Welcome to Week 6 of The Docket, a weekly column that offers strategy and advice on players that you should be targeting and avoiding each week. We bring the energy each week with the positive, neutral and negative charge. (Updated 10/14/16 - 10:15am pst)
Jaguars vs Bears (+2.5 o/u 47)
Positive
- Allen Robinson – The yardage hasn’t been there for Robinson, but keep trotting him out as a WR1 given his huge target share in this offense. Beatable shadow CB Tracy Porter may also miss this week and has only practiced on a limited basis.
- Jordan Howard – The Jaguars pose a tougher matchup than in previous weeks, but he is getting it done in all phases of the game, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and catching 3 or 4 passes a game. The Bears have two of the best guards in the league (Sitton and Long), allowing Howard to average 3 yards before contact this year, which is 0.3 yards more than Todd Gurley is even averaging per carry on the year.
Neutral
- Julius Thomas – Should be fully healthy coming off the bye and is always a good bet to score against a Bears team that gave up 8/58/1 last week to the tight end position.
- T.J. Yeldon – The Bears gave up 6 catches to Riddick last week, so a decent flex or PPR RB2 if you need him. Just doesn’t do enough on the ground though.
- Marqise Lee – He’s catching 5 or 6 passes a game now and should have an easy go of things against beatable slot CB Cre'von LeBlanc. If you need 5 catches for 50 yards with possibility of a TD, he’s not a bad play this week.
- Brian Hoyer – Finished as a Top 10 QB the past two weeks and is certainly usable in 2QB leagues at home, with the Jaguars giving up multiple TDs to receivers every game. While the Jags are giving up 23.4 FPG to opposing QBs, they have also yet to give up more than 250 yards passing this season and have faced Rivers, Luck and Rodgers.
- Alshon Jeffery – Will face off on the left side against rookie CB Jalen Ramsey, who is playing well but is no match for Alshon. Unfortunatley, like Derek Zoolander, Hoyer doesn't go left, throwing to the right side of the field over 49% of the time, the most in the league by any QB. He’s tough to trust as anything more than a WR3, but could literally go off any given week if they do ever decide to feature him more.
- Cameron Meredith – Has a tougher matchup this week against CB Prince Amukamara, but Hoyer does love throwing to the right side, which means a lot of targets for Meredith again this week. Hoyer spent a lot of time developing mojo with him on the 2nd team all pre-season so he’s on the WR3 map this week with upside for more. Long term, it’s going to be interesting to see how things shake out with Meredith once Bears WR Marquess Wilson comes back next week from injury.
- Eddie Royal – Saw another 9 targets last week, so should be locked and loaded in PPR leagues as a flex or WR3 going up against Davon House, PFF's #114 rated corner. Just make sure he plays, as he has been limited all week at practice, but this is a great matchup for him.
Negative
- Blake Bortles – He’s tough to rely on since he is not playing well and this probably won’t be a garbage time production day, but this defense has been giving up points to opposing QBs.
- Chris Ivory – In a time-share and the Bears have actually been solid against opposing RBs on the ground despite all their defensive injuries.
- Allen Hurns – The Bears have been tough against #2 receivers and with all the mouths to feed (Thomas, Lee, Yeldon), he’s hard to trust and better left on benches until we see some consistency.
- Zach Miller – The Jags play the tight end as tough as any team, so not a great week to reach for him. Although he dos lead the team in red zone targets with six, so always possible he gets you a cheap TD.
Browns vs Titans (-7 o/u 43.5)
Positive
- Marcus Mariota – The Browns are giving up multiple TDs every week, so has a shot to put up another solid game. I would tread lightly in DFS though since his receiving core really is non-existent and this offense caps his ability to throw more.
- DeMarco Murray – He’s a top RB play every week, especially at home averaging 23.5 FPG on the season and is third in catches for RBs with 24.
- Delanie Walker – The Browns have allowed most yards (100.2) and catches (8.6) to the position, so he is locked and loaded as a top 3 TE play this week.
- Terrelle Pryor – This could be another one of those weeks where he goes off getting Kessler (and McCown) back and going up against burnable CB Perrish Cox, PFF’s 112 rated corner. He’s a high end WR3 this week with monster upside.
Neutral
- Isaiah Crowell – Titans have a solid run defense, so not a week to use him in DFS, but should be a solid RB2 play in season long since they are committed to him. This game should also be closer than the Vegas line predicts, keeping game script on his side.
- Gary Barnidge – Slowly coming on and saw 8 targets last week. He still hasn’t seen a red zone target though, so more of a backend TE1 play than a solid start.
Negative
- Derrick Henry – Just a high-end handcuff for now, but at least he is running better, although last week was against Miami, so not sure that counts.
- Tajae Sharpe, Kendall Wright, Rishard Matthews – Tough to trust any of these guys. I honestly don’t know which one I would start if given a choice, so try and pass on all of them. This offense is not built on the pass game.
- Duke Johnson Jr – Should catch 3 or 4 passes, but too tough to trust in your lineup against a team allowing the 5th fewest catches to running backs this year.
Eagles vs Redskins (-2.5 o/u 45)
Positive
- Ryan Mathews – The Redskins can be gashed on the ground and they are last against the run in the league. HC Pederson is a game control head coach, so Mathews should be the primary back. He’s locked in as a RB1 and a sleeper in DFS that nobody seems to be on.
Neutral
- Carson Wentz – The Eagles may not have to pass with the Redskins run defense being non-existent. The Redskins do however have great outside corners but can be beaten in the middle of the field, so 300 yards and a TD certainly possible.
- Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews – Both guys have decent matchups since the Redskins can be beat in the middle of the field easier than on the outside, especially with CB Breeland back this week. Ertz saw 83% of the teams snaps last week, which is a promising sign, now they just need to throw it to him more, while Matthews should be fine against rookie CB Kendall Fuller.
- Darren Sproles – Viable PPR flex play as always and nothing scary about this matchup. Had 9 touches last week and should see that again this week.
- DeSean Jackson – Revenge game? Two years out, not sure the motivation is still there especially with Chip Kelly gone. DJax is boom or bust as usually with Cousin’s playing poorly, but he has the best matchup of all the receivers this week.
Negative
- Kirk Cousins – Not playing well and missing passes. Eagles defense is also legit, giving up only 15.3 FPG to opposing QBs.
- Chris Thompson – Viable PPR flex play in a week where Jones should struggle.
- Matt Jones – Tough matchup and may lose work to Matt Kelly after averaging 2.2 YPC and a fumble last week. He’s Matt Jones, you knew the risk when you drafted him, but you didn’t listen.
- Jamison Crowder – Play time has dropped every week and saw only three targets a game the last two week. It looks like the Redskins are also going bigger in the red zone with TE’s Paul and Davis, limiting his early (and curious) red zone usage. Yes he can always break off a fluky 50-yard play or punt return, but if that doesn’t happen, you are looking at a goose egg.
- Jordan Reed – Out with a concussion, so Nile Paul a possible reach play if needed.
- Dorial Green-Beckham and Nelson Agholor – Going up against CBs Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland. No thanks. Yet … one could always catch 2 passes and a TD. How lucky do you feel this week?
Steelers vs Dolphins (+7.5 o/u 47)
Positive
- Jarvis Landry – Steelers have trouble with slot receivers, so a good matchup this week if they have to play catch-up. He’s the only usable weapon on this team.
- Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and LeVeon Bell – The Dolphins defense is horrible, so all three of these guys should go off this week. Bell is averaging 23 FPG and a whopping 26 touches per game, while the Dolphins have nobody that can even dream of covering Brown.
Neutral
- Sammie Coates Jr – Dealing with a hand injury, but they will take some deep shots to him every game, and that’s all you care about. We saw the boom last week, but there is always a chance for a big bust since he doesn’t know how to track the ball well. Best used as a WR3 with massive upside, but definitely keep using him.
- Eli Rogers – With Wheaton expected to miss this week he should see a decent amount of passes in the slot. Viable PPR play this week.
- Jesse James – More of a TD dependent tight end, but he did catch 6 passes last week and the Dolphins giving up nearly 14 FBG to opposing tight ends.
Negative
- Ryan Tannehill, DeVante Parker, Jay Ajayi and Arian Foster – The Dolphins stink, so if you can avoid it, don’t use any of them. The past two weeks they have run less than 45 plays, by far the lowest in the league. Could any of these guys have a good game, sure they all could, but total toss up with them playing so badly. At least Tannehill should at least throw for 2 TDs and Parker does have a good matchup on paper. I just can’t recommend them to anyone since last week at home they also had good matchups and stunk.
Rams vs Lions (-3 o/u 43.5)
Positive
- Matthew Stafford – Always good when the team you’re playing is headed East for an early matchup. Stafford proved last week again that even in tougher matchups, his passing ability/usage in the red zone gets it done for you, completing 75% of his passes inside the 10 yard line last year & finishing second with 24 TDs inside the red zone. The Rams could also be without key defensive pieces Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn, William Hayes and Trumaine Johnson. Keep rolling with him as a QB1.
- Marvin Jones – Should get back to business this week playing against CB E.J. Gaines after their top CB, CB Trumaine Johnson, was lost for the year and the Rams are much easier to pass on than to run on. This could be a huge week for him.
- Todd Gurley – Giving up over 5 yards per carry to opposing RBs and while they have yet to allow a rushing TD, they the Lions will be without NT Ngata. This could be the week he finally goes off. Only downside is that RB Benny Cunningham could be back to siphon off the targets he was getting the past two weeks. Hopefully they realized that Gurley is a great pass catcher and should be a three down back, unfortunately we don’t know if they realize that yet or not.
Neutral
- Anquan Boldin – With Ebron out, he should see a decent number of targets in the slot, but facing off against CB Lamarcus Joyner who is a good slot corner. Very little upside every week, but always good for 4 catches. Has two TDs on the year, will probably get his third this week.
- Case Keenum – Not a bad week to use him if you need in 2 QB leagues against a Lions defense ranked 31st against the pass by Football Outsiders.
- Tavon Austin- You cant trust him as anything more than a WR3 each week, but seeing an insane 30% of the teams targets and will avoid shut down CB Slay playing from the slot. This week he goes up against PFF's #106 ranked CB, Quandre Diggs, making him a sneaky DFS play. This would be the week to use him.
- Kenny Britt - There is always a chance that top CB Slay shadows him, but he hasn't shadowed nearly as much this year and this is Kenny Britt. With Slay naturally lining up on Quick’s side more often this week, sBritt has a chance to abuse CB Nevin Lawson if you need to reach for him. Quietly having a good season, snagging another 5 catches for 75 yards last week.
- Justin Forsett – Just signed, so hard to expect much, but in a good spot with Riddick out, Washington injured and playing against a banged up Rams defense. He has flex appeal right out of the gate.
- Golden Tate - Even though he hasn't been doing much, with Riddick out this week he should be more invovled against a banged up Rams defense.
Negative
- Dwayne Washington - Very questionable to play this week, so tough to trust right now.
- Brian Quick – Could see a lot of CB Slay who plays his side of the field, so not a great week to reach for him.
Ravens vs Giants (-3 o/u 43.5)
Neutral
- Odell Beckham Jr, Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard – All three of these guys are viable this week. CB Jimmy Smith is no match for Beckham who is only being limited by his quarterbacks horrendous play, Cruz gets a choice matchup against beatable CB Shareece Wright who has been torched all year, while Shepard has the toughest matchup against solid slot CB Jerraud Powers, but it’s not like he is a lock down guy. Beckham is a WR1, Shepard more WR3 in PPR leagues and Cruz a bye week replacements if you need someone.
- Joe Flacco – Averaged only 9.3 yards per completion and under 6 yards per attempt under dink and dunk OC Marc Trestman. With Trestman gone, look for him to take some shots down field this week.
- Terrance West – With OC Trestman gone, West should be featured far more in this offense. He’s looked great last week, and while the Giants have been playing solid run defense, Fat Eddie Lacy did drop 81 yards on them last week on just 11 carries . He’s on the RB2 radar as the teams unquestioned feature back this week averaging a solid 6 YPC over the last three games when he has led the way. The biggest issue is that the Ravens could be without three of their starting offensive linemen, RG Marshal Yanda, RT Rick Wagner and rookie LT Ronnie Stanley.
- Breshad Perriman – The offense should open up more this week and he has the speed to beat CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie deep, who is dealing with a groin injury. This is a sneaky spot for him to break out with Steve Smith injured and a new OC at the helm.
- Mike Wallace – Has a tough matchup this week against top CB Janoris Jenkins, but HC Harbough has stated that he wants the team to take more shots down field, so he is viable as your WR3, just don't expect a ton of catches.
- Kamar Aiken – Should slot into Steve Smith’s role in the slot and work the short to intermediate part of the field, the Giants have been getting lit up by slot receivers all year, so viable WR3 PPR play this week with some upside.
- Dennis Pitta – With Steve Smith out this week he should see another 8 targets this week, now if he could just find the end zone, something he has yet to do this season. More of a PPR option than a standard league guy.
Negative
- Eli Manning – He’s not playing well at all and it’s affecting their three receivers badly. Hopefully he can play better on their return home. Viable QB2 play, but this is a tougher matchup.
- Orleans Darkwa, Bobby Rainey and Rashad Jennings – Jennings might be back, but the Ravens have the leagues top run defense, so not a great week to reach for any of these guys. The best of the bunch is Rainey who at least should see a decent amount of targets in the pass game.
- Will Tye - Not worth using especially this week against Safety Eric Weddle who has kept opposing tight ends on lock.
- Kenneth Dixon – His time is coming, but it may be Week 13 or Week 1 in 2017. Right now, it’s all about West.
49ers vs Bills (-7.5 o/u 44)
Positive
- Tyrod Taylor – The Niners play poor defense on the road and he should have his way with them through the air and on the ground.
- LeSean McCoy – The Niners have given up 100 yard rusher in four straight games and are the 5th worst run defense in the league right now. He should have a huge game this week.
- Bills Defense – They have been playing at an elite level and now get a cushy home game against a 49ers team playing a 10am game with Kaepernick at the helm. Fire them up in all formats.
Neutral
- Charles Clay – Went 5 for 5, with 73 yards last week and should be their main receiver again this week.
- Carlos Hyde – He’s all they have and HC Chip Kelly will continue to feature him whether or not they are winning or losing. Buffalo giving up only 3.46 YPC, so as usual, keep expectations in check especially playing on the rod at 10am, but he should be a solid RB2 again this week.
Negative
- Colin Kaepernick – Remember that he was benched for Gabbert last year because he was horrible, he’s not an accurate thrower and he’s also now a Vegan and is much smaller than he use to be. Could he run for a ton of yards, sure, but this is a different Kaepernick, so I’m waiting before starting him especially against a Bills Defense that is the 7th best against opposing QBs. Supposedly Christian Ponder has also looked better than him during practices.
- Jeremy Kerley – Kaep doesn’t know how to throw to the slot receiver with touch and faces off against CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, the AFC defensive player of the week and PFF’s #10 rated CB this year.
- Robert Woods – Seeing 25% of the teams targets but not doing much with them. Faces off against PFFs 8th rated CB Rashard Robinson, so tough to expect much.
Bengals vs Patriots (-8.5 o/u 47)
Positive
- Tom Brady – The Bengals are easier to throw on than run on, so Brady should be active especially at home. After getting humiliated last week though, Bengals should come out more focused this week.
- Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett – Both of these guys are solid TE1’s. It’s important to note that Gronk could certainly see a TD regression with teams focusing on him in the red zone, freeing up Bennett to score more TD’s.
- Julian Edelman – A lot more mouths to feed, so he may not be a target hog that he was in years past, that said the Bengals have given up solid production to slot receivers this year.
- James White – What a difference a QB makes. With the Bengals playing the run tough, he should be very active and a viable RB2 in PPR leagues.
- Giovani Bernard – Hill is a bit banged up and playing against a stout run defense, Gio should be very active this week as the Bengals play catch up most of the day with the Pats giving up 6 catches to opposing RBs on average.
Neutral
- Chris Hogan - With Malcolm Mitchel banged up, he should see all their deep shots, and Brady will take a few again this week. Another four catches for over 100 yards is possible, but like Sammie Coates Jr, could be a bit boom or bust.
- A.J. Green – HC Bill Belichick likes to take out the teams’ best opposing player and they should put their top CB, Malcolm Butler on him, so best to temper expectations and fade in DFS. At least he did drop 5/81/1 on them when they played two years ago.
- Brandon LaFell – With the Patriots defense focusing on Green, he could come through again this week facing off against beatable CB Logan Ryan. Not a sexy option, but as your WR3, he’s viable catching 8 passes and scoring 2 TDs last week.
Negative
- Andy Dalton – With the Pats taking away Green and Eifert still out, not sure how he can be a viable play for you this week with any confidence. That said, he is averaging over 300 yards per game and they should have to throw to keep up.
- Jeremy Hill – Has an arm injury, game script should not be in their favor, the Pats giving up only 3.6 YPC and very few TDs. He can always come through with a cheap TD, but not a great week for him. Start him as always in TD heavy leagues only.
- LeGarrette Blount – It’s a tough matchup on the ground, so this should be more of a White game. He’s always viable in standard leagues if you are just looking for TDs and at least game script should be in his favor.
- Malcolm Mitchell – Banged up, so may be limited or out this week.
Panthers vs Saints (+3 o/u 53)
Positive
- Drew Brees – Back playing at home in the dome against a very beatable Panthers secondary. He put up 3 TDs against them last year and the Panthers are giving up over 8 yards per pass attempt this year. He’s a top play at the position this week.
- Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead – Both of these guys should be WR1 starts this week. Cooks always plays better at home and Snead is finally healthy. Cooks should torch their big, but slow CB’s on the outside who are giving up the 6th most points to outside WRs. Snead ont he other hand should dismantle slot CB Robert McClain. While the Panthers haven't given up a ton of production to the slot position, they haven't really faced a good slot receiver yet. Look for that change this week.
- Michael Thomas – In a projected shoot out, Thomas should be a viable PPR play this week, seeing 20 targets and 5 red zone looks in the two games prior to their bye. You could do a lot worse for your WR3 and he is a great DFS play as your third WR. When in doubt, bet on a shootout with Drew Brees as your QB.
- Cam Newton, Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin – All three of these guys are locked and loaded as must starts in all formats against a Saints defense that is an absolute sieve. Cam averaged 37 FPG against them last year, Olsen averaged 27.7 FPG in their two games last year and the Saints are giving up nearly 41 FPG to WRs this year, so Benjamin is locked and loaded.
- Jonathan Stewart - He should be back this week and should do well against this week Saints defense giving up 8 TDs and 40 FPG so far this year. The downside with him is that Cam, or one of the other backs, could always vulture those TDs, so a fade in DFS GPPs but not a bad Cash Game play.
Neutral
- Mark Ingram – The Panthers are actually tough against the run, giving up only 3.5 yards per carry. Jacquizz Rodgers did gash them in the first half last week, in part because I don’t think they game planned to stop him at all.
- Coby Fleener – The Panthers have struggled against tight ends this year giving up nearly 15 fantasy points per game. While he has been very inconsistent, he should have opportunities back at home.
- Ted Ginn Jr – He does have the tougher matchup this week against CB B.W. Webb, but I think he gets a couple of deep shots and will connect. So viable WR3 if needed.
Negative
- Devin Funchess – Just not seeing the field and getting enough looks. Always a chance to come through, but a desperate reach.
Chiefs vs Raiders (-1 o/u 47)
Positive (Potential weather alert, right now they are calling for 17MPH winds with 26MPH gusts and rain. That could downgrade everyone)
- Derek Carr – The Chiefs bringing very little pressure up front, racking up only 5 QB sacks this season, so Carr should have time to throw and has been playing well this year.
- Alex Smith – Great streaming option and has a great upcoming schedule for those in need of a QB.
- Jamaal Charles and Spencer Ware – The Raiders giving up 4.9 YPC to opposing RBs. While Charles is back this week, I still think Ware gets enough volume to be used as a RB2, especially if the weather is a factor in the pass game and if they want Charles to avoid playing on a bad field. If you own Charles, and if reports pre-game are positive, he's a fine play if you don't have better options, but it is always nice to see him play well before actually using him.
- Jeremy Maclin – They have him in the slot a lot this year and they throw to random receivers in the red zone every week, which has limited his numbers all season. Fortunately this week, playing in the slot he will avoid Raiders top CB, David Amerson, PFF's #4 rated corner. Maclin did put up 23 FPG against them last year, and in a good matchup, he is a great DFS and season long play in all formats.
- Travis Kelce – Raiders are a great matchup for opposing tight ends every week and he leads the team in red zone targets with 8. He’s finally emerging as a weekly top option at the position and is a top five play this week.
Neutral
- DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard – It looks like Murray will be out again this week, so these guys are both on the RB flex radar once again, splitting touches evenly last week, each with 14. The Chiefs are giving up 157 yards per game to opposing RBs so these guys will put up numbers, it is just tough to determine wich one. Richard looked liked the better running option by far last week, so best to lean his way if you are choosing between the two.
- Michael Crabtree & Amari Cooper – Both should see time against Chiefs top CB Marcus Peters and burnable CB Phillip Gaines, as Cooper and Crabtree have been moving alll around the formation and Peters hasn't really shadowed this year. Last year Peters handled Cooper, while Crabtree didn’t go off either, despite scoring two TDs. I like both of these guys this week, but don’t love them in what could be a wet and windy game. For what it’s worth, Peters often plays on Crabtree’s side of the field and he is also now the more expensive option on Draft Kings, making Cooper the better play.
- Chris Conley – You don't want to use him just yet, but he is worth keeping track of in a plus matchup and he looked great in Week 4, putting up 6/70.
Cowboys vs Packers (-4 o/u 47.5)
Positive
- Aaron Rodgers – Playing at home and with Lacy and Starks injured, Rodgers should put up solid numbers as usual. I would probably fade him in DFS though as the Cowboys love to chew up clock and keep opposing offenses off the field.
- Randall Cobb – The Cowboys have played the perimeter tough, but have given up a ton of production to the slot where he can take advantage of CB Orlando Scandrick. Look for him to keep things rolling after putting up a solid 9/108 last week.
Neutral
- Eddie Lacy – His banged up, but with Starks out the backfield should be all his. Unfortunately the Cowboys like to limit other teams time of possession and the completely eliminated Jeremy Hill from the game plan last week, so best to use as a RB2 and not a DFS play this week.
- Jordy Nelson – Still not being used as a deep threat, averaging just over 11 yards per catch, Nelson also has a tough matchup against top CB Morris Claiborne, who is playing great this year. He does lead the leagues with 10 red zone targets and 5 passing TDs, so there is no shutting him down at least, but the upside might not be there this week.
- Davante Adams – Has scored in all but one game this year, and with coverage shifted elsewhere, he has a chance to score again.
- Dak Prescott – The Packers are giving up nearly 300 yards and 2 TDs a game to opposing QBs with a banged up secondary, so has a chance to come through in a game they may have to pass more.
- Ezekiel Elliott – The Packers have a tough run defense, and while Zeke torched the tough Bengals run defense last week, this matchup is on the road and on grass. He should be a rock solid RB2 getting a ton of work, averaging over 23 touches a game, but the DFS upside may not be there this week.
- Cole Beasley – Double digit PPR points in every game this year and the Packers can be beat in the slot, but only seeing around 4 targets a game, so don’t count on anything more than 4 or 5 catches for 50 yards.
- Jason Witten – Leads the Cowboys in targets and the Packers giving up the 7th most fantasy points (15.2 FPG) to opposing tight ends, so he is a Top 12 option this week. Just not one with much upside on the road.
Negative
- Richard Rodgers – Did see 5 targets last week and the Cowboys giving up 18.7 FPG to opposing TEs. He’s just so hard to trust coming off a one catch game, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
- Brice Butler and Terrence Williams – The Packers secondary is banged up, so both of these guys have a shot to come through, but tough to trust either outside of the deepest leagues.
Falcons vs Seahawks (-6 o/u 45.5)
Positive
- Russell Wilson – The Falcons giving up nearly 28 FPG to opposing QBs, and that’s counting last weeks playing against Paxton Lynch. Locked and loaded as one of the week's best QB plays.
- Christine Michael – Falcons giving up the 5th most points to opposing RBs, including around 9 passes a game. Averaging 4.6 YPC, he’s locked and loaded as a rock solid RB1.
- Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham – Baldwin should avoid CB Troufant playing out of the slot and eat going up against undrafted rookie CB Brian Poole while Graham is a must start in all formats against a Falcons teams giving up nearly 19 FPG to the position.
Neutral
- C.J. Spiller – Giving up 9 passes to opposing RBs a game, Spiller is in the PPR flex picture, especially with a full two weeks to learn this offense.
- Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman – In these tougher matchups, the Falcons have shown they will just be creative with their use. Unfortunately Seattle plays more zone coverage, which should help to limit their sneaky use as they did last week, but both are viable as flex plays or RB2’s until proven otherwise.
Negative
- Matt Ryan – Hardest matchup he will face all season, so best to use the QB you drafted in front of him. While he had some success against the Broncos last week, the Seahawks play zone, which should limit the RB dump offs and they are only giving up 13.8 FPG to opposing QBs. Don’t test fate.
- Julio Jones – I fear this could be another 2-catch game.
- Mohamed Sanu – Not a week to reach for him.
- Tyler Lockett , Paul Richardson Jr and Jermaine Kearse – With the emergence of Jimmy Graham, there isn’t enough passes to go around to have much trust in any of these three guys. Can any of them go off this week? Without a doubt. Which one? I have no idea and would bet against them all especially with CB Troufant on the outside covering Lockett .. or Richardson … or Kearse.
Colts vs Texans (-3 o/u 46.5)
Positive
- Lamar Miller – This is the week he breaks out against a Colts defense allowing 4.7 YPC and 6 catches per game, giving up the most points to opposing RBs in the league. He just has to come through. It doesn’t get better than this matchup and they are giving him a ton of volume.
- Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins – Shut down CB Vontae Davis is just one man and reports are that he will just stick to one side of the field this week, as he has actually done most of the year so far. If that sticks, look for both of these guys to get in on the action against a team giving up a whopping 38 FPG to opposing receivers. All this said, there is always a risk that Davis decides to shadow Hopkins so probably fade him in DFS.
- T.Y. Hilton – The Texans are tough on the back end, allowing just one top 24 receiver this year, but he’s a good bet to make that two with no other viable option around in the pass game.
Neutral
- Andrew Luck – He’s not playing well and the receivers outside of Hilton are not very good. Facing a tougher pass rush with Clowney causing havoc, he’s a tough play in DFS, but you keeping trotting him out in season long.
- Brock Osweiler – With little pass rush, playing at home and against a beatable secondary, even Brock can’t mess this up. He’s bad though. Trust me. He’s bad. But two or three TDs? This is the week.
- C.J. Fiedorowicz – With fellow TE Griffin out this week, Fiedorowicz has entered the streaming conversation. He has seen 13 targets over the past two weeks for a 8/107/1 line. The Colts are weak against the TE, so he is a good reach play this week.
Negative
- Frank Gore – It’s a tough matchup this week against a stout Texans run defense, but they are giving up the third most rushing touchdowns on the year. He’s their bell cow back, but best used as a back-end RB2 or flex play this week since he will need that TD to really come through for you this week.
- Phillip Dorsett – More of a WR3 in standard leagues with weekly upside. He has only caught three passes total the last two weeks.
- Dwayne Allen & Jack Doyle – The Texans don’t allow tight ends to do anything, so neither of these guys is viable this week.
Jets vs Cardinals (-7.5 o/u 46.5)
Positive
- Carson Palmer – The Jets only have 5 sacks in the past four games, so Palmer should plenty of time to throw and the Jets secondary is getting burned every week. Locked and loaded as a QB1.
- David Johnson – Even though the Jets are stout against the run, giving up only 3.5 yards per carry, he is an all purpose back and will have a big game as always.
- Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown – The Jets play solid run defense, so these guys should be active this week. Brown should destroy this week with Palmer back in action and he has led the team in targets and receiving yards over the last three games.
Neutral
- Quincy Enunwa – Will avoid CB Peterson, but may see a lot of CB Tyrann Mathieu out of the slot. In a game where they have to throw it a lot, he should be a viable WR3 in PPR leagues, but little upside this week.
- Brandon Marshall – Tough matchup against CB Patrick Peterson, so best to fade in DFS, but he’s matchup proof. With Decker out for the year, he should see a ton of targets and had 15 targets last week. He will score a TD as usual too.
- Matt Forte – The Cardinal’s are tough to run on, giving up just 3.7 YPC and he’s starting to lose some of his passing work to Powell. After a strong start, he hasn’t scored more than 10 points the past three weeks. I think he gets it going a bit more this week where they have to throw more, but tough to trust outside of PPR leagues.
- Bilal Powell – Had 8 targets and 6 receptions last week, so viable PPR flex play in a game they should be trailing and needing to pass a lot.
Negative
- Ryan Fitzpatrick – He might just throw 5 interceptions this week and we finally might see Geno make an appearance. Yo, Geno!
- Michael Floyd – He’s like Golden Tate, but worse. Needs a new environment.
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