Quarterback
Bryce Young, Carolina (at Miami)
Young didn't play well last week, but he was still productive because the Panthers fell so far behind the Lions that he was facing soft defenses in the second half. That script should play out again this week in Miami. Young also got rookie Jonathan Mingo back last week, and Miles Sanders is trending toward being out with a shoulder injury, so Carolina will have to rely even more on the passing game to move the ball.
Desmond Ridder, Atlanta (vs Washington)
Ridder has been inconsistent, but at least that means occasionally having ceiling weeks with rushing scores and, most recently, a 300+ yard passing game. Justin Fields posted a ceiling week as a passer against Washington last week, and Russell Wilson threw for three scores against them. Ridder could regress to his previous lows as a passer in any given week, but he's coming in hot, while the Washington defense most certainly is not.
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis (at Jacksonville)
Minshew's production in place of Anthony Richardson hasn't overwhelmed us, but he's competent running Shane Steichen's offense, he's not shy about testing the defense with his arm, and he doesn't go into a shell if he makes a mistake. Richardson was modestly successful as a passer vs. this Jaguars defense in Week 1, and the Jaguars have been strong against the run this year. He's probably the safest of the injury-replacement quarterback group available on the waiver wire this week.
Matthew Stafford, LA Rams (vs Arizona)
We're waiting for Stafford's breakout game this year, but we might not have to wait any longer than Sunday. The Cardinals defense just helped Joe Burrow find his form after four weeks of limping through the wilderness, and we saw last week that Cooper Kupp is not limited in any way upon his return. Jonathan Gannon didn't face Sean McVay and the Rams when he was with the Eagles or Colts, so school might be in when Stafford takes the field this week.
Tight End
Dalton Schultz, Houston (vs New Orleans)
Schultz is set up for another big week, with Tank Dell likely sitting because of a concussion and Nico Collins facing Marshon Lattimore. His late fourth-quarter go-ahead touchdown came on an adjustment suggested by C.J. Stroud, which is good evidence that this duo is on the same page. Schultz should be in lineups this week if you don't have a clear TE1 to play.
Tyler Conklin, NY Jets (vs Philadelphia)
Conklin has put serviceable fantasy stat lines up in back-to-back weeks, which is more than many vaunted fantasy tight ends have done this year. The Eagles pass defense has been generous to tight ends this season, already allowing three scores, and that's in addition to the eight they've allowed to wide receivers. Conklin (not Allen Lazard) has been the #2 targeted receiver since Zach Wilson took over.
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay (vs Detroit)
Otton is a good spot this week. Mike Evans could be limited or out with a hamstring that clearly isn't fully healed coming out of the bye, and he's facing a Lions defense that has allowed at least five tight end catches in every game this year and two tight end scores, even though they dodged Travis Kelce and knocked Luke Musgrave out of the game early on. The Falcons and Seahawks tight ends combined for 20 catches and 220 yards but split that production among five players. Only one Bucs tight end other than Otton has even caught a pass this year.
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