QB:
Lamar Jackson, Ravens–If the Ravens want to make a push to the playoffs, it’s going to have to happen starting now. The Bears have played well on defense the past couple of games, but that was against Washington and New Orleans and not Lamar and Baltimore. Look for Jackson to come out and play at his best, throw for at least 230 yards and two touchdowns, with a chance to run in another.
Baker Mayfield, Bucs– You can’t blame Mayfield for being angry after the game against Detroit, where it seemed like every single call went against Tampa. New Orleans plays at the fastest pace in the NFL, and this game should be a shootout. Losing Mike Evans is a big deal, but the Saints have let up big plays all season, and there’s a good chance that either Tez Johnson or Emeka Egbuka makes a big play in this game, which could end up being a shootout. Look for Baker to get 245 passing yards and at least two touchdowns.
Bo Nix, Broncos – It felt like for the first 50 minutes of the game against the Giants that Bo Nix could not do anything right, and then all of a sudden he and the Broncos came alive late in the fourth quarter to pull out the victory. Dallas has been giving up huge plays all season, and it feels like Nix’s confidence is at its highest level. Look for him to throw for about 250 yards and at least two touchdowns.
Honorable Mention–Drake Maye, Joe Flacco
RB:
Jonathan Taylor, Colts– Sometimes you just have to go with the obvious play, and the Captain Obvious play of the week is Jonathan Taylor. Tennessee cannot stop the run, and the Colts are a better team when Jonathan Taylor is rushing the ball at least 20 to 25 times. Taylor feels like a living lock for 100+ rushing yards and at least one touchdown, and possibly two.
Bijan Robinson, Falcons– It’s shocking to me that Miami hasn’t fired head coach Mike McDaniel yet as the team looks lost on both offense and defense. In particular, the Dolphins run defense has been horrific, which is bad news considering they’re playing the Falcons, who really want to establish the run. Robinson has arguably been the best running back outside of Jonathan Taylor this season, and this game feels like a great one for him to have at least 120 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Rachaad White, Bucs– This week’s slate has a lot of high-end running backs who are in excellent fantasy environments. Possibly sliding under the radar is White, who will start once again with Bucky Irving likely missing the game. D’Andre Swift did an excellent job last week against the Saints, and I expect White to do similarly. Look for him to have about 50 yards rushing and another 50 yards receiving with a touchdown.
Honorable Mention: Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry
WR:
Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals– The Bengals look like a completely different team with a competent Joe Flacco at quarterback, as Ja’Marr Chase was targeted on virtually every pass play. Sauce Gardner is still very questionable, and if he doesn’t play, Chase could have one of those games where he goes for over 200 yards with multiple TDs.
Emeka Egbuka, Bucs– With Mike Evans out for the regular season it is now up to Egbuka to become the WR1 for Tampa. He’s clearly up to the job as he’s been a mismatch in almost every game this season, and he should have his way against a Saints defense that has led to big plays all year long. Look for him to have 110 yards and a touchdown.
Zay Flowers, Ravens– The only thing that holds Flowers back from being one of the top 15 wide receivers in the game is his lack of touchdown equity. Chicago has done a terrible job against opposing slot receivers, which is exactly how Lamar Jackson is going to take advantage of the Bears pass defense. Look for Flowers to have double-digit targets with at least seven or eight receptions and 90 yards.
Honorable Mention: Jerry Jeudy, Kayshon Boutte
TE:
George Kittle, 49ers– This is National tight ends week, and if I remember correctly, George Kittle had a touchdown last year, and there’s a good chance he might do it again this season. Kittle was a disappointment last week in his first game back after injury against Atlanta, but don’t forget that Atlanta has been the best team in the NFL against opposing tight ends. Houston might be without Nico Collins, which will lead to more three-and-outs, which should lead to more opportunities for San Francisco to score. Look for Kittle to find the end zone at least once and possibly twice.
Cade Otton, Bucs– Otton was such an important part of what the Buccaneers did last year when Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were out with injuries, so it would not be surprising to see him step up to a role where he’s catching at least 6 to 8 passes a week once again. He’s such a huge red zone target and he’s got excellent hands. Look for him to find the end zone.
Mason Taylor, Jets– I’m listing Taylor here, assuming that Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback for the Jets. When Tyrod replaced Justin Fields in the second half last week, the team’s offense looked appreciably better, which can only help Mason. Cincinnati has been dreadful against opposing tight ends this season, so look for Mason Taylor to do the damage that we expected him to do in Week 7 by getting 60 yards and a touchdown.
Honorable Mention: Hunter Henry, Dallas Goedert
