BUF WR Amari Cooper vs. IND CB Sam Womack
Cooper was close to playing Sunday, as the decision was made before game time. Bills HC Sean McDermott considers Cooper day-to-day, so keep an eye out as he progresses this week. I think he will play this week, and he will dominate. The Colts give up big plays to each team’s top receiving options. WR Keon Coleman is also banged up, which could mean more opportunities for Cooper to see an increased number of targets. Cooper will look to avenge his last outing against Seattle, where he was held to one catch for three yards. Plug Cooper in this week.
BAL WR Zay Flowers vs. CIN CB Cam Taylor-Britt (TNF)
These two teams have already played once this season, and Flowers registered seven catches for 111 yards. The Bengals have won three of their last four games, but they did not do anything to get better at the trade deadline on the defensive side of the ball. The opposing team’s top receivers are still getting loose against the Bengals secondary. Cincinnati is giving up around 212 passing yards a game right now, and Lamar Jackson is poised to give another MVP-type performance tonight.
ARI Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. NYJ CB Sauce Gardner
Harrison had a tough time against Chicago, but before the Chicago game, QB Kyler Murray was on a tear. I know both Harrison and Murray would like to avenge their performances from last Sunday. The Jets are coming off a big win against Houston, but Houston was down to Tank Dell as their best pass catcher. Dell ended up with 126 receiving yards against the man coverage of the Jets. Harrison will certainly have opportunities to make plays against tight coverage, as we have seen him do since college.
DAL WR CeeDee Lamb vs. PHI CB Darius Slay Jr.
It would be hard to sit Lamb, but the circumstances are just too much. Lamb is dealing with a shoulder injury that he toughed out against Atlanta. In addition to the injury, QB Dak Prescott was placed on IR with a hamstring injury. If that was not enough, the Cowboys face the Eagles this week. Eagles DC Vic Fangio has a talented secondary led by Slay and rookie corner Quinyon Mitchell. The Eagles defense is giving up 189 passing yards a game this season which is good for seventh in the NFL. Explore all of your options before deciding on Lamb.
PIT WR George Pickens vs. WSH CB Marshon Lattimore
Washington went all in at the trade deadline and nabbed former Saints CB Marshon Lattimore. Trading for Lattimore allows Commanders DC Joe Whitt to get after the quarterback even more than he does now. The Commanders are top-ten in blitzing in the league, and I would expect that number to increase. Lattimore has been a great lockdown corner who can take away the other team’s best receiver. Expect Lattimore to play Sunday and draw Pickens. This will put Steelers QB Russell Wilson to the test this week. I like Lattimore to win that matchup.
CHI WR DJ Moore vs. NE CB Christian Gonzalez
The frustration is starting to spill over into public media comments for Moore. It does not get any easier for Moore this week against the Patriots. Yes, the Patriots do not have a good record, but they have some good players in the secondary. Bears QB Caleb Williams has shown flashes of why he was the top pick, but recently, he has struggled regressing to trying to make plays as he did in college when things would break down. Moore has not broken double-digit fantasy points since his outburst against Carolina. It may be time to explore other options for a time until Williams and Moore can get on the same page.
