Written by: Alexander Amir
*Each of these players are owned in less than 35% of leagues. Their ownership percentage is noted.*
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12.1% own)
Winston makes this list again after his team had a bye in week 5. He took over after Ryan Fitzpatrick was benched in week 4 and passed for 145 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions against an extremely difficult Chicago Bears defense. He has loads of potential for the rest of the season and has an excellent matchup this week against the porous Atlanta Falcons defense. Even if you’re set at QB, pick up Winston and get some great value.
Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears (26.6% own)
While Trubisky’s massive game in week 4 may be attributed to the terrible Buccaneers defense, the young QB may have made an offensive breakthrough. He plays a difficult Miami defense this week but has a bunch of favorable matchups going forward, including against the Patriots, Bills, Lions, Packers, and 49ers. If you have roster space it’s worth banking on his upside.
Running Backs
Corey Clement & Wendell Smallwood, Philadelphia Eagles (28.2% & 7.7% own)
Now that starting RB Jay Ajayi is done for the season with a torn ACL, both of these Eagles backs have a great opportunity to see a huge increase in touches. Smallwood has been the most efficient back recently, though Clement has been hurt, but it seems that the Eagles will go with a committee in the backfield for now. However, there will still be plenty of points to go around, especially given Philly’s offensive scheme. Pick up one or both of these backs if possible and see how the touches are distributed this week.
Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks (14.5% own)
Despite the presence of Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny in the backfield, Mike Davis has cut out a nice role for himself in the offense. Even with Carson’s return last week Davis put up a solid 68 yards and 1 touchdown. Carson has also had a history of nagging injuries, and I would bet on him getting hurt again at some point this season. Davis has a favorable matchup this week against the Raiders, supporting flex consideration.
Wide Receiver
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals (11.4% own)
Kirk has become the clear-cut top receiver in Phoenix with Larry Fitzgerald’s nagging injury. His yardage totals are low and he has become a bit touchdown dependant, but he’s also played some very difficult defenses so far this season. After week 7 his schedule gets far easier, and his rapport with Josh Rosen will just keep growing. I wouldn’t start him just yet, but he has tons of potential for later on in the season.
Chester Rogers & Ryan Grant, Indianapolis Colts (7.4% & 23.6% own)
With T.Y. Hilton out with injury the past two weeks, both Rogers and Grant had viable fantasy weeks. Rogers has played better and had more receptions, but Grant has had solid numbers and a very good catch rate as well. The Jets have also allowed the 8th most receiving yards to wide receivers since week 2, which bodes well for both of these players’ production. I would pick Rogers over Grant, but either one is startable if T.Y. Hilton stays out.
Tight End
Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16.7% own)
Fellow tight end O.J. Howard is out for 2-4 weeks with a sprained MCL, and Jameis Winston is back at QB. Winston loves Brate and supported great fantasy production for him last season when he was playing. Brate plays a terrible Falcons defense this week and makes for a fine streamer.
Defense/Special Teams
Indianapolis Colts (2.5% own)
Indy’s defense has not put up good numbers the past two weeks, but they’re playing a Jets team that is the 6th best matchup for fantasy defenses. Sam Darnold is completing less than 56% of his passes and has thrown 6 interceptions in 5 games. The Colts won’t put up huge fantasy numbers, but they will be solid enough to merit a start.