Quarterbacks…
- Matthew Stafford, Lions v. Giants … with starting running back Kerryon Johnson sidelined, expect Detroit to lean on Stafford against a weak New York secondary
- Ryan Tannehill, Titans v. Buccaneers … Tannehill looked good in his first start going 23/29 for 312 yards and two touchdowns and will be picking on Tampa’s secondary which has given up 10 passing touchdowns in the last 4 games
- Mason Rudolph, Steelers v. Dolphins … Rudolph was afforded a bit of extra rest with the bye week to prep for Miami who has allowed 20+ fantasy points to QBs in 5 of 7 games
Running Backs…
- Ty Johnson, Lions v. Giants … the speedy rookie could be in line for the bulk of carries with a few targets against New York
- Mark Walton, Dolphins @ Steelers … has seen double digit touches the last two weeks but you’re hoping for a touchdown
Wide Receivers…
- Kenny Stills / Keke Coutee, Texans v. Raiders … with Will Fuller out, Stills provides Houston a deep ball threat. But Coutee is also worth a look in PPR formats
- Corey Davis / A.J. Brown, Titans v. Buccaneers … The change at QB has boosted Davis and Brown’s prospects. In Week 8, they will face Tampa’s secondary which has allowed two opposing WRs to score at least 10 points in all but one game this season
Tight Ends…
- Jonnu Smith, Titans v. Buccaneers … pending Delanie Walker’s status, Smith is an interesting play against a Tampa Bay team that has allowed the second most points to TEs this season
- Irv Smith Jr., Vikings v. Redskins … with Adam Thielen sideline Smith could see more snaps and targets. Plus he draws another positive matchups in week 9 against Kansas City
- Jacob Hollister, Seahawks @ Falcons … Saw 6 targets last week, his first action this season. Atlanta has given up touchdown catches on 3 of their last 6 TE targets over the last 3 weeks (Small sample size, yes. But pickens are slim.)
- Chris Herndon, Jets @ Jaguars … If healthy, Herndon has a decent match up against Jacksonville, who’s allowed 4 TEs to score at least 9 points (there’s a low low bar of expectation at the TE position)
Defense…
- Steelers v. Dolphins … Pittsburgh has averaged 2 pick and a fumble a game over the last 3 weeks
- Colts v. Broncos … Denver won’t be blowing anyone out (might have just jinxed it)
- Lions v. Giants … Picking on a rookie QB is usually a decent play
Kickers…
- Mike Nugent, Patriots v. Browns
- Zane Gonzalez, Cardinals @ Saints
- Cody Parkey, Titans v. Buccaneers
Questions, comments, suggestions, and other feedback on this piece are always welcome. Follow me on twitter @b_muell for takes my mildly depressing Skins, Caps, Terps, and O's as well as funny memes.