QB:
Lamar Jackson, Ravens–If there was ever a time to jump on the Ravens bandwagon, now would be it. The defense is playing better, the offense is playing better, and Lamar Jackson is leading the charge. If the Vikings defense is too aggressive (and they will be), Lamar will make them pay. Put him down for 250 yards and at least 2 TDs, possibly 3.
Josh Allen, Bills–Miami has nothing left in the tank, so the only thing stopping Allen from having a spectacular game might be that he is taken out in the fourth quarter with Buffalo leading by 20. If that happens, there’s a better than even chance that it was Allen who threw for 240 yards and 2 TDs and ran one in earlier in the game. Lock him into all lineups.
Drake Maye, Patriots–Tampa is almost impossible to run on, and there is also a great chance that Rhamondre Stevenson is out again, so Maye will be counted on more than ever to make plays downfield. Look for him to have 230 yards passing and 2 TDs, as well as about 45 rushing yards and a TD.
Jaxson Dart, Giants–Every week we overlook Dart, and every week he produces solid fantasy numbers. If he throws for 200 yards and a TD, that’s a quick way to 14 points. If he runs for 50 yards and a TD, that’s another 11. I’m not great at math, but I know that adds up to 25 fantasy points, which makes Dart one of the top plays of the week.
Honorable Mention: Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold
RB:
De’Von Achane, Dolphins–The blueprint to beat Buffalo is so simple that even Mike McDaniel shouldn’t be able to mess it up: run the football. Ollie Gordon is dealing with an injury, and Jaylen Wright hasn’t had a meaningful snap all season. Achane is the best way for Miami to keep it close, and he should be able to run for 100+ yards and a TD.
Kyren Williams, Rams–In his last three games vs. San Francisco, Williams has had 262 rushing yards, 97 receiving yards, and 5 TDs. One game might be lucky, two games feel like a coincidence, but three games is a pattern that I trust. Lock Williams in for 100+ yards from scrimmage and a TD.
Rico Dowdle, Panthers–It took a Chuba Hubbard injury for it to happen, but Carolina has finally found its RB1 in Dowdle. New Orleans traded away two key players on offense, so look for plenty of three-and-outs, giving Dowdle more opportunities for touches. He feels like a lock to score.
Quinshon Judkins, Browns–Speaking of teams that have given up, the Jets traded away their best run stopper (Quinnen Williams) and cover CB (Sauce Gardner) to stock up on picks for the coming seasons. Judkins is expected to be back and healthy in a game that Cleveland is likely to control the time of possession. Lock him in for 80+ rushing yards and a TD.
Honorable Mention: James Cook, Jahmyr Gibbs
WR:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks–When you hear the words “zone coverage” there are two players whose names should immediately come to your attention: Puka Nacua and JSN. JSN has been uncatchable all year, and the trade for Rashid Shaheed actually helps him more since the free safety has to respect Shaheed’s speed and make sure he has eyes on him. Arizona’s offense has been much better with Jacoby Brissett, so this game might be more explosive than it appears. Look for JSN to have 120+ receiving yards and a TD.
Rome Odunze, Bears–When it comes to letdowns, fantasy managers have very long memories. However, that is exactly what fantasy managers should never do. They need to worry about next week’s matchup and not stew over the previous week’s game. Odunze seemed like the only Bears receiver who didn’t have a good game against Cincinnati, and the inclination is to assume that he will bust again. Wrong! Rome dominates man coverage and will be the Bears’ receiver who dominates the Giants too. Lock him in for a TD.
Zay Flowers, Ravens–Expect the Vikings defense to do the following: 1) Keep Lamar Jackson in the pocket and 2) Make sure Derrick Henry doesn’t dominate in the run game. This should make the Ravens receivers excellent starts. Minnesota rolls out tons of zone coverage, and Zay Flowers thrives in that environment. Look for him to find all the holes in the Vikings secondary as he goes for 15-18 fantasy points.
Stefon Diggs, Patriots–Kayshon Boutte is likely out with an injured hamstring, and Rhamondre Stevenson is iffy with a toe injury. Kyle Williams is a rookie whom Mike Vrabel is not ready to commit to just yet. This leaves Diggs and Pop Douglas as the top two Patriot receivers. Diggs has played some really good football as of late, and I fully expect him to have another great game with 75+ yards and a TD.
Honorable Mention: Emeka Egbuka, Ladd McConkey
TE:
Trey McBride, Cardinals–I’m sad to see Kyler Murray go on the IR (said no Cardinals fan ever) as Jacoby Brissett has looked terrific thus far. Maybe it’s the arm angle or maybe it’s his willingness to throw in traffic, but Brissett has taken this offense from mid to solid. Seattle has done an exceptional job taking wide receivers out of games, so McBride should own the middle of the field and be good for at least 15 fantasy points. If he scores a TD, he’s the breakout TE of the week.
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers–Gadsden has taken the Chargers offense and the rest of the league by storm, showing off his receiving skills on a weekly basis. Pittsburgh played terrific defense versus the Colts, but Daniel Jones still threw for 342 yards. Los Angeles eats up man coverage as all their receivers have plus matchups. With the Steelers needing to watch for Allen, Johnston, and McConkey, they might just overlook Gadsden, who will finish with 85 yards and a TD.
Dalton Kincaid, Bills–Kincaid has come back from injury with a vengeance in 2025, looking every bit of the stud tight end that the Bills thought they were getting when they drafted him. Miami has allowed the third most receiving yards and the second most TDs to opposing tight ends this season. It almost feels like a slam dunk, which worries me, but I am locking Kincaid in anyway, Visionary Style!
Juwan Johnson, Saints–With Shaheed now in Seattle, New Orleans is going to be relying on Juwan Johnson, Devaughn Vele, and Brandin Cooks more than ever. Johnson has the trust of Tyler Shough (considering they were college teammates) so expect Johnson to be the de facto second receiver for the remainder of the season. Put him down for a TD against Carolina on Sunday.
Honorable Mention: Cade Otton, Hunter Henry
