It’s the homestretch of games before the fantasy football playoffs. Who can fantasy owners trust in their lineups during these tense weeks? Let’s start with…
Start
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos
Itap Raider week as the Broncos head out to Oakland for Sunday Night Football in a matchup for first place in the AFC West. Fantasy owners really have to love receiver Demaryius Thomas’ matchup against Oakland. The Raiders have allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game to opponents. The Raiders have also allowed 15 passing touchdowns this year. There’s a good chance Demaryius Thomas adds to that total Sunday.
Donte Moncrief, WR, Indianapolis Colts
What fractured shoulder blade? Indianapolis Colts receiver Donte Moncrief returned from a five-week absence last week and didn’t skip a beat. Moncrief had four catches for 43 yards and a score. He drew a team-high nine targets. This week he plays Green Bay which has allowed 13 passing touchdowns and an average of 247 passing yards per game. Also, this game has one of the higher over-unders for the week so it could be a potential shootout at Lambeau.
Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Don’t miss out of this slam dunk play off the waiver wire. Chiefs running back Charcandrick West is poised for a great day against a Jacksonville defense that allows an average of 125 rushing yards a game to go with nine rushing touchdowns on the season. West proved himself last year when Jamaal Charles went down and before Spencer Ware took over. With Ware out with a concussion, West is a valuable plug and play option.
Sit
Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
With quarterback Russell Wilson battling through injuries to his knee and pectoral region, it has become difficult to trust Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin. Baldwin has just one 100-plus yard receiving game on the year, and he hasn’t scored a touchdown or eclipsed 70 yards since Week 3.
Rashad Jennings, RB, New York Giants
The Giants are back from their bye and host division rival Philadelphia Sunday. The Giants backfield is looking untouchable at the moment which bodes ill for Rashad Jennings. that rookie Paul Perkins’ role “will increase significantly.” That would mean a split between Jennings, Perkins and Bobby Rainey. Plus, the matchup is less than favorable with the Eagles having allowed just four rushing touchdowns on the season.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin is a tough play this week against Jacksonville of all defenses. While the Jags are middle of the pack in terms of touchdowns allowed (11), Maclin will likely draw rising cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey is quickly joining the ranks of corners fantasy owners need to watch out for on a weekly basis. Also, with backup quarterback Nick Foles getting the start, Maclin may not have the same chemistry with the team’s No. 2 as he would with Alex Smith.