Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs–This is obviously the premier game of the week and one that Kansas City is going to want to see where it’s at prior to their BYE week. Because Kansas City started out so slowly this year, every game is critically important if they want to win the division. The big problem is that Buffalo’s weakness is its run defense. That said, the Chiefs running game is not fantastic. So look for Andy Reed to go outside the box and use both Rice and Worthy creatively, and watch for Mahomes to have about 30 to 40 yards rushing on top of the 250 yards passing and two to three touchdowns that he’s going to have.
Josh Allen, Bills– It always feels like Josh Allen is capable of being the best fantasy quarterback of the week, but that usually happens when the other team pushes him. In week eight against Carolina Allen wasn’t pushed because James Cook was able to run for 200+ yards. It’s extremely hard to run against Kansas City, and Allen is going to have to make some plays not only with his arm but with his legs. Once or twice a year, Allen has that game where he’s the top player on the slate, and this just might be the week. Let’s lock him in for 240 passing yards and 2 TDs to go along with 70 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Jaxson Dart, Giants– Last week, the Texans provided the blueprint of how to beat the 49ers–control the clock with short passes. Hopefully Brian Daboll watched plenty of video this week before setting the game plan. With the injuries that the Giants have had on offense recently, look for Dart to not only use his arm but his legs to make a huge impact in this game. His mobility is a game-changer, especially in the red zone. Dart should have about 220 passing yards and one touchdown to go along with 60 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown.
Caleb Williams, Bears– One of the things I always like to do in Fantasy is look to the guy who disappointed us last week and see if he will be better this week. Williams was a monumental disappointment against Baltimore in Week 8. In Week 9 he gets the Bengals defense who really can’t stop anybody so the Bears should have their way. Look for Williams to throw for about 250 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Honorable Mention: Drake Maye, Justin Herbert
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers– McCaffrey barely touched the ball against the Texans, but that should not happen this week against the Giants. He has really looked terrific all season long, and with Ricky Pearsall likely out once again, look for the 49ers to lean on McCaffrey for about 20 to 25 touches. Lock him in for about 120 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions– Minnesota has a swarming defense, which should leave itself open for some quick dump-off passes from Jared Goff to Gibbs. Once Gibbs gets past the linebackers, he should be able to make some big plays. Look for him to have close to 140 all-purpose yards and at least one touchdown.
Kimani Vidal, Chargers– There’s not much to say about Vidal outside of the fact that he has been extremely consistent since he’s taken over the RB1 job. Tennessee has been one of the most generous defenses to opposing running backs this entire season, and Jeffrey Simmons is still questionable as to whether or not he’s playing. Look for Vidal to continue his strong play and get about 90 yards and a touchdown.
Kyren Williams, Rams– New Orleans decided to make a change at quarterback for this upcoming game, which will definitely be to their detriment as the Rams come to town with one of the best pass rushes in the NFC as well as a terrific ground game. Expect a lot of three-and-outs for the Saints on offense, which should give the Rams the ball a ton. Williams should have about 80 rushing yards and one touchdown with a good chance at two.
Honorable Mention: Jaylen Warren, Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Puka Nacua, Rams–Nacua is expected back this week against New Orleans, which plays a ton of zone coverage. Moreover, New Orleans is awful against slot receivers, which is where Puka lines up a ton as well. Look for him to get back on track with at least 8 to 10 catches for 80 plus yards and a touchdown
Rashee Rice, Chiefs–Rice’s return has taken the Chiefs offense from good to great. Patrick Mahomes looks for him in almost every passing situation, and he has an uncanny ability to find the open spots in zone defenses. Look for him to have somewhere between 8 and 10 catches for about a hundred yards and a touchdown in what could be the game of the week.
Marvin Harrison, Jr., Cardinals– It feels like a cheat code to take the other team’s top wide receiver against the Dallas Cowboys secondary. This week, that player is Harrison, who has looked exceptional at times. Sadly, Harrison is tied to Kyler Murray, who can often be a disappointment. However, Dallas is so bad on defense that there seems to be very little way that Kyler fails. Look for Harrison to have 80 yards and a touchdown.
DK Metcalf, Steelers– When I did the First Look podcast with my man Trevor Hillstrom earlier this week, his lock of the week was DK Metcalf with 100 yards and a touchdown against the Colts. Well, I trust in Trevo,r and I think you should too. If he says that Metcalf is getting a hundred yards and a touchdown, then I’m giving it my Visionary lock as well!
Honorable Mention: WanDale Robinson, Alec Pierce
George Kittle, 49ers– The only thing that could hold Kittle back from having a multiple-touchdown game is that the Giants defensive line is so good that it might require him to block more than usual. That said, with all the injuries that San Francisco has on offense, Kittle will be a very big part of their passing attack and should have about 60 yards and at least one touchdown.
Brock Bowers, Raiders– It feels like weeks since we’ve mentioned Bowers’ name, which is sad considering he was the top tight end in Fantasy last season. He is practicing without restrictions, and he’s playing a Jaguars defense that has been very aggressive but not necessarily the best against opposing tight ends. Look for Bowers to put his stamp on this game with 80 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Jonnu Smith, Steelers– The Steelers desperately need to make a trade for another receiver as they just don’t have enough firepower in that area. The game against the Colts is one of the highest scoring games on the slate, and expect Aaron Rodgers to be slinging it in the second half. Jonnu has been underutilized this season, and if the Steelers want to win, they’re going to have to play better on offense than they’ve had in the last couple of weeks. Look for Jonnu to get 65 yards and a score.
Colston Loveland, Bears– There is no worse team in the NFL against opposing tight ends than the Cincinnati Bengals. They’ve let up double-digit touchdowns, and even Mason Taylor had a touchdown last week that Breece Hall threw to him. If Loveland gets the start, look for him to score and lock that one in Visionary Style.
Honorable Mention: Oronde Gadsden, Sam LaPorta
