Start: Zay Jones — Jacksonville Jaguars (at NYJ)
It’s been the Zay Jones show in Jacksonville over the last couple of weeks. Four of his five TDs on the year have come in the last two games. In the come-from-behind crazy win over Dallas, Jones was torching the Cowboys’ secondary. He caught six passes for 109 yards and 3 TDs (a week after catching eight for 77 and another score). With Jacksonville’s playoff hopes still technically alive, we could see more of this Trevor Lawrence to Jones connection as the season winds down.
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Sit: CJ Uzomah — New York Jets (vs JAX)
Uzomah has only two TD catches on the year. He’s mostly known as a massive blocker in the run game. However, both TDs came last week in the loss to Detroit at home. The Jets are still fighting for a playoff spot — though are not playing exceptionally well right now. While you may be tempted to start Uzomah after his big afternoon over the weekend, we wouldn’t. He hasn’t really done much to warrant a start other than this start which could ultimately be an aberration.
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Start: Amari Cooper — Cleveland Browns (vs NO)
Cooper has been — and will continue to be the primary receiver for the Browns this year. With Deshaun Watson now under center, there was a bit of an acclimation period in which the two had to get on the right page. Sitting at 6-8, the Browns theoretically can still push for a playoff spot. In come the lowly Saints — a team Cleveland should handle at home. Cooper seems like the right guy for Watson to connect with on the afternoon.
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Sit: Jarvis Landry — New Orleans Saints (at CLE)
Landry gets to make his return back to the place he spent most of his professional career. For years he was a reliable chain-mover with the Browns. Now in New Orleans, his career has somewhat stalled due to his age and the volatile situation with the Saints at QB. Landry didn’t even register a catch in the last week’s win over Atlanta. In fact, he had only one target the entire game. At this point, his best days are likely behind him.
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Sit: Cole Kmet — Chicago Bears (vs BUF)
There are a couple of things going against the Bears (and Kmet) this weekend. For one, there’s a chance it could be snowing in Chicago. Secondly, the team is run-centric — which helps when it is freezing cold and potentially snowing. Third, Buffalo possesses one of the more talented defenses man for man in the NFL. Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, the passing game often takes a backseat to David Montgomery and Justin Fields. As such, stay away from both Kmet and the rest of the skill guys.
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Start: Dawson Knox — Buffalo Bills (at CHI)
Let’s run it back again this week with Knox. The reliable tight end led the Bills in receiving over the weekend during a win over Miami. He was punishing smaller defensive backs downfield, and linebackers had a hard time tracking him in coverage. Even though Josh Allen has all of the arm talent in the world, he could also be prone to some mistakes on throws downfield. As such, shorter throws to Knox seems like a smarter plan.
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Start: Mark Andrews — Baltimore Ravens (vs ATL)
When things get tough, rely on your best player. Whether Tyler Huntley or Anthony Brown is the QB for Baltimore this week, you can guess that Andrews will be the target of many throws. Playing on the road versus a division rival last week wasn’t easy. Andrews was held in check to 3 catches for 31 yards. Aside from running the football, one could surmise that Andrews will be force-fed quick and manageable throws. His YPC might not be great, but he could be headed for a high volume afternoon.
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Start: Jaylen Waddle — Miami Dolphins (vs GB)
The Dolphins are in a it of a rut at the moment having dropped games to the Niners, Chargers, and Bills in three-straight weeks. Going back home against a reeling Packers team might just be what the proverbial doctor ordered. It gives Miami an opportunity to release some frustration while also picking up a much needed win in the process. Waddle got back on track last week after two subpar efforts versus SF and LA. He lit up the Bills 114 yards and a TD on three grabs.
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Start: Chris Moore — Houston Texans (at TEN)
You may have no idea who he is. However, Chris Moore at this point has firmly established himself as the most dangerous receiver on the Texans’ roster. Houston took Kansas City to the limit over the weekend — narrowly losing in overtime. Moore yet again led the team in receptions and receiving yards. Though the Texans have really nothing to play for, beating Tennessee on the road would be a nice accomplishment in the form of being a spoiler.
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Sit: Robert Woods — Tennessee Titans (vs HOU)
Tennessee is sitting at 7-7 with the Jaguars coming up close being ready to pounce on the division lead. The Titans NEED a victory in this ballgame — which likely means that it’s bread-and-butter approach will be in full swing this week. Don’t be shocked if Derrick Henry gets north of 30 carries in this contest. Who will be suffering the most from this expected run game push? Likely veteran Robert Woods — who hasn’t really garnered a ton of traction all season long. A smarter play would be Austin Hooper.
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Start: DK Metcalf — Seattle Seahawks (at KC)
You know the Seahawks are going to be slinging the rock in this contest. Going on the road to Kansas City is no easy task — and it’ll be vital for the Seahawks to keep pace considering their defense is far from rock-solid. Metcalf has been a true force over the last two months of the season. With him on the field, he’s always a threat to challenge defensive backs downfield — and this has even been the case more so with Geno Smith’s gun for an arm.
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Sit: Kadarius Toney — Kansas City Chiefs (vs SEA)
The former high pick out of Florida was brought in to give Patrick Mahomes yet another weapon. Toney was known primarily for his quickness — as he was a prolific receiver in space during his collegiate days. This hasn’t translated to the pro level for whatever reason. Since joining the Chiefs, Toney has a combined seven receptions in four games (for 74 yards). He played only 6-percent of the offensive snaps over the weekend versus Houston.
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Sit: Greg Dulcich — Denver Broncos (at LAR)
We like Dulcich a lot as a player. Dating back to his days as a walk-on at UCLA, we’ve seen him emerge into a tough, sure-handed, physical player with better athleticism than you’d guess. After scoring a TD in his first game with the Broncos, the anemic Denver offense has hurt Dulcich’s production. Simply put, Russell Wilson isn’t very good right now. To make matters worse, Wilson was concussed and knocked out of the Denver loss to the Chiefs. With Brett Rypien at QB, we don’t have faith in Dulcich being a big-target guy (evidenced by 1 catch over the weekend). Even coming home to LA, we’d be hesitant in starting him.
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Start: Justin Jefferson — Minnesota Vikings (vs NYG)
Just in case you haven’t got the memo yet. Jefferson is leading the NFL in receiving yards up to this point. He’s only 341 receiving yards away from setting the all-time NFL season record for the most yards in a season. Rest assured the former LSU star will be more than motivated to carve out a spot for himself atop the statistical mountain. Playing at home versus the Giants should give him a nice opportunity to make some noise (even with Kayvon Thibodeaux playing at a very high level off the edge).
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Sit: Robby Anderson — Arizona Cardinals (vs TB)
There’s always some sort of allure centered around Robby Anderson. In the past, he had a few good games on bad teams where his deep speed was unleashed. However, he’s pretty much the epitome of an inconsistent receiver where the physical tools don’t match up with his lack of production. With the Cardinals, Anderson has a combined two catches for 13 yards (10 targets) through seven games. Yeah…that isn’t great!
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Sit: Jameson Williams — Detroit Lions (at CAR)
Two weekends ago, we saw a glimpse as to why the Lions took Williams out of Alabama high in the first round. Playing in his second-ever NFL game versus the Vikings, Williams sped past the defense and caught a 41-yard-TD grab. The crowd was going absolutely wild. While his upside is immense, we must temper expectations considerably. Williams only had one target in the win over the Jets. At this point, you’d be really playing for the future should you start him now.
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Start: Elijah Moore — New York Jets (vs JAX)
Zach Wilson wasn’t terrible in the close loss to Detroit. He did throw 2 TDs, and connected with Moore four times for 51 yards. While the Jaguars are actually halfway decent, there still should be some areas on the field to exploit. Despite Garrett Wilson being great for the Jets, we actually like Elijah Moore in this game with his quickness and agility. He could be used big-time on screens and short throws (which in turn should help in mitigating the Jags’ pass rush).
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Start: D.J. Moore — Carolina Panthers (at DET)
With Sam Darnold at QB two weeks ago, Carolina managed to score 30 points/beat the Seahawks on the road. Last week, the Panthers did get tripped up by the Steelers. However, we did see the past chemistry between Darnold and Moore flicker once more. Moore led the Panthers in catches and receiving yards. He also caught a TD for good measure in the process. If Carolina wants any shot at the playoffs, it must win this game over the weekend versus a suddenly upstart Lions bunch.
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Start: Tee Higgins — Cincinnati Bengals (at NE)
With Higgins back in the fold, the Pats have to worry about not one — but two receivers who on most teams would qualify as WR1s. Ja’Marr Chase will undoubtedly receive a ton of attention whether lined up on the perimeter or in the slot, As such, Higgins actually should see some favorable matchups. New England isn’t fun to play against on the road. However, the Bengals have a terrific rhythm at this point. You’d expect them to put on a rather good performance.
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Sit: Nelson Agholor — New England Patriots (vs CIN)
Agholor is clearly behind in the Pats’ pecking order right now. Take the loss to Las Vegas over the weekend for example. Agholor had 1 catch for 3 yards. He was behind Pierre Strong Jr., Hunter Henry, Jakobi Meyers, Jonnu Smith, and Tyquan Thornton. Simply put, the former Southern Cal receiver isn’t getting the looks he once was. He’s a fringe rotation guy at this point.
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Start: Van Jefferson — Los Angeles Rams (vs DEN)
It’s Baker’s world, and we’re just living in it. Somehow, the former No.1 Overall Pick made his debut with the Rams into one for the ages. He erased a two-score deficit in the fourth quarter, and connected with Jefferson for the game-winning touchdown over the Raiders with seconds left in the contest. Mayfield might just revert back to the mean (which is a very average signal-caller). Or — he’ll go gangbusters at home versus a bad Broncos team. Anything is possible!
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Sit: Foster Moreau — Las Vegas Raiders (at PIT)
We’re sitting Moreau again. The Raiders’ offense is both volatile and inconsistent. About the only consistent thing is the connection between Derek Carr and Davante Adams. That could change with Darren Waller now back healthy in the lineup. When looking at Moreau, he didn’t even have a catch two weeks ago (on one measly target). This past week, he had only two grabs for 20 yards.
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Start: Mike Williams — Los Angeles Chargers (at IND)
Here come the Chargers! Mike Williams — when healthy — has been downright dominant for LA this year. Two weeks ago, the Chargers flexed their muscles versus the Dolphins. Williams himself was terrific, hauling in six catches for 116 yards and a TD. That would be a whopping 19.3 YPC average. In the win over Tennessee, he led the team with an average of 16.8 yards per grab. The Chargers could put themselves in a very good spot with a win on the road versus the Colts.
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Start: A.J. Brown — Philadelphia Eagles (at DAL)
The best players usually play best when the lights are the brightest. Philadelphia has a chance to stamp their division crown with a win at Dallas. Unfortunately for Philly, Jalen Hurts might be out with a sprained throwing shoulder. Gardner Minshew would take over for the MVP frontrunner should he be out. On the flip-side, Minshew is more of a gunslinger — and Brown is still among the best receivers in football.
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Sit: Evan Engram — Jacksonville Jaguars (at NYJ)
Engram was a monster two weeks ago versus the Titans. He had 11 grabs for 162 yards and 2 TDs (on 15 targets). This past week in the win over Dallas, Engram was good again. He caught eight passes for 62 yards on 10 targets. The chemistry between himself and Trevor Lawrence is quite apparent right now. You can see the confidence growing between the two, and the Jets could be the next team ready to get runover by this buzz saw.
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Start: Ja’Marr Chase — Cincinnati Bengals (at TB)
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Sit: Julio Jones — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at ARI)
Tampa mustered only seven points versus the 49ers. A week later, Tampa scored 23 in yet another double-digits loss. Tampa’s offense at this point revolves around a struggling line with a rather weak run game and an aging quarterback. Jones wasn’t even targeted once versus the Bengals. He doesn’t really have the big-play ability anymore to rack up the points from a fantasy standpoint. You’d probably be better off looking into Mike Evans or Chris Godwin.
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Start: CeeDee Lamb — Dallas Cowboys (vs PHI)
This is PRIMETIME for the Cowboys. While they may not catch the Eagles for the division crown, Dallas can make real statement to the NFC and rest of the league with a big win at home versus their hated rival. Lamb was a monster in the loss on the road to Jacksonville over the weekend. While Darius Slay likely will be tasked with guarding Lamb, we think the former Oklahoma star can make some plays with his quickness off the line of scrimmage.
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Start: Diontae Johnson — Pittsburgh Steelers (vs LV)
Johnson is one of those guys who loves the underneath route. He gobbles up yardage with his speed and quickness, and is often looked at as a possession receiver. Case-in point this past weekend. Johnson led the team with 10 receptions for 98 yards. The Raiders’ defense is leaky, and the team may play extra aggressive in order to force turnovers. This plays directly into Johnson’s hands — as the Steelers may look to get the ball out quickly.
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Start: Christian Watson — Green Bay Packers (at MIA)
Watson has seven TD grabs over his last four games (heading into the matchup with the Rams). He’s totally come out of nowhere to give Green Bay a real WR1. You know — the one Aaron Rodgers has been pining for since Davante Adams has left. His length, speed, and hand-eye coordination pops off the screen. Watson really does have the look of a breakout star. The Dolphins might be scoring a ton of points in this game — forcing GB to throw the rock. As such, Watson is there to be the primary target.
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