Love
MIA WR Jaylen Waddle vs. NYJ CB Brandon Stephens
With Miami still somewhat in the playoff hunt, they will need to beat the Jets this weekend. The Dolphins rely on RB De’Von Achane heavily for obvious reasons, but this is a game where Waddle could have a great game. The Jets’ defense got worse at the trade deadline by trading two defensive anchors, yet they still have a top 10 pass defense. However, over the last three games, they have given up 215 passing yards a game. I like Waddle’s matchup this week, so I would slide him into your lineup.
JAX WR Jakobi Meyers vs. IND CB Mekhi Blackmon
Meyers is one of the most underrated receivers in the league, and he is fitting in nicely in Jacksonville. He has scored a touchdown in two straight games with the Jaguars, and Sauce Gardner is likely out this week. Meyers has seen six targets in each of the last three games, so obviously QB Trevor Lawrence and HC Liam Coen trust him. With the Colts on full tilt, Meyers could have another good game this week.
CIN WR Tee Higgins vs. BUF CB Christian Benford
This one is a bit bold, but the confidence I have in Joe Burrow is off the charts. Buffalo is the best pass defense in the league, and it is a big part of their record. Higgins is working his way back from a concussion, but signs point to him playing. We know how lethal the trio of Burrow, Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase can be when all three of them are on the field together. I would start Higgins this weekend.
Hate
IND WR Michael Pittman Jr. vs. JAX CB Greg Newsome II
Pittman lands on the Hate list again this week. Last week, he was bottled up for just one catch for 13 yards. This week, the Colts face a Jaguars pass defense that has improved since trading for Greg Newsome II. Over the last three games, Jacksonville has allowed just 161 pass yards a game. With Daniel Jones’ fibula injury and shaky playcalling from HC Shane Steichen, it will be hard to trust Pittman this week again.
PIT WR D.K. Metcalf vs. BAL CB Nate Wiggins
The Steelers’ struggles on offense, plus QB Aaron Rodgers’ injury, contribute to Metcalf being on the Hate list this week. Metcalf has not scored a touchdown or gone over 50 yards receiving since the end of October. The Ravens defense has greatly improved as the season has gone on. They are mostly healthy, but Nate Wiggins is considered day-to-day. Despite that, Baltimore’s defense is playing like the Baltimore defense that we know and love.
WSH WR Deebo Samuel vs. MIN CB Isaiah Rodgers
Terry McLaurin returned for the Commanders last week, and he saw 14 targets compared to Samuel’s seven targets. That is still a healthy amount of looks, but make no mistake that McLaurin has returned to his WR1 spot on the team. The other factor here is that Minnesota has a top-five pass defense that largely goes unnoticed because of their offensive struggles. The Vikings are allowing just 178 pass yards a game this season. I would be cautious putting Samuel in my lineup this week.
Check out more of our articles: DrRoto.com Blog Articles