This article takes a look at players from each of the positions in your starting lineup who have interesting matchups. Not all players covered are your classic sleepers who might outperform expectations. Some are nominal starters with tricky matchups or players who might be starters in smaller leagues, but deep sleepers in larger leagues. Realizing that leagues and roster sizes vary wildly; your mileage could vary, too.
Quarterbacks
Jay Cutler, CHI vs. NYG
It could be a banner day for Jay Cutler against the Rams 20th ranked pass defense allowing the fourth most points to quarterbacks. The Giants have sacked the opposing quarterback only five times and intercepted four passes while allowing 277 yards/game with 12 TDs. The low marks against the Giants, ironically, are Peyton Manning’s 23 points in Week 2 and Tony Romo’s 20 points in Week 1. Since then, Cam Newton (32), Alex Smith (28) and then Michael Vick (13) and Nick Foles (18) have produced an average of 30 points against the Giants. Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett rejoice.
Alex Smith, KC vs. Oak
Smith has one of the easier matchups going this week against a Raiders 20th ranked pass defense allowing 286 yards a game and a ridiculous 72.3% completion percentage. Helping Smith as a fantasy quarterback is his legs. He is fourth among quarterbacks averaging 32 yards per game to go with 240 passing yards despite a meager 6.5 YPC. No worries, though, as Smith will probably dink and dunk his way to a solid game. The Raiders intercepted their first three passes of the year on Sunday night against Philip Rivers and they have now allowed 9 TDs and the 11th most points to QBs. Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers cleared 25 points, while Robert Griffin III III and Chad Henne managed just 16. Smith is averaging about 20 and he’ll probably be in the 20 to 25 range here.
Matt Schaub, HOU vs. Stl
Everyone calm down. Matt Schaub’s got this. He’s perilously close to being benched, but the Rams coming to town could be just what the doctor ordered. Think about it. Blaine freaking Gabbert and Chad Henne combined for 270 yards and 2 TDs (20 fantasy points) against them on Sunday. They’ve allowed 11 touchdowns and intercepted only three passes. He’ll miss Owen Daniels, his second favorite target, but Garrett Graham is a very capable replacement and DeAndre Hopkins is due for a breakout.
Eli Manning, NYG at CHI
The Chicago Bears are an unlikely matchup to tout an interception-prone quarterbacks like Eli Manning. However, the Bears have been a solid matchup so far if you get past their 6 interceptions and the strong likelihood that Eli will toss a couple more in this one. The Bears have just the 24th ranked pass defense with only 8 sacks, an opponent’s completion rate of 69%, allowing the 13th most points and second most completions of 20+ yards (25). Christian Ponder (16) is the only one not to produce 20+ points against them.
Ben Roethlisberger, Pit at NYJ
The Jets are one of the more pleasant surprises at the quarter mark and while their defense has been incredibly rugged up front, they have been allowed EJ Manuel, Jake Locker and Matt Ryan 20 or more fantasy points over the last three weeks and they haven’t intercepted a pass in their last four games while allowing 8 TDs. Roethlisberger will have to run for his life and he might not throw for a lot of yards, but he’s a solid low QB1, upside QB2 with a good likelihood to top 20 points.
Joe Flacco, BAL vs. GB
Without Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson, Matthew Stafford worked his tail off to produce 17 points against the Packers on Sunday. It’s the low water mark for opposing quarterbacks along with Andy Dalton’s 19 points. The Packers have intercepted only two passes, allowed 9 TDs, a 66.7% completion rate and the 8th most points to quarterbacks. In two games against Buffalo and Denver, Flacco is averaging 22 points, but in his other three games against Miami, Houston and Cleveland is a different story, averaging around 12.
Brandon Weeden, Chad Henne and Mike Glennon could all be intriguing back-end quarterbacks for 2-QB leagues. Weeden has two near-elite weapons in Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron against a 20th-ranked Lions defense that has been slowed by injuries to Chris Houston and Rashean Mathis. Henne could produce a plethora of garbage time against a 32nd ranked Broncos defense allowing more 20-yard pass plays (32) and passing yards (365 per game) than any team in the league. Glennon could do the same against the Eagles’ 30th ranked pass defense.
Running Backs
Danny Woodhead, SD vs. Ind
Ryan Mathews’ status for Monday night’s game against the Colts is in question after he was forced from Sunday night’s game with a concussion after taking a knee to the head. Woodhead was already playing ahead of Mathews before the injury and he now has produced double digit points in the last two games. In PPR leagues, Woodhead obviously has more value with 21 receptions and 24 targets in the last three games. Against the Colts’ 30th ranked run defense allowing 4.8 YPC and 129 yards per game with 4 TDs, Woodhead moves into solid RB2 territory this week if Mathews is a no-go. Even if Mathews manages to get cleared after going through the NFL concussion protocol, Woodhead could play a larger role regardless.
Pierre Thomas, NO at NE
It looks as though Thomas will get the starting nod for the second week in a row and continue to see more carries than usual with Mark Ingram (toe) possibly sidelined another week. Ingram returned to a limited practice on Wednesday, his first in two weeks, but he’s still very questionable to Sunday’s game against the Patriots 23rd ranked run defense that allowed a combined 136 yards and a touchdown to BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Gio Bernard last week and 8 or more points to every starting RB they’ve face so far this season. With Ingram sidelined, Thomas had his most productive of the year on Sunday against the Bear with 91 total yards, nine receptions and two scores.
Willis McGahee, CLE vs. Det
The Lions 26th ranked run defense has also allowed allowed the sixth more points to opposing RBs. Opponents are rushing for 125 yards/game, averaging 5.3YPC and they’ve allowed the most 40+ yard runs (3) and the second most 20+ yards runs (6) to opponents. Eddie Lacy ran for 99 yards last week, but also became the first back to not score against them this season. McGahee has clearly lost a step at this stage, but he’s still a capable grinder who could work his way to another 20+ carry, 80+ yard effort with a score and deliver mid-to-low RB2 value.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac at DEN
After last week’s disappointing effort by Jones-Drew against a poor Rams run defense, I wouldn’t blame you if you’ve already sent Jones-Drew packing. That said, there’s reason to hate Jones-Drew this week as well as give him one more chance. On one hand, the Broncos have the top rated run defense allowing just 70 yards, but that’s in large part because they have the worst pass defense and most teams are playing from behind from the minute Peyton touches the ball. The other side of that coin is that Jones-Drew could benefit from a lot of garbage time against a defense that oddly has allowed the 7th most fantasy points to RBs. They’ve allowed a rushing TD in all five games and three more receiving TDs to opposing backs on top of that. Rolling with Jones-Drew at this point is obviously risky, but it’s one of those crazy, seemingly illogical moves that often work in fantasy football.
Zac Stacy, Stl at HOU
After posting 78 yards on 14 carries, Stacy has earned another start for the Rams according to Head Coach Jeff Fisher. Stacy provided the team with its most balanced running game of the season and he’ll matchup against the 27th ranked Texans run defense allowing 126 yards per game and four TDs in their last three games to the starting RB of their opponents. Chris Johnson’s 9.7 points (97 yards, no TDs) in week 2 are the low water mark for the RBs that have faced the Texans and Stacy might very well make a run at that if not possibly score the Rams’ first rushing TD of the season.
DeAngelo Williams, Car at MIN
Williams is coming off his worst game of the young season with just 69 total yards against the Cardinals after averaging 100 yards per game through his first three. Of course, he hasn’t found the end zone yet and he has only six receptions in four games, but faces a Vikings defense that has allowed the fourth most points to RBs. In their last game, Le’Veon Bell made his regular season NFL debut with 84 yards and a pair of scores to give the struggling Steelers running game a slight boost. There isn’t a tremendous amount of upside to Williams this week, but he should be worthwhile as a flex/low-RB2 option.
Brandon Jacobs, NYG at CHI
Even though Jacobs is old, slow and was in street clothes a couple weeks ago, he’ll get the starting nod for the Giants on Thursday night against the Bears. He could see a healthy number of carries while likely splitting touches with Da’Rel Scott on passing downs, but he’ll certainly be the designated goal line back for any such opportunities. The Bears defense is still competent, but they’ve also allowed a 8 or more fantasy points to every starting back they’ve faced with the exception being the Steelers’ ugly three-headed monster of Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman and Felix Jones in Week 3. David Wilson (neck) will not only miss this Thursday’s game, but now he’s in danger of potentially missing more depending on what he hears a second opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins on Monday.
Montee Ball & Ronnie Hillman, DEN vs. Jac
You’ve probably heard by now that the spread on this Broncos/Jaguars game is at 28 points – an all-time high for the NFL. As such, we fully expect this to be a lopsided affair rife with garbage time opportunities for both sides. That doesn’t mean you should bench Knowshon Moreno, just the opposite. In fact, Moreno could get a game’s worth of stats in one half with Hillman and Ball both seeing extended carries after that. The Jaguars have the 32nd ranked rush defense, allowing 161 yards/game at a clip of 4.9 YPC and a league-high 9 runs of 20+ yards. A few words of caution, though, Ball has struggled with fumbles. It wouldn’t a shock to see undrafted rookie C.J. Anderson get an opportunity in the second half if the coaches want to give him an extended look in an otherwise “safe” game where he can showcase his wares.
Ben Tate, HOU vs. Stl
The Rams 27th ranked run defense will have their hands full with the Texans two-headed running attack on Sunday. Allowing 126 yards/game, 4.6 YPC and the 2nd most fantasy points to RBs, the Rams could see plenty of Tate in the second half if they can finally turn things around at home. Tate is good for 7 to 10 carries on a weekly basis, but they haven’t been in a game situation yet this year that would lend itself to Tate seeing more carries after blowing leads and playing from behind more than usual. If you own Tate in a deeper league or where you can use him as a flex, this week is the ideal time to do it.
Wide Receivers
Mike Williams, TB vs Phi
The Eagles have allowed the fourth most passing yards in the league and the most fantasy points to opposing receivers, so naturally this week’s headliner is a Buccaneer. Vincent Jackson (rib) should be good to go, although he probably isn’t 100% yet while Williams should continue to be the featured red zone receiver for new QB Mike Glennon. In his first NFL start two weeks ago, Glennon connected with Williams for his first NFL passing TD. Five different receivers have scored multiple touchdowns against the Bucs this year. Jackson might be the best deep threat on the team, but Williams is easily the more valuable player in the red zone.
Alshon Jeffery, CHI vs. NYG
After the Jeffery’s production in the last couple of games, Jeffery might have jumped the proverbial sleeper shark. He simply has to be in your lineup at this point after torching the Lions and Saints for 15 catches, 325 yards and 2 TDs combined. He has been targeted 8 times or more in four of the Bears’ five games, but he still started the season with three straight games of 5 points or less. As opponents go through extra lengths to deny the ball to Brandon Marshall and with Martellus Bennett looking like a possible game-time decision, Jeffery could benefit once again with Cutler likely peppering him with targets against a Giants secondary that has allowed the second most passing TDs (12) so far this year.
T.Y. Hilton, Ind at SD
Everyone’s favorite on again, off again, boom-bust receiver has an inviting matchup against the 27th ranked Charger pass defense allowing the fifth most points to receivers. Hilton’s obviously a dangerous open field runner and deep threat, so it’s good to know that the Chargers have been particularly vulnerable to big plays having allowed the fourth most plays of 20 yards or more (20). Hilton needs to develop more consistency from week to week before he’s a trusted WR2/WR3 option, but as we saw on Sunday, he’s capable of going deep in any game and he has arguably more upside than any other receiver in the WR3/WR4 ranks.
DeAndre Hopkins, HOU vs. Stl
With TE Owen Daniels out for the next month or longer, Hopkins could see an increase in targets this week as they prepare to face a Rams defense allowing the sixth most points to opposing WRs. Last week, both Jaguar starting receivers caught five passes, a touchdown and produced a combined 210 yards. After a strong start, Hopkins’ went quiet the last two weeks with a total of 7 targets for 4 catches and 50 yards. In five games, Hopkins has produced more than 6 fantasy points just once, so while he clearly has talent and high expectations for a rookie, he’s still finding his way in the Texans offense. With Matt Schaub’s back against the wall, perhaps he looks more in his direction this week to get him and Hopkins going.
Keenan Allen, SD vs. Ind
As Allen gets healthier he is really starting to separate himself from the Chargers pack of receivers in lieu of season-ending injuries to Danario Alexander and Malcom Floyd. In the last two weeks, Allen has four red zone targets to lead the team and 15 targets overall while producing 5-80-0 against Dallas and 6-115-1 on Sunday night against Oakland. Just about every capable receiver that has started for the Chargers in the Philip Rivers era has been productive, so it’s not surprising to see a talent like Allen begin to thrive when given the opportunity. The Colts aren’t a good statistical matchup allowing 13th fewest points to WRs, but this isn’t a matchup angle as much as it is Allen coming into his own with a renowned gunslinger like Rivers enabling him. Even Vincent Brown is coming on lately as the shine gradually fades on Eddie Royal’s 5 TDs in the first two games.
Terrance Williams, DAL vs. Was
Miles Austin returned to a limited practice on Wednesday, but given his track record of coming back from hamstring injuries, even if he does play, he’ll likely lack his usual explosiveness and be more of a decoy than anything else. Meanwhile, while filling in for Austin, Williams has taken full advantage of two weeks filled with garbage time to amass 11 catches for 222 yards and a TD on 12 targets. Plus, the Redskins have allowed the fourth most points to opposing receivers. Keep an eye on Austin’s status and be prepared to use Williams with WR2/WR3 expectations if Austin sits again. Otherwise, he is still a quality flex option.
Emmanuel Sanders, Pit at NYJ
Sanders has been remarkably consistent through the first month of the season with 8 or more target, 4 or more catches and an average of 58 yards per game, but he hasn’t scored yet or produced more than 5 fantasy points in a game. In the world of odds and superstition, this man is overdue to say the least, especially if you consider that Antonio Brown has one more red zone target and only 5 more targets overall than Sanders. As teams begin paying more attention to Brown and if Heath Miller and Le’Veon Bell help their ground game improve, Sanders is going to start getting his.
Mohamed Sanu, Cin at BUF
The Bills secondary is slowly getting healthier, but they will still be missing two key starters this week and if they do get Stephon Gilmore back it just might mean more balls to come Sanu’s way if Gilmore shadows A.J. Green. The Bills have allowed the most 40 yard passing plays (7) in the league thus far and among the most 20-yard receptions along with the 2nd most points to opposing WRs and a total of 8 TDs. Opposing No. 2 receivers have also been consistently productive against them. Last week, it was the ever inconsistent Greg Little that came up with 3-71-0. Prior to that, Marlon Brown (4-34-1), Stephen Hill (3-108-1), Ted Ginn Jr (3-62-1 and arguably the 2nd most productive Panther WR) and Julian Edelman (7-79-2) all had strong games against the Bills.
Jeremy Kerley, NYJ vs. Pit
Another player worth a look in deeper leagues isKerleyfor the second straight week with Santonio Holmes on the shelf. Kerley has two productive games in a row in the aftermath of Holmes’ hamstring injury and he remains a viable PPR option as a flex in leagues with 12 or more teams. The Steelers haven’t been a great matchup for receivers, but they were shredded in London two weeks ago by the Vikings and Greg Jennings (3-92-2) and Jerome Simpson (7-124-0).
Marlon Brown, BAL vs. GB
The Packers come to town this week with their 26th rank pass defense allowing 307 passing yards per game and the eighth most points to opposing WRs. Brown was inactive last week with a hamstring injury but he appears to be good to go for Sunday. Brown hasn’t caught more than four passes in a game and he’s averaging less than 40 yards per game, but he is a large target for Joe Flacco in the red zone and he has caught 3 TDs in four games. In deeper leagues, you could do much worse than start Brown as your WR4/flex option.
Leonard Hankerson, Was at DAL
Hankerson and his Washington teammates face a Cowboy defense allowing the 2nd most passing yards (345) per game and the most passing TDs (14) in the league. In theory, Hankerson has separated himself from Joshua Morgan and as Washington’s No. 2 receiver, but he hasn’t been terribly productive. Even if Hankerson is starting, Morgan and Santana Moss still play enough snaps to cap all of their upside, not to mention the involvement now of multiple tight ends. Hankerson has been targeted 7 times in three of his four games, but he topped 50 yards only once while scoring twice in that game.
Tight Ends
Garrett Graham, HOU vs. Stl
With Owen Daniels out for the next month, Graham moves into the starting lineup and it’s entirely possible that the Texans offense will move along without skipping a beat. The Rams are a worthy opponent as far as how Graham matches up. They haven’t allowed a lot of fantasy points, holding Vernon Davis, Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez all under eight points. Graham’s still worth using as a plug-n-play replacement for Daniels with low TE1 value and moderate upside.
Coby Fleener, Ind at SD
Opposing tight ends are averaging about 5 catches for 50 yards per game against the Chargers with 3 TDs, all coming in the opener against the Texans’ Owen Daniels and Garrett Graham. Fleener has been consistently inconsistent this year alternating bombs (less than 2 points) with TE1 quality games of 4-69-1 against Miami and 5-77-1 against the Jaguars. The difference in those games is targets. The Chargers have one of the worst pass defenses in the league and it’s on Monday Night Football.
Martellus Bennett, CHI vs. NYG
On Sunday, Brent Celek became the fifth straight tight end to yield 47+ yards and the fourth out of five to score. Bennett has accomplished the same feat in four of his five games as well, while producing in the low-TE1 range through the first month of the season. Against a Giants 22nd ranked pass defense thatis allowing the fifth most points to opposing TEs, Bennett has the potential to produce mid-to-high TE1 numbers this week as long as he’s able to go. Keep an eye on his status as he looks like he could be a true game-time decision.
Sean McGrath, KC vs. Oak
Once again I’m going to the well with the “last man standing in an Andy Reid offense”. McGrath is merely a replacement player level at best, but the big man has been productive in the wake of injuries to starter Anthony Fasano and talented rookie Travis Kelce. The Raiders aren’t the best or the worst matchup, but opposing tight ends have been reasonably and consistently productive against them as the first three caught TDs, Logan Paulsen led an injury-riddled group for Washington in week 4 with 2-46-0, and Antonio Gates chipped away at them on Sunday night for 7-74-0. McGrath has two straight games with 50+ yards, a combined 9 catches on 11 targets and a touchdown.
Jordan Reed, Was at DAL
Reed and Fred Davis are on track to play this week after working their way back from injuries suffered a few weeks ago. The bye week came at a good time for them, but at this point, I simply don’t trust Fred Davis, but the rookie Reed is quickly growing on me. Dubbed a poor man’s Aaron Hernandez, Reed’s snaps were increasing quickly at the cost of Davis when both succumbed to injuries. The Cowboys are allowing the third most points to tight ends, so if you want to take a shot at one of the Redskins with an eye on PPR production, Reed is the guy.
Clay Harbor, Jac at DEN
Marcedes Lewis and Allen Reisner are both injured, leaving Harbor as the potential heir of some serious check down action and garbage time against the heavily favored Broncos, who are also allowing an average of 6-93-0.2 to opposing tight ends. Even in deeper leagues, Harbor is likely available on the wire, so if you’re in desperate shape, dial up Harbor and watch Chad Henne go to town. In week 2, Henne found Harbor for 3-34-1 against the Raiders, so it’s not a complete shot in the dark as much as it might seem.
Defense/Special Teams
There are quite a few defensive matchups worth calling out this week, so let’s get right to it.
SAN FRANCISCO vs. Arizona
The Cardinals haven’t generated 300 yards of offense in their last three games while allowing 7 sacks and committing 8 turnovers. In their five games the opposing defenses have scored no worse than Tampa Bay’s seven points in Week 4 (1 sack, 3 turnovers). The 49ers have regained the hop in their step and their defense will be a tall challenge for this struggling Cardinals offense.
HOUSTON vs. St. Louis
This matchup is the classic bounce back NFL game. The Rams just beat-up on the Jaguars and now they go on the road to face the Texans, losers of three games in a row. The Texans defense hasn’t played as well as they’re capable but the Rams have allowed 13 sacks in their last three games, committed six turnovers and had two returned for touchdowns. On the other side of this matchup the Rams also have a good matchup the human pick-six generator Matt Schaub, who has 9 interceptions and has been sacked 12 times. I’d put money on there being a defensive touchdown at some point in this game from either side.
NY JETS vs. Pittsburgh
The Jets have recorded 16 sacks through five games while the Steelers have allowed 15 and have committed at least two turnovers in all four games. Two of those were returned four touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger can still extend plays with the best of quarterbacks and Le’Veon Bell’s returns helps stabilize the offense, but the Jets rugged, physical front will be tough for the Steelers line to handle.
Detroit at CLEVELAND
The Browns’ offensive line continues to struggle allowing five more sacks to the Bills on Thursday and now 22 through five games along with 7 turnovers. The Lions front four matches up well in this contest but the Lions will still have to contend with Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon.
Pittsburgh at NY JETS
The Steelers defense is hard to trust as one of the least productive units in the league with only four sacks at the quarter mark, but Geno Smith has been sacked four or more times in four of the Jets’ five games. Monday night’s win over the Falcons was the first game the Jets didn’t turn over the football at least twice. Yet they remain hard to trust just as Geno Smith is unshakable in his confidence and on-field determination.
Philadelphia at TAMPA BAY
We’ll see what Mike Glennon can do this week against a shaky Eagles defense. Glennon threw a pair of interceptions in his first start and the Bucs have thrown 5 through four games with a total of 8 turnovers and 9 sacks allowed. They’ve scored only 44 points in those games and have managed 300+ yards just once. The Eagles aren’t good defensively, but this could be one of their better defensive performances of the season.
