As we enter week nine of the NFL season, be forewarned, there is
only five more weeks left in the fantasy football season to secure your spot in
the playoffs. Wins are becoming extremely important as any slip up could cost
you a shot at hoisting that coveted championship trophy. With six teams on the
bye this week, finding those replacement parts to gain the edge becomes more
difficult but manageable as we explore the best potential.
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START - GET THEM IN YOUR LINEUP
Quarterbacks:
Jared Goff (LAR)
With the obvious cast of characters pegged to start in your lineups,
this week should see the Rams Jared Goff lead the way with a performance
leaving you smiling from ear to ear. Goff is coming off a great showing last
week which saw his point totals reach 30+ fantasy points against a Packers team
that has played rather sound defense this season. Going up against the Saints
this week who give up the third most to fantasy quarterbacks; we fully expect
this game to be a shootout leaving a multitude of points on the board. Goff
could be the highest producer this week.
Cam Newton (CAR)
Boy is our face red after suggesting “to sit” Cam Newton last week.
To our defense, Newton was listed with a sore shoulder and playing against the
best defense in the league in the Ravens. I guess statistics and analytics
don’t mean much to talents such as Cam. Nevertheless, we’ll own our mistake and
greatly promote Newton this week as he gets ready to square off against the
Bucs who can’t stop a cold on defense right now. Tampa Bay gives up the most to
quarterbacks and we have no issue endorsing most of the Panthers offense this
week to have solid numbers. The only issue for Newton’s overall outlook could
be the amount of running touchdowns Christian McCaffrey could vulture. Either
way, we’ll bank on those odds watching Cam single handily win you the
week.
Running Backs:
Mark Ingram (NO)
Normally for the Saints and their impressive run attack, each
contest should highlight game specific schemes to take advantage of the
opposition. This week, Mark Ingram should see more work than usual as the
Saints have the heavy task of trying to run through Aaron Donald and Ndamukong
Suh. This matchup would suggest the Saints would like to employ a hard nose
running style with Kamara acting as the change up back with a heavy role in the
pass game in attempts to exploit the Rams line backers. LA gives up middle of
the pack numbers to running backs and should be ready for what New Orleans
intends to offer. Goal line work should be on the menu for Ingram this
week.
Lamar Miller (HOU)
The Houston Texans have quietly racked up five wins in a row and
there’s no coincidence a lot has to do with the improved running from Lamar
Miller. Lamar has seen his production increase these last two weeks to nearly
gaining 40 fantasy points in PPR formats. Before you question if the same will
be true this week, the Denver Broncos are a group that really struggles at
stopping the ground game. More importantly, the Texans traded for Demaryius
Thomas this week giving them a leg up on the Broncos defensive schemes leaving
Miller prime to exploit the weaknesses. It’s not out of the question to see
Miller find the endzone this week.
Nick Chubb (CLE)
While the Chiefs should walk in to Cleveland and walk out with a
victory, Nick Chubb should have a prominent role this week in attempts to
control the clock limiting the amount of opportunities Patrick Mahomes will
have. Kansas City gives up the most to fantasy runners giving credence to this
start. One glaring concern in our minds rests on if this contest gets out of
control early, Chubb will lose snaps to Duke Johnson as the Browns move to more
pass plays. Cleveland’s only shot in this one will be to run the ball
consistently moving the chains making Chubb a viable start.
Chris Carson (SEA)
When the season began, we at ADF were clear in our evaluation that
any success the Hawks would have this season would be on the back of Russell
Wilson if they couldn’t vastly improve their run attack. As we pass the mid-way
point of the year, Seattle has found rejuvenation in their success at
establishing the run creating more options in the pass game for Russell Wilson.
Chris Carson has endured a few stinkers but continues to be the vocal point in
this offense. Facing off against the Chargers this week who give up middle of
the road statistics to opposing runners is more than enough for us to endorse
Carson as a must start. Coach Carroll has gone on record validating his intent
to continue to ride Carson this week making his a sound option.
Wide
Receivers:
DJ Moore (CAR)
One of the most popular waiver additions of the week went to the
Panthers rookie wide-out DJ Moore and we fully recommend not wasting that
selection firing him up with a superb matchup. For rookie receivers that aren’t
known as top-flight talents usually get their legs around this point of the
season earning more playing time. Moore saw his usage increase last week with
teammate Torrey Smith shelved on the sideline due to injury which will be the
case again this week. Cam Newton has increased trust in DJ and should again be
looking in his direction early and often this week against the Bucs who give up
the 2nd most to fantasy receivers. There is a bust factor here for
Moore, but we can’t envision any situation that he won’t see his share of
targets.
Jarvis Landry (CLE)
The Browns may find themselves in a situation where playing catch-up
is the only scenario in hopes to pull off the biggest upset of the week. While
we don’t see the Browns winning, let alone competing against the Chiefs dynamic
offense, Baker Mayfield could be throwing more than usual making Jarvis Landry
a top earner this week. It’s no question that Landry already generates a boat
load in PPR points, but yardage and potential touchdowns could be had verses a
Kansas City defense prone to give up big plays. We could truly see garbage time
points rack up quickly in the fourth quarter.
Julian Edelman (NE)
With a fantastic matchup heading our way between the Packers and the
Patriots, Julian Edelman will have a very large role in this one. As the trade
deadline passed, Green Bay shipped their star safety to the Redskins leaving a
gaping hole on that backend. Most defenses will always target Rob Gronkowski
first, leaving Edelman as the main benefactor on the receiving core. Since
coming back from suspension, Julian hasn’t see a contest fall below 10 fantasy
points with a ceiling thus far nearly hitting 19. Even with our fond respect
and appreciation for the Packers defensive backs, we can see Julian having
another very good day.
David Moore (SEA)
Another popular waiver addition this week, the Seahawks David Moore
can no longer be overlooked as he has been consistently making things happen
when given the opportunity. Since being inserted into the offense back in week
four, David has flourished nearly generating 50 fantasy points and scoring four
touchdowns in the last three games. Opposing defenses will continue to force
coverage to Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett leaving Moore a valuable option for
Wilson to seek out. By now Moore will be on the radar to garner more attention
from defensive coordinators, but it’s become impossible for us to not take
notice ourselves. The touchdown streak could continue.
Tight-Ends:
Kyle Rudolph (MIN)
Perhaps one of the most frustrating players at the tight-end
position has been the Vikings Kyle Rudolph. He has slipped off in production so
much that he is becoming very difficult to trust. However, Kirk Cousins
continues to look in his direction providing more than a handful of targets
each game leaving the potential to maintain strength. Rudolph had a touchdown
called back last week on a penalty, but we can clearly see a situation where he
gets back to finding pay-dirt verses the Lions who have struggled to cover
tight-ends. This is the week we get rewarded once again from Kyle.
Greg Olsen (CAR)
Continuing the trend of backing Carolina Panthers to start this
week, we look no further than Greg Olsen. Tampa Bay gives up the 4th
most to players at the position and will again find it difficult at stopping
Greg from finding the endzone for the second straight week. The remaining
schedule for Carolina is extremely favorable and we shall witness the beginning
of a point explosion on the scoreboard. While Greg doesn’t eat up the target
share like he did in the past, his value is incredible in the redzone and
should pay off handsomely. This is a no brainer start this week.
SIT - LEAVE
THEM ON THE BENCH
Quarterbacks:
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Our recommendations to bench Big-Ben last week did in fact pay off
seeing less than 20 points as the final result. This week again we caution the
play as the Ravens will host the Steelers in a hostile environment in Baltimore
with a supremely motivated defensive group looking to wash off the stench of
last week’s performance. The Ravens are the best defense in the NFL and give up
the 4th least to fantasy quarterbacks in a contest that should be
very close and potentially low scoring. Even with all the bye week trouble you
may be facing, we would suggest moving in another direction.
Philip Rivers (LAC)
Sitting Philip Rivers is never easy, but this week’s contest has us
staying away like the plague. Seattle has very impressively held all
quarterbacks to the lowest totals this season ranking as the best unit against
fantasy quarterbacks. Even with the Chargers fresh coming off the bye week, the
travel to Seattle to face off against the twelfth man is cause for concern. We
should be whiteness to coach Lynn focusing highly on the run game to generate
production limiting the overall outlook for Rivers. There is potential for
Philip to have a decent outing, but we shall stay away for this week.
Running Backs:
Tevin Coleman (ATL)
With the Falcons taking their talents on the road this week facing
off against the Redskins, we have no choice but to sit the gifted runner amidst
playing a much improved Skins front seven. Washington recently traded for the
Packers Ha Ha Clinton-Dix which will only compound matters for the Falcons run
attack leaving a lot of points off the stat line for Coleman. Atlanta is never
a sound bet on the road at the best of times and having their run attack
struggle could hurt the overall outlook further. If we have our choice, we will
keep Tevin on the bench looking for better options.
Jordan Howard (CHI)
Traveling to Buffalo to face off against the Bills who have played
very sound defense this season, we can only recommend sitting Jordan Howard as
his dreadful season will continue this week. Buffalo has been rather stingy in
run defense leaving Jordan to remain frustrated. We do feel there could be an
opportunity for Howard to sneak into the endzone for a score, but we find it
highly unlikely. We have been very disappointed with how Jordan has performed
this season and will again feel the same after this week’s contest in Buffalo.
LeSean McCoy (BUF)
The Buffalo Bills
offense is absolutely horrendous, and to make matters worse, Nate Peterman will
get the nod to take on one of the top defensive groups in the league. The Bears
will have no fear of a pass attack stacking the box leaving Shady McCoy to look
to the heavens for answers. Buffalo will have some juice given from the home
town faithful, but it won’t be near enough for McCoy to find holes to run
through. This season can’t end fast enough for this Bills offense.
Wide
Receivers:
Allen Robinson (CHI)
When the Bears signed Allen Robinson to a contract in free agency,
we knew building chemistry would take time in a new offensive system especially
coming off a torn ACL which cost him the season prior. With Allen dealing with
more injuries this season, he has fallen victim to lost production. Looking to
be on the right track to suit up for this contest, we implore the public to
keep him on the bench this week as the Bills are more than capable at shutting
down top receiving targets. Tre White has done a masterful job this year covering
high-end talent and Robinson will endure the same punishment.
Corey Davis (TEN)
We have preached our displeasure for Corey Davis all season and even
coming off the bye week, we still can’t find reason to endorse playing him at
this point. Facing off against the Cowboys on Monday Night Football in Dallas
will provide its own headache as the Cowboys give up the fewest points to
opposing wide receivers. Marcus Mariota has taken a giant leap in the wrong
direction providing little faith he will find his magic in this contest. Keep
Davis sitting this week.
Kenny Golladay (DET)
With the recent trade of Golden Tate to the Eagles, the obvious
uptick for potential production goes to Kenny Golladay moving forward. With
that said, this week will be the exception to the rule as Minnesota still locks
down top receivers to the tune of giving up the 3rd fewest in
fantasy. The Vikings are fully expecting Xavier Rhodes to return from injury
this week making a difficult task that much harder for Golladay to produce.
Kenny has disappeared these last two week providing little in terms of
statistical production to warrant thinking it would increase this week. This
play would obviously change for us if Rhodes doesn’t suit up, so pay attention
to the injury report.
Tight-Ends:
Benjamin Watson (NO)
At this point of the season, it’s become very difficult to start the
Saints Ben Watson based on usage and his role on the team. Seeing limited
targets each week, it almost feels like Watson isn’t even on the field for most
of the game. Some have suggested that Watson could have a bigger role against
the Rams as the focus will be to stop the top weapons the Saints possess, be we
don’t buy that for one second. Look elsewhere for production.
POTENTIAL BIG
DAY – ALL ABOUT THE RISK/REWARD
Quarterbacks:
Kirk Cousins (MIN)
Our thoughts on Kirk last week to provide a great showing didn’t go
as planned, but this week could be something of a resurrection seeing a heavy
dose of points scored from the Skol-Nation. In their first meeting of the season
with large divisional implications on the line, the Vikings have a good matchup
as Detroit gives up points to the tune of being top ten worst against fantasy
quarterbacks. This should be a solid outing for Cousins.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (TB)
Ryan Fitz-Magic is once again the lead man for the Bucs moving
forward as Jameis Winston has all but sealed his fate as the starting
quarterback. Even though the matchup isn’t great on paper for Fitzpatrick and
the Tampa pass game, it’s Ryan’s ability to just keep throwing the ball which
leaves potential for him to keep scoring points. With a defensive group that
can’t keep teams out of their endzone, Fitzpatrick will be throwing all day
long in hopes to keep up. Should be a very solid bye-week filler if you require
a quarterback to start this week.
Running Backs:
Latavius Murray (MIN)
Even though the Vikings are one of the worst statistical run attacks
in the NFL, this week’s matchup verses the Lions definitely has us looking up
at the prospects of Murray having a very good day. Looking more certain that
Dalvin Cook isn’t ready to return to the field just yet, Murray should again
continue leading the way having very high upside at finding the endzone against
the Lions front seven who struggle to stop the run. Gaining 100 yards and
scoring a touchdown should be the floor for Murray in this one.
Isaiah Crowell (NYJ)
The most unpredictable starting running back this season could very
well be the Jets Isaiah Crowell. Seeing very solid production fall by the
wayside as the year has progressed, Crowell has fallen down the ranks of being
a must start player. This week however we shall see the resurgence of Isaiah
and the Jets commitment in establishing the run attack to help Sam Darnold
dissect the Dolphins leaky defense. If there was a moment you thought you could
trust Crowell again this season, this is the matchup.
Adrian Peterson (WAS)
Old man Peterson has defied the odds coming back to a starting
position on yet another organization and producing to levels of past success.
Adrian has found his legs in Washington and should continue to roll going up
against the Falcons who have glaring issues in stopping anyone of defense. With
Chris Thompson still nursing his many injuries, Peterson will again be leaned
upon to take charge. Finding the endzone in this contest should be a formality
for AP.
Wide
Receivers:
Devin Funchess (CAR)
Admittedly, we have never subscribed to great support for Devin
Funchess in the past, but cannot ignore the fantastic upcoming schedule the
Panthers have making Funchess a great play almost every week moving forward.
Even with rookie DJ Moore on his heels to steal some of the target share, Devin
should remain a top commodity in these next eight games. Going up against the
Bucs who give up the 2nd most to fantasy receivers, we fully expect
9-12 targets to float his way with high potential of Devin finding the endzone.
Could be a very good day.
DeVante Parker (MIA)
The Dolphins DeVante Parker is another player we haven’t been able
to get behind throughout his career due to injuries and lack of consistency,
but this week we are inclined to switch our thought process and recommend
Parker as a potential big day player. Facing off against the Jets who have
struggled on defense for the most part this season, Brock Osweiler should be
able to regularly find his wide-out. It’s been a long time since Parker found
the endzone and it could come to pass in this contest.
Amari Cooper (DAL)
Recently acquired hopeful star receiver, Amari Cooper gets a change
of scenery in attempts to get back on track to prove he still has the talent
that showed early in his career. The
Cowboys have found it difficult to pass the ball this year without a true number
one threat in the pass game limiting the run in the process. We have always
been believers in Cooper and feel this could be a great match. We fully expect
Dak Prescott to force feed Cooper in his first contest creating the possibility
Amari has a very solid day. There is bust potential with this play as Amari is
new to the playbook and could take some time to adjust. We still would bank on
good production with high potential here.
Courtland Sutton (DEN)
The Denver Broncos have seen more than enough from their rookie
Courtland Sutton to ship long time receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Texans via
trade. Now holding the starting gig, a lot of pressure will be at the hands of
Sutton to draw that coverage to his side while making big plays. While this
contest will provide some challenges for Courtland to maneuver, it’s very
possible to see him out leap defenders in the endzone securing a touchdown.
This will be a risky play until we see the amount of usage the Broncos have in
mind, but he has high-risk, high-reward written all over him this week.
Tight-Ends:
David Njoku (CLE)
The Browns David Njoku laid a massive egg last week leaving his
owners frustrated with the start. This week against the Chiefs should bring
David back on the radar for production as the Browns should be playing from
behind forcing Baker Mayfield to throw often. The key with David is the amount
of targets he requires to make an impact which could be plenty this week. While
there is major risk again to starting Njoku with a new coaching staff calling
the shots, we could see a featured role against the Chiefs weak defense.
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