Good: JAC WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. LV CB Eric Stokes
Both teams are coming off their bye weeks, so the extra rest and preparation should help the Jaguars, especially as HC Liam Coen continues to try and get BTJ going. This is the perfect time to get Thomas Jr. set on the right path, as Jacksonville will play five of its six division games post-bye week.
The Raiders have not had the success they thought they might have so far this season, with just two wins and issues on offense and defense. The Jaguars’ offense is a real threat after the bye week, and they simply do not have enough playmakers to contain this offense. It feels like it is now or never for BTJ.
Good: HOU WR Nico Collins vs. DEN CB Riley Moss
Collins missed last week with a concussion, but he is trending towards playing this week against Denver. QB C.J. Stroud played well without Collins, and WR2 Christian Kirk racked up over 300 passing yards and got the win. With Stroud gaining some confidence in what has been an underwhelming season so far for Houston, Collins could explode as Denver will be without the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II, for several weeks.
Riley Moss is a great complementary cornerback, but will he be up to the task of being the top corner? The Broncos could use more zone coverage while Surtain is out, which is Nico Collins’ strong suit. Collins was ranked as the second-best receiver against zone last season, according to PFF. Do not be scared off by the “Denver” matchup. Go ahead and fire up Collins this week.
Good: DAL WR George Pickens vs. ARI CB Will Johnson
Pickens has stayed productive since CeeDee Lamb returned two weeks ago. As one of the best contested catch receivers in the league, the former Steeler has been put in a position to succeed in this offense, and the numbers back that up. Dallas will square off against the Cardinals on Monday Night Football, which has the potential to be a shootout with Kyler Murray more than likely returning to action this week.
Pickens will have the advantage in one-on-one opportunities against the rookie corner Will Johnson. The Cardinals are giving up about 235 passing yards a game this season, so this plays into the Dallas offensive game plan perfectly. Start Pickens without a shadow of doubt.
Bad: DEN WR Troy Franklin vs. HOU CB Kamari Lassiter
One of the darlings of the waiver wire this week is surely to be Troy Franklin if he is not rostered in your league already. He is worth the pickup; however, this week could be challenging for him. Franklin has scored three touchdowns over the past two games, but Houston’s secondary is tough to throw the ball on. The Texans are giving up just 178 passing yards a game this season. Stash Franklin on your bench, and only plug him into your lineup if you are desperate.
Bad: NO WR Chris Olave vs. LAR CB Cobie Durant
The Saints have officially made a switch at quarterback to rookie Tyler Shough. Shough replaced Spencer Rattler in the second half against the Buccaneers. Shough finished the game 17-of-30 for 128 yards and an interception. For the nerds at home, Shough’s yards per attempt were 4.3 yards. That does not bode well for Olave, who is great at stretching the field and making incredible catches. The Rams have not been stellar in the secondary, but they could let loose against a rookie quarterback and a potentially conservative game plan. Look for other options other than Olave this week.
Bad: GB WR Matthew Golden vs. CAR CB Mike Jackson
Golden’s production in his rookie year has still not flourished as many had hoped. Last week, Golden caught three passes for a measly four yards. The news does not get any better for fantasy managers as Christian Watson returned last week and instantly made an impact with four catches for 85 yards, showing the chemistry that had been built previously with Jordan Love.
Carolina’s pass defense has not been too bad this season, surrendering just under 200 passing yards a game. The Panthers have been gashed on the ground a few times this season, including Bills RB James Cook last week, who ran for over 200 yards. Josh Jacobs could be in for a big game in a run-heavy scheme. All the more reason to pivot from Golden this week.
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