Brian Haley
Last week, I praised Charcandrick West as a waiver add. Despite an abysmal performance, he is still worth a bench spot strictly due to opportunity. Stafford proved me wrong with a four touchdown performance… against the Bears. I would still avoid him altogether as the Lions have been a fantasy wasteland that even Megatron has been disappointing in. Garcon and Stewart both found the end zone against tough match ups. However, Ryan, Blount, and Landry were all very valuable starters last week. I would not expect similar production from each of them.
Add Of The Week: Stefon Diggs WR MIN
Charles Johnson has been a complete bust and Mike Wallace hasn’t been a quality fantasy receiver since he left Big Ben in free agency (coincidence? I think not). Diggs is completely under the radar but has over 200 yards in his past two games against quality defenses. Teddy Bridgewater needs a reliable target and his rapport with Diggs could be the difference for your fantasy playoff hopes.
Drop of the Week: Percy Harvin WR BUF
Harvin has worn out his welcome with four teams already due to his constant injuries and personality. He seemed to have found a home with Buffalo after an impressive touchdown, but since he has returned to very few points. Another Percy problem has occurred as he did not travel with the team to London for a mysterious reason. Don’t let Percy punch you out of the playoffs like he did with Doug Baldwin in Seattle.
Start: Philip Rivers QB SD
Rivers shattered literally every passing record in Chargers’ history, and was one more completion away from taking down the arguably the NFC’s best team. Melvin Gordon has looked like the next Trent Richardson the past few weeks (yeah, that bad), so the Chargers’ offense will continue to rely on Rivers to move the chains. Father time Antonio Gates should find plenty of space over the middle. Rivers should continue to rack up points this week in what should be a competitive AFC West matchup.
Sit: Eli Manning QB NYG vs DAL
Manning was disastrous against Philly last week in a game with more picks than TDs. The Eagles front seven tormented Eli and gave him very little time in the pocket. Connor Barwin and Fletcher Cox made the Big Blue O-line look like blocking bags, especially fill-in tackle Marshall Newhouse. This week, Newhouse will be lining up across from Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. Manning will receive very little time in the pocket and score very few points this week.
Start: John Brown WR ARI vs BAL
Baltimore’s secondary is easily the worst in the league and as a result, Baltimore is a 1-4 team. They have allowed 5 different receivers to reach 100 yards including AJ Green’s 227 yard, 2 touchdown outburst (no, that’s not a typo). Bruce Arians loves to throw the ball downfield and Brown can flat out fly by most defenders. Brown had a good game last week and I expect him to improve on that outing this week.
Sit: Jordan Matthews WR PHI vs CAR
Matthews was drafted as a high end WR2 in most leagues. He has played like a bye week fill in. Also, Sam Bradford likes to throw it to defenders more than Eagles receivers. When Matthews is targeted, he can’t hold on to the ball. I am not expecting Chip Kelly’s running game to help open up passing lanes against stud linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Lastly, Josh Norman has looked like the best corner in the NFC this year. So please, don’t test him with a sorry receiver like Jordan Matthews.
Start: Latavius Murray OAK vs SD
James Starks spun through the Charger defense to the tune of 112 yards and a touchdown. They have allowed a porous 7 scores to running backs this season. Murray is a much more talented runner than Starks and if Oakland wants to hang with the Chargers passing attack, they should look to control the game on the ground. Murray has been a low RB2/FLEX option thus far and I would be sure he isn’t taking up space on my bench.
Sit: Isaiah Crowell RB CLE vs STL
Crowell has performed just as I expected this season. I projected him to be just like any other Cleveland Brown- inconsistent and unreliable. The Rams defense, however, has been phenomenal against the run. They have allowed just one rusher to reach 100 yards this season. At the same time, Crowell has not rushed for more than 75 yards in a single game this season. I would not expect much from him against the Rams’ powerhouse defensive line. They have shut down elite backs such as Eddie Lacy and Marshawn Lynch already this season. Josh McCown and Travis Benjamin are not going to demand St. Louis to honor their passing game the way Rodgers and Wilson do. Duke Johnson Jr, rookie out of Miami, is a more explosive playmaker and better pass catcher. Last week, Johnson gained 6 more yards than Crowell with one less carry. Avoid this matchup at all costs.
Key Injuries:
Titans QB Marcus Mariota missed practice with a sprained MCL, but “hopes to play Sunday.”
Patriots WR Brandon LaFell practiced for the first time this season due to a foot injury.
Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin is questionable with a concussion.
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is doubtful to return from a foot injury on Sunday.
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