What’s up, fantasy faithful? As we barrel toward the fantasy playoffs, getting that “W” is all the more crucial. Let’s look at the studs that can help owners win their matchups this week.
Start
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears
The Bears looked like a different team a couple Mondays ago when they took down division leader Minnesota. The difference for Chicago? The return of quarterback Jay Cutler seemed to rejuvenate the Bears offense. Now after a bye in Week 9, The Bears return to face Tampa Bay in looks like a juicy matchup. The Bucs have allowed a combined 857 passing yards and eight touchdowns to Derek Carr and Matt Ryan in the past two games.
Devontae Booker, RB, Denver Broncos
Broncos back Devontae Booker hasn’t been the fantasy star I thought he would be after he took over Denver’s backfield a couple weeks ago. Since, C.J. Anderson was placed on IR after Week 7, Booker has rushed for just 76 yards on 29 carries. He’s caught six passes for 38 yards in that span and he rushed for a touchdown (though that was mostly a gift from the Broncos’ defense). Sunday is just too gorgeous a matchup to pass up however, the Saints have allowed 12 rushing scores, tied for second-most in the NFL.
Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant was a fantasy dud last week with just one catch for 19 yards. He was targeted just four times in Week 9. I think he’ll rebound nicely against the Steelers in part because Bryant loves to get the ball and I believe he’ll lobby for more targets. Also, the Steelers have allowed big plays to downfield pass catchers such as New England’s Rob Gronkowski and Baltimore’s Mike Wallace.
Sit
Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Wide receiver Allen Robinson found the endzone last week but it’ll be tough sledding for the Jags and Robinson Sunday in a game against Houston. The Texans rank fourth in the NFL against opposing No. 1 receivers. Opponents’ top passing options are logging an average of just 54.7 yards per game according to Fantasy Football Outsiders.
Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
49ers back Carlos Hyde returns from a AC joint sprain Sunday when San Francisco takes on division rival Arizona. Hyde figures to mix in with fellow running back DuJuan Harris. He’ll likely be on a snap count in order to keep him healthy. Unfortunately, the game script probably won’t be favorable for the 49ers back. Expect the Cardinals to get up big on the 49ers which may affect how often San Francisco runs the football late in the game. Given limited reps and an unfavorable game script, Hyde is not an advised play.
Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams
It’ll be tough to bench Rams back Todd Gurley, a guy fantasy owners likely spent a first-round draft pick for, but his disastrous season will continue as he faces a stout New York Jets front seven. The Jets allow just 81 rushing yards per game and have only given up six touchdowns on the ground all year.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been on fire the past four weeks but he figures to cool down against Denver’s lockdown pass defense. Through his past four games Brees averaged 355 passing yards a game. Denver, by contrast, allows 183 passing yards a game and has allowed six passing scores all year. Also, the Broncos have been weak against the run of late and the Saints may opt to rush more, limiting Brees’ opportunities.