Love
PHI WR DeVonta Smith vs. CAR CB Michael Jackson
Smith is slated to return this week after missing two games. He was nearly able to play this past week but was held out on the err of caution. Carolina has improved overall as the season has gone on, but the Eagles are rolling as winners of eight straight. Smith’s impact has been felt for most of the season before the hamstring injury began to bother him. Now that he will return healthy, Smith could be in for a big game as the concentration focuses on Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown.
TEN WR Calvin Ridley vs. JAX CB Tyson Campbell
Ridley has only eclipsed 100 receiving yards in a game once this season, but this could very well be his second one this season. The Titans face the Jaguars for the first of two meetings this season. Both teams do not have much to play for other than pride. Ridley’s season has not gone the way he had hoped, but there is still time to deliver a big game for fantasy managers. Tyson Campbell left last week’s game with a thigh injury, so that will be something to keep an eye on. Do not forget the revenge factor for Ridley in this game after Jacksonville let him walk to Tennessee. Fire up Ridley this week.
DAL WR CeeDee Lamb vs. CIN CB Cam Taylor-Britt
Lamb has not registered a 100-yard receiving game since October 27th. In the same game, he scored twice which was the last time he caught a touchdown as well. Luckily, the Cowboys are playing the Bengals, who have given up almost 327 passing yards a game over their last three games. Lamb seemed to reinjure his shoulder on Thanksgiving, but the word is that he will play given the extra time off since they play on Monday night. If Lamb cannot get going in this game, he may be unplayable for the rest of the season.
Hate
CLE WR Jerry Jeudy vs. PIT CB Joey Porter Jr.
Jeudy is coming off his best game ever on Monday night. He hauled nine passes for 235 yards and a touchdown against a good Denver defense. The Browns now shift their focus to Pittsburgh once again after handing Pittsburgh a rare loss this season just a couple of weeks ago. Jeudy had a fairly impactful performance in that game, with six catches for 85 yards. However, most receivers that have had 230-plus receiving yards the game before have not performed well the next week. The exception among current players would be Ja’Marr Chase, who posted seven catches and two touchdowns this season after his incredible outburst. Be cautious playing Jeudy this week.
CHI WR D.J. Moore vs. SF CB Charvarious Ward
Moore has had a string of games where his production has increased as QB Caleb Williams has begun to build chemistry with his veteran pass catchers. The Bears will go on the road once again, where they are 0-5, to San Francisco. The Niners pass defense has been the most consistent thing about their team all season. They are only giving up 190 passing yards a game this season which is good for fourth in the NFL. The Niners’ season has been bleak, but they are far from out of it in terms of their division and the playoffs. Explore your options before inserting Moore into your lineup.
JAX WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. TEN CB Darrell Baker Jr.
Thomas had a nice game last week despite QB Trevor Lawrence’s brief return to action. However, Lawrence is now in concussion protocol, and it would be amazing if he was able to play this week despite the violent hit he took. Even if Lawrence plays, the Titans’ pass defense has been the best in the league, allowing only 171 passing yards a game this season. It would be Mac Jones under center for the Jaguars against this stout pass defense. Thomas is not the best play at wide receiver or FLEX this week.
