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
Nick Foles, PHI vs. Dal
All indications point towards Foles getting his second straight start for the Eagles this week when they play host to the division rival Dallas Cowboys and their 30th ranked pass defense that has allowed a league high 14 TD passes and 329 yards per game. As if the matchup wasn’t ripe enough, the Cowboys will be without their two best pass rushers, DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Sam Bradford (16) and Robert Griffin III III (19) are your lowest performers against the Cowboys, while Alex Smith, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning all went for 25+ points.
Ryan Tannehill, MIA vs. Buf
The Dolphins are coming off the bye week at home against the 22nd ranked Bills pass defense. Tannehill’s main concern as a fantasy quarterback is the staggering number of sacks he’s enduring. The Bills welcomed Jairus Byrd and Stephon Gilmore back to the lineup Sunday and they’re getting healthier, but they didn’t slow Andy Dalton and the Bengals down. Dalton threw for 337 yards, 3 TDs and a pick while adding 17 yards rushing. Five of the six quarterbacks to face the Bills have topped 20 fantasy points, Tannehill will be the next.
Eli Manning, NYG vs. Min
After six games, Eli has already thrown as many interceptions as he did all of last year. Drafted as a high floor QB2, Eli is a bit hard to trust despite averaging 287 yards per game with 9 TDs. If he had thrown only half the interceptions he’d be in the mid-to-low QB1 discussion. Instead, he’s in the mid-QB2 range with a great matchup against a struggling 29th ranked Vikings pass defense that has allowed the third most points and lost safety Harrison Smith (turf toe) on Sunday. In the Vikings’ five games, Ben Roethlisberger’s 22 points (383 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was the low mark for opposing QBs. Brian Hoyer tossed three touchdowns and finished with 321 yards. Hoyer, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford all finished with 25 points against them. Unless the Giants line implodes again like they did against the Panthers, Eli should easily clear 20 points for just the third time this season.
Chad Henne, JAC vs. SD
Henne gets the start this week at home against a 25th ranked Charger pass defense allowing the fifth most points to QBs, or 290 yards, 1.7 TDs and 0.3 interceptions a game. Henne benefits from the garbage time that often comes with the territory, but he’s usually good for 250 to 280 yards and a touchdown or two a game. It would certainly boost his stock if Cecil Short (shoulder) gets cleared to play, too.
It’s a great week for taking chances with lower tiered quarterbacks as Mike Glennon, Brandon Weeden and even Matt CasselJosh Freeman have excellent matchups that you might be able to utilize in deeper leagues. Glennon faces a Falcons 26th ranked pass defense that struggled to slow down rookie Geno Smith at home in their last game. Glennon could easily produce 20 points as every other quarterback that faced them so far has done. Weeden faces a Packers defense that has lost three of their four starting linebackers. They’re allowing the 6th most points and all five quarterbacks have scored 17 or more points against them. Freeman is now slated to make his first start as a Viking against a Giants defense that has a league-low 5 sacks, allowing the 2nd most points and tied for a league-high with 14 TDs allowed. All three back-end, low QB2s are reasonable plays in deeper, QB2 leagues or even in the weekly contests on Fanduel and Draftstreet.
Running Backs
DeAngelo Williams, CAR vs.Stl
With Jonathan Stewart potentially returning to the fold in the near future, Williams’ value is probably at its peak. He has another strong matchup this week against a 30th ranked Rams run defense allowing the 2nd most fantasy points, 131 rushing yards per game, 6 TDs, 4.6 YPC and 8 runs of 20 yards or longer (the second most). Use him while the going is good and be prepared to sell high either now (using this matchup as a carrot) or after if/when he delivers another solid effort.
Giovani Bernard, Cin at DET
After six game, Bernard has produced 10 or more fantasy points three times, but his role continues grow on a weekly basis. His rushing attempts have increased every single week and he produced his first game of 100 or more combined yards on Sunday against the Bills. This week, he faces a Lions 29th ranked run defense allowing big chunks of yards on the ground. They’re allowing the 7th most points, a very friendly 5.4 YPC and among the most big running plays in the league – 4 runs of 40+ yards (most in the league) and 7 runs of 20+ yards (4th most). With a growing role against the soft run defense of the Lions, look for Bernard to play an even more significant role against the Lions this week.
Brandon Jacobs, NYG vs. Min
Jacobs broke out last week against the Bears with 22 carries for 106 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Exactly no one saw that coming. The 31-year-old back took advantage of injuries that have depleted the Giants backfield, and while they signed Peyton Hillis and Michael Cox expects to be active for Monday night’s game, Jacobs should once again see the bulk of the work against a Vikings run defense that has allowed the most points to opposing RBs and 6 rushing TDs overall. Last week, DeAngelo Williams combined for 117 yards while Mike Tolbert added 47 yards along with 2 TDs against the Vikings. Similarly, Le’Veon Bell debuted against the Vikings in London with 84 yards and 2 TDs.
Fred Jackson, Buf at MIA
The Dolphins are allowing the third most points to opposing backs but a bunch of that damage has come via the passing game where Ray Rice, Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Jason Snelling all caught four or more passes against them in their last three games. An opposing back also produced 14 or more points against them in each of their last five games. With C.J. Spiller still getting back to full health, Jackson is a safe high-floor flex/RB2 play who is equally adept in the running and passing game, not to mention in the red zone.
Joseph Randle, Dal at PHI
Randle expects to make his first NFL start for the Cowboys on Sunday with DeMarco Murray (MCL) sidelined with a knee sprain. It’s a decent spot for Randle against an average Eagles run defense, as he will probably handle the bulk of the touches. Randle wasn’t terribly productive on Sunday after taking over for Murray averaging just 1.5 YPC, but he found the end zone and caught two passes. Randle might not have a high ceiling, but he’s a worthy flex option, particularly in PPR leagues given that the Cowboys have made frequent use of Murray in the passing game. Randle slots into the same role nicely although with lower expectations.
Ryan Mathews, SD at JAC
Mathews is coming off his best game of the season on Monday night against the Colts. He had a short week for rest, but facing the Jaguars 32nd ranked run defense will certainly help. The Jaguars have allowed the most run of 20 yards or longer (10), 4.8 YPC and 152.5 yards per game. The Rams struggling running game had their best game of the year against the Jaguars two weeks ago when Zac Stacy ran for 78 yards on 14 carries. Obviously, Danny Woodhead remains a solid PPR/flex play with his role being well carved out as a Charger. Mathews has been hard to trust, but he definitely looked good and ran hard on Monday and he has another strong matchup this week for him to keep his roll going.
Bilal Powell, NYJ vs. NE
Powell faces a 24th ranked Patriots run defense allowing 119 yards per game and that was before they lost Jerod Mayo (torn pectoral) and, prior to that, DT Vince Wilfork (Achilles) for the year. Mike Goodson’s knee injury also sidelines him for the year securing Powell’s role on third downs for the near future. Chris Ivory should see his role grow this week but Powell remains the lead back for the Jets and the likely choice on third downs and at the goal line.
Lamar Miller, MIA vs. Buf
Miller is coming off the bye week so he’s well rested and facing a 28th ranked Bills run defense allowing a stingy 3.9 YPC but volumes of carries. The 31.5 rush attempts per game against them is among the highest in the league. They’ve also been susceptible to long runs allowing the second most run plays of 20+ yards (8). There remains the problem of splitting touches with a far less effective Daniel Thomas, but maybe the coaches came to their senses over the bye week and they’ll give Miller more opportunities to maximize their offensive potential. Hey, it’s good to dream, but realistically Mike Sherman will continue his dogged approach and continue using Thomas to the detriment of Miller’s owners, but don’t fret because there is still flex upside for Miller here.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen, SD at JAX
Over the last few weeks Allen has emerged as Philip Rivers’ new go to guy. It’s not a huge surprise given that Allen has good size, hands and he’s a skilled route runner who fell to the third round largely due to a slow 40 time at the combine as he worked his way back from a torn ACL. Now healthy, Allen is showing off his first-round pedigree and his rapport with Rivers is growing steadily. His targets have increased over the last four games (1, 6, 9 and 12) and he has twice as many red zone targets in the last three games as anyone on the Chargers including Antonio Gates. This week he matches up nicely a Jags defense that has allowed the 7th most points to receivers over the last four weeks.
T.Y. Hilton, IND vs. Den
As everyone knows, Hilton is as good as they come when it comes to boom or bust fantasy receiver types. This week, he looks like a definite boom candidate against the Broncos defense allowing the third most points to opposing receivers. In the last two games alone, Terrance Williams, Dez Bryant and Justin Blackmon produced 19 or more fantasy points. Ten different receivers have yielded a touchdown catch or 80+ yards against them. With Darrius Heyward Bey’s fumble fingers on full display last Sunday, expect Hilton to continue getting more and more reps and the Colts to probably be playing catch-up to Peyton Manning and their high-powered, no huddle attack.
Mike Williams, TB at ATL
Williams had a sterling matchup last week but he was unable to play, thanks to his ailing hamstring. He appears to be on track to return this week, though, against a struggling Falcons defense that has been besieged by injuries. The Falcons have allowed the fourth most points to receivers with six TDs in their last four games and three receivers with 100+ yards. Vincent Jackson stepped up with Williams out last week, but I think we’ll see Williams catch a touchdown as he’s done in three of his six career games against the Falcons.
Alshon Jeffery, Chi at WAS
After two humungous games in a row, Jeffery went quiet last week despite having a strong matchup against a struggling Giants defense as Jay Cutler’s focus shifted back to Brandon Marshall (9-87-2). This week, both have excellent matchups against a Washington defense allowing the sixth most points to opposing receivers. Three of the five number two receivers against Washington have scored or produced 100+ yards against them. After seeing only five targets last week, expect Jeffery to see more this week as he did in the previous three when he totaled 29 targets.
Brian Hartline, MIA vs. Buf
The Bills are allowing the 2nd most points to opposing receivers and the most over the last four weeks. Marvin Jones and A.J. Green each caught TDs against them on Sunday as did both starting receivers in three of the Bills’ last four games. In that span, Marlon Brown (4-34-1) and Greg Little (3-71-0) represent the low water mark. As a borderline WR3/WR4 depending on league size, Hartline is a guy you want to have in your lineup this week.
Emmanuel Sanders, PIT vs. Bal
The Ravens have allowed the 10th most points to opposing receivers thus far and Sanders was been reasonably productive against them last year, going for 3-8-20 and 5-60-0 despite being the team’s third receiver. The Ravens have been vulnerable to big plays through the air which is right up Sanders’ alley. Baltimore allowed the third most receptions of 20 yards or longer (20) and the most of 40 yards or longer (10).
Jarrett Boykin, GB vs. Cle
With Randall Cobb landing on injured reserve with a broken fibula, Boykin enters the lineup as a starter opposite Jordy Nelson in two-receiver formations. The Packers will probably use more double tight end formations utilizing Jermichael Finley in the slot. They might even run the ball more, but with Joe Haden likely shadowing Nelson, Boykin should see plenty of targets and that’s always a good thing when Aaron Rodgers is the one throwing the ball.
Terrance Williams, Dal at PHI
The Cowboys are the league’s friendly matchup for opposing receivers and we all saw what Miles Austin looked like on Sunday. Perhaps he came back too soon, but he clearly didn’t have the same explosion that has made him a desirable WR2 when healthy. Williams rotated in with Austin on 2-receiver sets and played on all passing downs when they went three wide. As the Giants third receiver, Rueben Randle notched 6-96-2 against Phadelphia two weeks ago. Nine different receivers have topped 100 yards or scored multiple touchdowns against the Eagles in their six games. It’s probably worth paying the price for Dez Bryant in the daily games given that record, but I also like Williams as a upside flex play in all leagues with 12 or more teams.
Kenbrell Thompkins, Julian Edelman, and Aaron Dobson, NE at NYJ
Danny Amendola will miss yet another game this week after being concussed on Sunday by the Saints. With Amendola sidelined, Julian Edelman seems poised to benefit the most as the direct backup to Amendola and the primary slot receiver for Tom Brady against the Jets. That being said, the Patriots are a difficult team to predict as they showed last week as Aaron Dobson played almost the entire game. Any one of the Patriots receivers is just as likely as the others to lead the team in receiving. With Antonio Cromartie banged up, it helps the cause of Thompkins and Dobson, but in PPR leagues, I’d go with Edelman.
Rueben Randle, NYG vs. Min
Randle is a tough one to predict as the Giants third receiver, but he has as much upside as nearly any of the WR2s or WR3s against a Vikings defense allowing the 8th most points and the second most over the last four weeks.
Harry Douglas, ATL vs TB
Douglas is in a good position to succeed with Julio Jones out for the year, even if his production has been spotty in the past. He faces a Bucs defense allowing the 7th most points to receivers in the last four weeks and it’s unlikely that Darrelle Revis would spend much time shadowing Douglas given their tendency to play zone.
Tight Ends
Coby Fleener, IND vs. Den
The most frustrating thing with Fleener is watching him drop passes when he is wide open down the field and Andrew Luck hits him with an accurate pass that should result in a big play. That said, it’s a decent matchup this week against a Broncos defense allowing better than average production to opposing tight ends. The only two teams that weren’t productive with their tight ends against the Broncos were the Raiders and Jaguars, both of which are injury-depleted and de-void of fantasy relevant options. Brent Celek, Brandon Myers, Jason Witten and Dallas Clark all produced 57 or more yards.
Heath Miller, PIT vs. Bal
Miller’s return to health has come at a great time with bye weeks in full swing and back-to-back productive weeks of 6-70-0 and 6-84-0 with a total of 15 targets. He faces a Ravens defense allowing the ninth most points to tight ends – or an average of 4-70-0.5 per game. Miller has been consistently productive against their primary divisional rival over the last couple season, too. In his last four games against the Ravens, he is averaging 4 catches for 60 yards with 1 TD.
Scott Chandler, Buf af MIA
Chandler is worth a reach in really deep leagues or those that only score touchdowns. The Dolphins are allowing the second most points to opposing TEs on the heels of a league-high 6 TDs. That happens to be an area where Chandler is effective and he has also managed to squeak out 47 yards or more in three of his last four games. Chandler is consistently targeted 4 to 6 times per game, but he’s nothing special athletically and his value is really as a red zone option for the Bills passing game.
Jeff Cumberland, NYJ vs. NE
Cumberland has emerged in the last couple of weeks as the better half of the Jets TE combo, but Kellen Winslow’s PED suspension gives him even more run – enough that we can now start looking at him as a viable TE2 and back-end sleeper option in deeper leagues. He has scored in two of the last three games and totaled 7 catches for 138 yards in his last two. On the flipside of this matchup, the Patriots have allowed an opposing tight end to produce 50+ yards in each of their last three games (Tony Gonzalez 12-149-2, Tyler Eifert 5-53-0 and Ben Watson 3-61-0 with Jimmy Graham getting hurt).
Kyle Rudolph, Min at NYG
Rudolph finally came alive last week after a horrific start and he faces a Giants defense allowing the 6th most points to tight ends this week. Martellus Bennett caught 6 for 68 yards last week against them while four of the six that have faced the Giants have gone for double digits. Of course, Rudolph remains a dodgy pick whether Josh Freeman, Matt Cassel or Christian Ponder is at quarterback.
Defense/Special Teams
Miami vs. Buffalo
The Dolphins are coming out of their bye week with a home game against a division rival starting either Thaddeus Lewis or newly signed Matt Flynn. The Bills have allowed 19 sacks in their last four games and all four defenses scored 8 or more points against them. Despite being sacked five times, Lewis vindicated himself nicely with a pair of touchdowns and only one turnover, but we’ll see how he does this week on the road against a well-rested and prepared Dolphins defense.
Detroit vs. Cincinnati
The Lions are starting to play some good football at 4-2 having already played four games on the road. Their front four are both disruptive and allowing. Opponents are running the ball well against them, but they’ve forced 13 turnovers.Eight of them came in their two home games against Minnesota and Chicago. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton has thrown a pick in four straight games and the Bengals have lost five fumbles in the same span while allowing 13 sacks.
Buffalo at Miami
The Dolphins continue to struggle in pass protection allowing four or more sacks in all five of their games to this point. Sacks can lead to turnovers and the Dolphins have turned over the football 9 times. Opposing defenses are averaging more than 8 points a game. The Bills are starting to get healthier with Jairus Byrd returning to the lineup on Sunday and they’ve sacked the opposing QB 4+ times in half of their games with 12 forced turnovers.
Minnesota at NY Giants
The Eli Manning interception machine keeps on rolling into Week 7. Manning has thrown 3 or more interceptions in four out of six games this year and he has now down it 17 times in his career. The Giants have also lost five fumbles and all six opposing defenses scored 9 or more fantasy points against them. The Vikings are among the worst defenses this year, in both real games and for fantasy scoring, but they scored double digit points in three straight weeks before going dormant the last two weeks with a bye and a poor performance against Carolina.
San Diego at Jacksonville
The Chargers defense is also one of the worst fantasy units in the league so far. Snake-bitten with injuries, they’ve showed some potential with 7 sacks against Dallas and Oakland in Weeks 4 & 5 and they face a Jaguars offense giving up the 2nd most fantasy points. In the last four games against Jacksonville, the opponent’s defense has scored twice, forced 11 turnovers and sacked them 11 times. It’s a road game for San Diego on a short week, but on the flip side, Cecil Shorts is out with a shoulder injury.
