Love
NYJ WR Garrett Wilson vs. BUF CB Christian Benford
Wilson expressed his frustrations about his lack of targets despite having seven targets in the loss Sunday. Jets interim HC Jeff Ulbrich said publicly Monday that they have to find ways to get Wilson the ball more. Luckily, the Jets play Buffalo this week, and the Bills rank 25th in overall pass defense. Buffalo played without three of their starters in the secondary against the Patriots, so that will be something to watch as the week progresses. Wilson is sure to see an uptick in usage this coming week.
SF WR Deebo Samuel vs. DET CB Amik Robertson
Samuel is coming off one of his best games of what has been a frustrating season for Samuel and the Niners. Detroit’s pass defense has been lackluster this season, ranking 27th in the league. Over the last three games, the Lions have given up 280 passing yards a game. Due to injuries, Samuel has seen more time in the backfield, increasing his opportunities to rack up the fantasy points. Samuel will be sure to continue to be a focal point in the Niners’ offense.
CIN WR Tee Higgins vs. DEN CB Kris Abrams-Draine
For Denver, there is a chance that Riley Moss could return this week from injury, but it does not matter who lines up across from Higgins. He has been a big part of one of the hottest NFL offenses right now. With Pat Surtain on Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins could see increased targets, and rightfully so. Higgins has scored in back-to-back games, and that streak could continue in this game as well. Plug Higgins into your lineup.
Hate
PIT WR George Pickens vs. KC CB Trent McDuffie
Pickens is trending towards playing this week after missing three games with a hamstring injury. The downside is he returns to square off against Trent McDuffie, a great young corner. McDuffie had a great game against the Texans and Nico Collins as he held Collins to six catches for 70 yards. Chiefs DC Steve Spaguolo will most certainly have a plan to stifle Pickens and create fewer opportunities for him to make plays. Russell Wilson will take his chances when Pickens has one-on-one coverage, but those chances could be few and far between.
ATL WR Drake London vs. WSH CB Benjamin St-Juste
There has not been a bigger turnaround than the Commanders’ pass defense. They are now ranked fourth in pass defense as they fight for a playoff spot. London left last week’s game with a hamstring, but Falcons HC Raheem Morris said London could have gone back into the game. London should play, barring a setback, but Dan Quinn against a rookie quarterback starting his second game is a large mismatch. Look at other options besides London.
HOU WR Nico Collins vs. BAL CB Nate Wiggins
Baltimore is another pass defense that has turned it around down the back half of the season. The Ravens have clinched a playoff spot, but the division is still in play for them. The Texans have now lost two of their top three receivers for the year, so there will be plenty of attention shown to Collins on Christmas. Baltimore has only allowed around 164 passing yards a game over their last three games despite being ranked 31st in pass defense. Collins will get his, but it is hard to imagine he will have a monster game.
