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 deep sleepers in smaller leagues, but starters in larger leagues. Realizing that leagues and roster sizes vary wildly; your mileage could vary, too.
Quarterbacks
Philip Rivers, SD vs. NYJ
Rivers might be the most disrespected quarterback on draft day over the last two years. He is performing at a high level and he draws an injury-riddled Jets secondary that could be without Dee Milliner and Calvin Landry. They have allowed 9 TDs without an interception through four games and the fourth most points to opposing QBs. The Chargers are not running the ball effectively, so look for Rivers to attack the Jets deficiencies and put up some strong fantasy stats once again.
Ben Roethlisberger, Pit at JAX
The Jaguars defense is your early leader for teams you want for your quarterback matchup.They’ve allowed 344 yards and almost 3 TDs per game. Roethlisberger has a pair of 300-yard games, a low volume game against the Panthers due to a surprisingly large, early lead and one poor outing against the Ravens, but he has a red hot Antonio Brown and the Jaguars are likely without their top corner Dwayne Gratz (concussion).
Eli Manning, NYG vs. Atl
After a rough preseason and a prolonged, rough start, Eli and the Giants offense are starting to click in Ben McAdoo’s West Coast offense. In his last three games, Eli has completed over 70% of his passes with 234+ yards and 2+ TDs in each game. He might even get Odell Beckham Jr into the lineup for this week’s game against a Falcons defense that has allowed 270 yards per game passing and lost SS William Moore for the season on Sunday.
Joe Flacco, Bal at IND
Flacco might have lost Dennis Pitta for the season, but the offense seems to be weathering the loss better than they did a year ago thanks to the addition of Steve Smith. The angry old man of receivers might have lost a step or two, but he makes up for it with his salty demeanor, toughness and ability to consistently get open and make plays after the catch. He adds a dimension to the Ravens that they’ve lacked since they dealt AnquanBoldin. Flacco look comfortable again and he faces a Colts defense allowing the 10th most points to QBs, or 263 yards and 1.8 TDs per game, giving him some appeal in deeper leagues.
In deeper leagues, you might also consider either Ryan Fitzpatrick against a Cowboys defense allowing 275 yards and 2 TDs per game, or Mike Glennon against a Saints defense allowing 279 yards and 1.8 TDs per game.
Running Backs
Ben Tate, Cle at TEN
The Titans’ run defense started out decently against the Chiefs in Week 1, but they’ve not fared as well over their last three games. Trent Richardson slogged his way to 99 total yards and a TD while Ahmad Bradshaw added on 52 yards and a TD to boot. The real question is how many carries Tate will get now that he’s set to return after missing the last few games with Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell performing so well in his absence. HC Mike Pettine has talked about Tate returning as their lead back, but there have also been rumblings they could go with the hot hand, which could be Crowell, West or Tate. Lots of risk here, but plenty of upside as the Browns offense should be able to attack the middle of the Titans defense with success.
Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnon, Min at GB
The Packers run defense has been in trouble since losing NT B.J. Raji during the preseason. They’ve allowed 31 rush attempts, 132 yards and 1 TD per game to opposing RBs so far. With Teddy Bridgewater either sidelined or limited by a sprained ankle, expect the Vikings to rely heavily on Asiata and McKinnon to move the football. Despite the breakout performance from McKinnon last week, Asiata remains clearly ahead of him and the most likely of the two to find the end zone. That said, McKinnon’s freakish athletic profile and upside make him a worthy flex reach. Once he gets his pass protection dialed in, the sky is the limit for him.
Andre Williams, NYG vs. Atl
Williams had his best performance of his young career in last Thursday night’s drubbing of Washington and the Giants running 15 times for 66 yards and a TD. This week, the Giants welcome a Falcons team that is fresh off a beating by the Vikings that featured 241 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Matt Asiata scored 3 times and Jerick McKinnon exploded for 152 yards (and it could’ve been worse). Rashad Jennings is off to a hot start and is the team’s clear-cut starter, but he’s also on pace for over 300 carries. Williams can provide 10 to 15 carries and a decent shot at the end zone in this uber-soft matchup.
Bishop Sankey, TEN vs. Cle
The Titans coaches have not given Sankey anything, but over the last two games his footwork has improved and he’s beginning to emerge as the player most expected him to be on draft day as the first back of the board. The Browns are the second best matchup for RBs allowing 134 rushing yards and 1.3 TDs per game. We might be a game or two ahead of the curve on Sankey, because Shonn Greene isn’t out of the picture, but Sankey is just far more dynamic and with their passing game in peril without Jake Locker, Sankey could be called upon to provide a spark and some big-play ability versus the plodding Greene.
Darrin Reaves, CAR vs. Chi
Reaves inherits the Panthers starting job by virtue of injuries to DeAngelo Williams, Johnathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert. The Bears aren’t nearly as bad against the run as they were last year and it’s hard to get excited about Reaves after he managed only just over 2 yards per carry (12-26-0) last week when pressed into action. He did catch three passes, though, and without Tolbert, Reaves should at least get 12-to-15 touches giving him flex appeal in standard leagues and some RB2 upside in deeper leagues.
In deeper/PPR leagues, you might consider Brandon Oliver (San Diego vs. NY Jets). The Jets have been nearly impregnable for opposing runners, but Oliver has emerged as a poor man’s Danny Woodhead / Darren Sproles, even donning the #43 jersey for added measure. With Donald Brown struggling, Oliver emerged last week and he has a chance to get about as many snaps or touches as Brown this week.
Wide Receivers
Markus Wheaton, Pit at Jac
Wheaton heads a list of several others below whose time is coming for a breakout game. Antonio Brown is an unstoppable force right now and Roethlisberger is doing what any other smart quarterback would do, feed him. Wheaton has flashed his breakout potential a number of times already and the Jaguars, already allowing the second most points to WRs, are without Dwayne Gratz. The Chargers’ receivers had a house party against them last week, and Wheaton’s time is coming once teams start scheming even more towards Antonio Brown.
Brian Quick, StL at Phi
Off to a good start with 14 or more PPR points in all three games, Quick is finally showing enough consistency to be taken seriously as a potential WR3. The Eagles corners are very beatable; allowing the fifth most points to opposing WRs. Austin Davis will continue to start and Quick seems to be his favorite target. Kenny Britt and Stedman Bailey have spot flex appeal in deeper, competitive leagues.
Eddie Royal and Malcom Floyd, SD vs. NYJ
These two took advantage of the Jaguars last week and this week the good fortune continues with an attractive matchup against a struggling Jets secondary. Royal has always been a boom or bust play and he remains so this week in a plus matchup. Healthy again, Floyd has looked great since his triumphant return in the preseason. Their like a thunder and lightning receiver tandem.
Kenny Stills, NO vs. TB
No team has allowed more points to WRs than the Buccaneers. Brandin Cooks has breakout appeal, Marques Colston has been inconsistent and inconspicuously quiet, but Stills is also ready to pop. He’s still only the fourth read at best, but his deep ball skills give him a lot of upside as a flex option this week.
Allen Hurns, JAC vs. Pit
Hurns has already blown up for a few long scoring plays in his first four games and narrowly missed on a few others. Cecil Shorts is sidelined again and Marqise Lee is still getting back to full strength from his nagging hamstring. He may be an undrafted rookie, but Hurns is arguably the most reliable “veteran” receiver in this group having played under OC JeddFisch’s offense at Miami. If the coaches pull back the reins a little on Bortles, Hurns or Allen Robinson could cash in. Robinson led the receivers with 7 targets last week and Ike Taylor remains out with a broken forearm. Two other rookies had productive games against the Steelers in their last two games – Mike Evans (4-65-1) and Kelvin Benjamin (8-115-1).
Justin Hunter, TEN vs. Cle
Speaking of players whose time is coming, Hunter’s breakout looms large. If Hunter sees more of rookie Justin Gilbert, then we could see it this week. Otherwise, he’s stuck in jail with Joe Haden. Markus Wheaton hung 6-97-0 on the Browns in the opener and Steve Smith topped 100 yards with 5-101-0 two weeks ago. Jake Locker has a shot at returning this week, but the Titans quarterbacks woes are part of what’s holding Hunter back.
Doug Baldwin, Sea at WAS
DeAngelo Hall is out and the Redskins were already allowing 14-193-1 to opposing receivers with him. Seven out of eight receivers that have faced the Redskins had 7 or more points (11 or more PPR) against them. Baldwin is another receiver due for a big game. Percy Harvin could be huge this week, and Jermaine Kearse has been quiet, but is also due for a big play or two.
Louis Murphy, TB at NO
Mike Evans will be out the next 2-to-3 weeks after suffering a groin injury on Sunday. Murphy stepped into the void nicely, though, with 6-99-0 on 11 targets. Murphy was in street clothes just over a week ago, but he and the Bucs have a good matchup against a struggling Saints secondary allowing 15-193-1.3 to opposing receivers.
Tight Ends
Heath Miller, Pit at JAC
Miller exploded last week for 10 catches in the Steelers spectacular meltdown against the Bucs, so why not make it two weeks in a row against a Florida team. The Jaguars have allowed an average of 7 catches for 80 yards and a TD to TEs through four games and 20+ PPR points per game in their first three.
Garrett Graham, Hou at Dal
Graham is definitely a reach with only 9 catches for 95 yards on the year, but 8 of those and 11 of his 12 targets have come in the last two games. The Cowboys have also been unable to slow down tight ends this year allowing a league-high 28 points per game to them –all four opponents racked up 20 or more points against the Cowboys beginning with Vernon Davis’ two touchdowns catches in the season opener. Graham’s worth a flyer in deeper league as his role could be sufficient going forward to yield low-to-mid-range TE2 numbers.
Owen Daniels, Bal at IND
Daniels won’t be asked to replace Dennis Pitta’s contributions all by himself. The Ravens are getting FB Kyle Juszczyk involved a bit more and it looks like they’ll reprise Marlon Brown’s red zone role from last year, too. As long as Daniels can stay healthy, he’ll be productive in Gary Kubiak’s offense. This week, he draws a Colts defense allowing almost 18 points to opposing TEs – fourth most in the league. Delanie Walker, Zach Ertz and Julius Thomas set the mark, we’ll see if Daniels follows.
Clay Harbor, JAC vs. Pit
Harbor filled in admirably well for the injured Marcedes Lewis. Blake Bortles threw a steady stream of short passes in his first NFL start as OC JeddFisch kept the offense simple for Bortles’ first start. Even as he pulls back the reins and lets Bortles take flight, Harbor figures to be a nice security blanket for him. The Steelers are allowing 16 points to TEs and rank sixth as a matchup.
Luke Willson, Sea at WAS
Zach Miller underwent ankle surgery and he’ll be sidelined for the next couple of games at least. The Redskins have allowed just over 16 points per game to opposing TEs, thanks to Larry Donnell making like a pigeon last week after dropping four touchdown bombs on them. Willson probably won’t see a ton of targets, but with his size/speed athletic profile he has the skills to exploit them if Russell Wilson looks his way.
Defense/Special Teams
San Diego vs. NY Jets
With 10 sacks and 6 turnovers, the Chargers defense has been among the top scoring units at the quarter mark. Their good fortune continues this week with Geno Smith and the Jets visiting. The Chargers are dealing with injuries (CB Shareece Wright, CB Jason Verrett and LB Manti Te’o) but Smith has turned it over four times over the last two games. They’re also allowing just over 15 points per game.
Philadelphia vs. St. Louis
The Eagles defense isn’t very good right now as their secondary is getting torched, but after last week’s three touchdown bonanza they’re among the top scoring defenses in many leagues. They’re getting healthier with LB Mychal Kendricks possibly returning this week and they have a home matchup against a Rams offense led by either Austin Davis or Shaun Hill. The Rams are turning over the ball an average of two times a game and scoring only 18 points per game.
Cleveland at Tennessee
The Titans offense is struggling all over – allowing almost 3 sacks, turning the ball over almost twice a game and scoring only 15 points per game while averaging 326 yards per game. The Browns are coming off their bye week and they’re possibly facing Charlie Whitehurst. I’d downgrade them if Jake Locker is able to return and one of the Titans receivers is bound to go off against Justin Gilbert, but otherwise, the Browns are in a good spot this week.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville
The Jaguars have allowed 5 sacks per game and have scored only 58 points through four games. Even though the Steelers were just embarrassed at home by a Buccaneers team they were expected to beat, they also won in impressive fashion at Carolina in their previous game. The Steelers should rebound this week even though they’ll be without CB Ike Taylor and ILB Ryan Shazier. Blake Bortles gave the Jaguar offense a bump last week, but he’s still a rookie quarterback making his second start - his first on the road – that has already thrown four interceptions through his first six quarters.
Green Bay vs. Minnesota
Keep the Packers defense on speed dial come Thursday. Just in case Teddy Bridgewater is unable to go after spraining his ankle with a short week to recover. He’s questionable, paving way for a possible Christian Ponder start, in which case the Packers make a sneaky start and possibly one of the better plays overall this week.
