GOOD NE WR Stefon Diggs vs. TEN CB L’Jarius Snead
Diggs leads the team in targets, but he has yet to find the endzone. I think this is the week he finds paydirt and rewards the patience of fantasy managers. HC Mike Vrabel will also be out to prove a point to his former team that just fired the coach hired to replace him. It is hard to see Vrabel pulling back the reins no matter what the score is. It may be a good idea just to start with any offensive Patriots player this week.
BAD: NYG WR Wan’Dale Robinson vs. DEN CB Pat Surtain II
Robinson has assumed the WR1 role for the Giants since Malik Nabers’ season-ending injury. He had a good week last Thursday against the Eagles, raking in six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, but the Giants are facing a better defense this week. In London, the Broncos sacked Justin Fields nine times and held him under 100 passing yards. With Surtain blanketing Robinson and Denver’s defensive line bearing down on Jaxson Dart, it is hard to see Robinson having high production numbers this week.
GOOD KC WR Rashee Rice vs. LV CB Eric Stokes
Finally, the week Rice managers have been waiting for! Rice has a great matchup for his debut at home. The Chiefs offense will be whole for the first time this season. According to reports, Rice will see a full workload in his first game back.
The Raiders are giving up around 215 passing yards a game, which plays into the hands of the Chiefs, whose passing game is starting to gain momentum once again. Usually, the Raiders give Kansas City a run for their money, but this season feels different, especially in the Raiders’ camp.
BAD: PHI WR A.J. Brown vs. MIN CB Byron Murphy Jr.
Brown had a better week last week, but the Eagles dropped their second straight game. Now, the Eagles face a tough Minnesota defense that is well-rounded under DC Brian Flores. Philadelphia seems to be going through an offensive identity crisis that I think they will try and correct this week. That means more Saquon Barkley, as he has only had 18 carries combined over the last two weeks. I would hesitate to make Brown a smash start this week.
GOOD: PIT WR D.K. Metcalf vs. CIN CB Cam Taylor-Britt
Metcalf has scored in four straight games as the chemistry with Aaron Rodgers continues to build. The Bengals have one of the worst secondaries in the league, surrendering nearly 260 passing yards a game and around two passing touchdowns a game. Given the state of the Steelers’ secondary so far this season, this could be a high-scoring game, which bodes well for Metcalf. Fire up Metcalf with some confidence this week.
BAD: SF WR Jauan Jennings vs. ATL CB A.J. Terrell Jr.
Jennings returned to practice in a limited capacity this week, as well as his quarterback, Brock Purdy. It would be assumed that Jennings has a good chance of playing this week with his ailments, but nothing has been decided yet. Regardless of who the Niners trot out to catch the ball this week, it will be a challenge as Atlanta has the best pass defense in the league, giving up just a little under 140 passing yards a game this season. A.J. Terrell Jr. is one of the league’s most underrated corners. He can shut down the best the NFL has to offer with the best of them. With Jennings’ injuries and Atlanta’s defense, it would be hard to put him into your lineup this week.
