Listen, I know Pickens is getting a bad rap at the moment, but there is something to be said for the way Steelers HC Mike Tomlin handles his players. This game is made for Pickens to make big plays and endear himself back to the fans and some players in the locker room. The Raiders have allowed at least a 70% completion percentage to the opposing quarterback in each of the last three weeks. Those quarterbacks include Andy Dalton, Deshaun Watson, and Bo Nix. Raiders DC Patrick Graham favors zone coverages but adapts to who is playing. Pittsburgh is a run-first offense, which could create some man-to-man opportunities for Pickens if the Raiders stack the box. Zone still could favor Pickens as he is explosive after the catch.
Smith is slated to return to action following a concussion that caused him to miss one game. Coming off the bye week, Smith will be joined by fellow WR A.J. Brown, who also is returning from injury. Browns DC Jim Schwartz was brought in this offseason to help improve the defense. So far, the Browns have held one team under 20 points, and they have given up over 30 points in two games this season. Meanwhile, the Eagles are looking to bounce back off a loss to Tampa Bay right before the bye week. Smith and Brown will be ready to roll, but the Browns are dealing with some injured players, including CB Denzel Ward and S Grant Delpit. If both are unable to play, Smith could draw the Browns man-to-man coverage from second-year CB Cameron Mitchell.
London Army, stand up! London had his best game of his career in the epic Thursday night game against Tampa Bay. He reeled in 12 catches for 154 yards and one touchdown, producing 33.4 fantasy points. Outside of Week 1, London has consistently put up double-digit fantasy numbers, but that still left fantasy managers wanting more. London has an opportunity to build off his awesome performance against a terrible Carolina defense that has lost players to long-term and short-term injuries. London is a must-start this week.
Alexander has missed two straight games with injury, and he is listed as questionable again this week. If Alexander misses this week, a combination of Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine will fill the role, and Harrison will have a more favorable matchup. Alexander takes pride in being a shutdown corner that can silence some of the best receivers in the league. With safety Xavier McKinney behind the corners to play clean-up, this Packers secondary is a force to be reckoned with when they are all healthy. If Alexander is a no-go, Stokes provides little to no resistance in coverage, allowing a passer rating of 120 against the Rams, according to PFF. Valentine would be the better choice for the Packers to guard Harrison, as he only allowed a 39.6 passer rating against the Rams.
If you know ball, you know the history between Evans and Lattimore. If you are not aware, Evans and Lattimore have gone toe-to-toe many times and even blow-for-blow with fists. The bottom line is this: Mike Evans has not eclipsed over 100 yards against the Saints since 2018, and he has not scored against the Saints since 2021. Evans has historically struggled against the Saints even before Lattimore. He averages just three catches and 50 yards against a team that he faces twice a year. Saints HC Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme involves a majority of Cover 1 man-to-man defense that, given the right personnel, is effective.
Thomas is having a great rookie season, and he is the most consistent receiver the Jaguars have had all season. However, this Bears secondary is only giving up 174 passing yards a game. That is good for sixth in the NFL so far this season. The Bears have played a Cover 3 defense in 38% of their snaps this season, and it has worked tremendously. Jacksonville had a successful day through the air against the Colts, but there is a no-fly zone group heading to London, where the Jags normally have some success.
