Graphic by Dina Kats
Evan Stotsky
Sports Reporter
Disclaimer: Kicker and obvious starters such as Ezekiel Elliot and Julio Jones will not be included.
With fall just beginning, the NFL has picked back up, and with it, the millions of fantasy football players. Whether it is money or simply bragging rights on the line, it is essential to put your best line-up forward. For those of you who are unsure about who to play and who to bench, I am here to provide you with suggested starts and sits for the next week if you are uncertain of who to start this week.
Play:
Quarterback- Russell Wilson. Pat yourself on your back if you started Wilson last week as he went off against the Saints for 41 points. This week he has an even more favorable against the Cardinals, who are giving up an average of 286.33 yards and 3 passing touchdowns per game. They haven’t been playing against all MVP candidates, as Matthew Stafford and Kyle Allen have carved up this Arizona secondary like a Thanksgiving turkey. Look for Wilson to have another monster week.
Running Back- Kerryon Johnson. Johnson got bailed out with a goal-line touchdown despite a mediocre week. This is a new week, and this Chiefs run defense he is going up against is less than spectacular. They have been giving up 137.67 yards per game along with 1.33 rushing touchdowns per game. If you were on the edge of starting Johnson, this is the week to do it.
Wide Receiver- Terry McLaurin. McLaurin has been balling out recently, scoring a touchdown every game while averaging over 85 yards per game. McLaurin and the Redskins will take on the atrocious Giants secondary that has allowed the most passing yards per game with 332.33 yards per game allowed, not to mention they’ve allowed 2.67 passing touchdowns per game. Count on McLaurin this week.
Tight End- Darren Waller. Waller has been a standout on this Raiders offense, averaging 89 yards per game. Although he hasn’t yet reached the end zone, Waller is a must-start this week against a Colts defense that has allowed 10 points a game to tight ends. Waller isn’t as well known as many other tight ends, but you can’t deny his numbers, and I would bet he has another great week.
Defense- Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons take on the Tennessee Titans, who have been struggling offensively. They have been averaging only 307.3 total offensive yards per game, not to mention they are only averaging 22.3 points per game. The Falcons haven’t been perfect, but they are only giving up 311.33 total yards per week, so I would bet they are going to be able to limit this Titans offense.
Nay:
Quarterback- Josh Allen. Allen has a strong start to the season, developing into a pretty consistent, trustworthy fantasy starter. But, this is not the week to start him, as he takes on the dominant Patriots defense. Sure, the Patriots have had a cakewalk this season, as their opponents have gone a combined 0-9 so far. That doesn’t mean they don’t have good defense though, they are giving only 162.33 passing yards per game, and they haven’t allowed an offensive touchdown this year. Don’t risk it with Allen this week.
Running Back- Aaron Jones. Jones has had two straight great games fantasy-wise, but this week he goes up against the Eagles run defense, otherwise known as a brick wall. The Eagles have only gave up 2.9 yards per carry, and only allow an average of 57 rushing yards per week. Not to mention they have only allowed one rushing touchdown this year. Jones is hard to replace as he is a high RB2, but if you have another trustworthy running back, maybe start him instead.
Wide Receiver- Nelson Agholor. Agholor has seen his share of action with Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson out, but this week he plays against a stout Packers pass defense on Thursday night. The Packers have only been allowing 197.33 yards per game, and have allowed 1 passing touchdown this season. I’m not so sure I trust Agholor this week, especially with all of the mistakes he has made. Tread lightly with Agholor this week.
Tight End- O.J. Howard. If you’ve been waiting for the week for Howard finally makes the leap to elite fantasy football tight end, this is not the week. Howard has been a major disappointment to all that drafted him, and this week he gets to play a very good Rams defense. The Rams have been good, only giving up an average of 4.33 fantasy points a game to opposing tight ends. I wouldn’t take a chance on Howard this week.
Defense- New Orleans Saints. The Saints get to welcome the Cowboys to the Superdome, but it won’t be a welcome sight. The Cowboys have done well offensively this year, averaging 32.33 points and 481.33 total offensive yards per game. The Saints haven’t been very strong on defense, giving up 436.33 total offensive yards and 27.33 points per game. The Saints are not a strong option to start this week.
