilized Williams the same way and their offense is feeling the effects. On top of that, it looks like Williams has not gotten over an early-season knee injury. He is facing off against a Steelers defense that is in the middle of the pack against opposing WRs.
WR Terry McLaurin (WAS)
While Terry McLaurin is currently the WR18 on the year, we expected him to be a lot more consistent on a weekly basis. However, his QB situation has definitely not helped that cause. McLaurin will face off against a Panthers defense that is allowing the 3rd fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs. You probably don’t have a better option, but it is going to be tough for McLaurin to come through in this one.
BUY LOW
RB Aaron Jones (GB)
With many leagues approaching their trade deadlines, this will be your last chance to add the finishing touches and get ready for a playoff run. For the teams that are sitting pretty and have secured a playoff spot, Aaron Jones is one of those guys to get now. He is expected to miss at least the next game, but there is a good possibility he is held through the Week 13 bye. If that is the case, he will be ready to go for the fantasy playoffs. AJ Dillon has looked fantastic as a complementary piece to Aaron Jones, but this is still Jones’ backfield. With the potential for a blowup game at any moment, Jones will have the ability to win someone a fantasy championship. Go get him from a team that can’t afford to hold him until he comes back from injury.
SELL HIGH
WR Tyreek Hill (KC)
Tyreek Hill is on his way to putting together another fantastic season. He is currently the WR2 in PPR formats and is a focal point of one of the most explosive offenses in the league. However, he has once again improved to be inconsistent at times. Seemingly, every other week is doesn’t meet expectations. While in the fantasy playoffs, he could put your team on his back and take you to the promised land, there is also the chance he flops and costs you a championship. I don’t suggest you just sell him to sell him, but you should be getting a huge return. A return that will bring more consistency.
BOLD PREDICTION
Saquon Barkley returns from injury and turns in a Top 3 RB performance
Saquon Barkley is finally expected to return from injury after missing 3 games. Fantasy managers have been awaiting the opportunity to insert him back into their lineups and that time has come. While there is a chance Saquon looks a little rusty, I expect him to go off in this game and make up for the time he has lost. The Giants face a Buccaneers defense that is allowing the 13th fewest points per game to opposing RBs. They will also be out with star defensive tackle Vita Vea. Expect to see Saquon see a decent amount of work on the ground and be heavily involved in the air. He will be returning huge dividends for fantasy managers that have waited patiently and those that bought low and saw a great opportunity. Top 3 finish in PPR formats for “The Quad Father” in Week 11.