We have passed the halfway point of the NFL season, which means it's crunch time in fantasy.
 |
| You could say it's easy Breesy for Drew right now. |
Week 10 Fantasy Football Rankings (PPR)
Quarterback
1. Drew Brees, Saints (@ CIN) - Brees was the top quarterback in fantasy last week, and this week he gets Dez Bryant and a matchup with the porous Cincinnati defense.
2. Cam Newton, Panthers (@ PIT) - Cam has thrown for over 200 yards in each of his last five games and has at least two touchdowns in each of his last six games.
3. Patrick Mahomes III, Chiefs (vs. ARI) - The only reason the front-runner for NFL MVP isn't ranked number one is the fear that this game will quickly turn into a blowout.
4. Phillip Rivers, Chargers (@ OAK) - That's the only fear in this one, too, as Phil should incinerate the NFL's worst pass-rushing defense (now without Bruce Irvin).
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs. MIA) - The good news is that A-Rodg has not thrown for less than 259 yards in a game this season, but the bad news is that he's had six games under 300 yards passing.
6. Matt Ryan, Falcons (@ CLE) - Ryan has been on fire, throwing for at least 350 yards in each of the last three games, and now he faces a depleted Cleveland defense that couldn't stop the Chiefs.
7. Jared Goff, Rams (vs. SEA) - Speaking of on fire, Goff has thrown three touchdown passes each of the last two weeks, and he has 20 touchdown passes on the season (3rd in the NFL).
8. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (vs. CAR) - Ben has at least one touchdown in every game this season, and Carolina just surrendered four touchdown passes to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
9. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers (vs. WAS) - Speaking of the one they call Fitz-magic, he's had multiple touchdowns in five of the six games he's started (and at least four in four of them).
10. Tom Brady, Patriots (@ TEN) - He may be the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history, but this year, Thomas has been an average fantasy quarterback.
11. Carson Wentz, Eagles (vs. DAL) - Wentz has thrown multiple touchdown passes in each of his last five games, and now he has Golden Tate to throw to.
12. Mitchell Trubisky, Bears (vs. DET) - After four productive games in a row, Mitch put up a dud in Buffalo. But that's because his defense did all the work for him in the blowout of the Bills.
13. Russell Wilson, Seahawks (@ LAR) - Wilson has 11 total touchdowns in his last four games, and while the Rams have a lot of talent on defense, but they also have some shakiness in the secondary.
14. Andrew Luck, Colts (vs. JAX) - Luck has played at an elite level, throwing at least three touchdown passes in five straight games, but the Jacksonville defense is not the ideal matchup.
15. Andy Dalton, Bengals (vs. NO) - Dalton has a great matchup, but the loss of A.J. Green, coupled with his poor showing last time he faced a good team with a weak defense (KC), causes some pause.
16. Baker Mayfield, Browns (vs. ATL) - Although Cleveland's defense couldn't stop the Chiefs, Baker and the Browns offense looked decent, and they should look even better this week.
17. Alex Smith, Redskins (@ TB) - Smith threw for over 300 yards last week against Atlanta's weak pass defense, and this week, he faces an even weaker pass defense.
18. Matthew Stafford, Lions (@ CHI) - The Chicago defense presents a rough matchup for Stafford, but he's a top-20 quarterback based strictly off of volume.
19. Nick Mullens, 49ers (vs. NYG) - Mullens looked awfully good in his first career start, but that was against the Raiders, who somehow make the Giants (who are also bad) look decent.
20. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (@ PHI) - Amari Cooper was a welcome addition for Prescott and the Dallas offense, but the they still have a lot of problems.
Running Back
1. Melvin Gordon III, Chargers (@ OAK) - MG3 came back from a hamstring injury to run for 113 yards and a touchdown last week, and now he gets to feast on Oakland's league-worst rush defense.
2. Kareem Hunt, Chiefs (vs. ARI) - The Cardinals have given up more fantasy points to running backs than anyone but the Chiefs, and Kareem is coming off a three-touchdown performance.
3. Todd Gurley II, Rams (vs. SEA) - The rankings on the three sits I looked at (ESPN, Yahoo! Sports and Bleacher Report) all had Gurley at one, but I'm a rebel (either way, you're starting him).
4. Alvin Kamara, Saints (@ CIN) - Kamara Chameleon led all running backs in fantasy points (going by PPR scoring) last week, and all players except teammate Michael Thomas.
5. Saquon Barkley, Giants (@ SF) - Although Saquon has been quiet on the ground the past two weeks, he has three straight games with nine receptions.
6. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers (@ PIT) - McCaffrey has scored two touchdowns each of the last two weeks, and he'll surely be heavily used once again Thursday night.
7. James Connor, Steelers (vs. CAR) - It appears Le'Veon Bell will report soon, but for now, Connor, who ranks second in the NFL in rushing (behind Todd Gurley), controls the backfield.
8. James White, Patriots (@ TEN) - Despite the likely return of Sony Michel and a matchup against a pretty stingy Tennessee defense, White is still an elite fantasy running back due to his role.
9. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys (@ PHI) - The struggles of the Dallas offensive line (and the offense in general) have not helped Zeke, but he is still heavily-utilized.
10. David Johnson, Cardinals (@ KC) - The Arizona offense has been anemic this season, but the Kansas City defense has been quite welcoming, especially to opposing running backs.
11. Joe Mixon, Bengals (vs. NO) - Mixon figures to see a lot of touches in this game (especially with A.J. Green out), and that's a good thing in what could be a high-scoring contest.
12. Duke Johnson Jr., Browns (vs. ATL) - Now that Todd Haley is gone, Duke has been re-awakened. Also, Atlanta has not been able to stop receiving running backs this season.
13. Nick Chubb, Browns (vs. ATL) - Despite the re-introduction of Duke into the offense, Chubb is still the early-down and goal-line back, and he could get multiple scoring opportunities this week.
14. Tevin Coleman, Falcons (@ CLE) - Cleveland has not been great at stopping opposing running backs, and now the injury-plagued unit faces a guy who scored two touchdowns last week.
15. Dion Lewis, Titans (vs. NE) - Dion has played extremely well the last two games, totaling 32 carries for 153 yards and 10 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.
16. Tarik Cohen, Bears (vs. DET) - He was quiet last week due to the flow of the game, but Tarik should be back to his explosive self this week against a poor Detroit rush defense.
17. Jordan Howard, Bears (vs. DET) - Remember when I said Detroit has a poor rush defense? I hope so, because it literally just happened. Anyway, the Lions rank 30th in the NFL vs. the rush.
18. Mike Davis, Seahawks (@ LAR) - Chris Carson is not playing, and Davis had 16 carries for 62 yards and seven catches for 45 yards in Carson's absence last week.
19. Adrian Peterson, Redskins (@ TB) - AP has battled injury all season, and now two starters on the offensive line are out for the season, but he's still a solid back with a favorable matchup.
20. Marlon Mack, Colts (vs. JAX) - The Jaguars are a tough macthup, but Mack has totaled 308 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games.
21. Aaron Jones, Packers (vs. MIA) - In his first game since Ty Montgomery was sent away, Jones carried the ball 14 times for 75 yards, but he also had a costly late fumble.
22. Sony Michel, Patriots (@ TEN) - It looks like the rookie will return this week, and he'll likely slide back into his role as New England's early-down back.
23. Leonard Fournette, Jaguars (@ IND) - Fournette will make his return this week, and while it remains to be seen how much T.J. Yeldon and Carlos Hyde cut into his workload, he's the best back.
24. Kenyan Drake, Dolphins (@ GB) - After he got nary a carry in the second half last week, Miami coaches said Drake would get more touches this week in Green Bay.
25. Matt Breida, 49ers (vs. NYG) - Breida has been hampered by injury, but he's still getting plenty of touches, and the Giants are below average against the run.
26. LeSean McCoy, Bills (@ NYJ) - Shady hasn't been very productive this season, but he has been very involved in the Buffalo offense.
27. Mark Ingram II, Saints (@ CIN) - I'm not as high on Ingram (who has nine carries for 33 yards and one catch for three yards in last week's slugfest with L.A.) as other sites seem to be.
28. Kerryon Johnson, Lions (@ CHI) - Same goes for Johnson, who is banged up and faces a formidable Chicago defense.
29. Isaiah Crowell, Jets (vs. BUF) - Crow has been very quiet of late, but he does get a decent matchup against Buffalo.
30. Jalen Richard, Raiders (vs. LAC) - Richard should only be considered in PPR leagues (which is what these rankings reflect).
Wide Receiver
1. Michael Thomas, Saints (@ CIN) - The guy with two phones lit up the Rams for 211 yards and a touchdown (on 12 catches) last week.
2. Antonio Brown, Steelers (vs. CAR) - AB has found the endzone in every game but one this season, so he's as surefire as it gets.
3. Julio Jones, Falcons (@ CLE) - On the other side of the spectrum, JJ finally found the end zone last week, and he could make it two games in a row in Cleveland this week.
4. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants (@ SF) - The Giants are really bad, but OBJ is really good, totaling over 130 yards in three games this season, including each of the last two.
5. Davante Adams, Packers (vs. MIA) - After three straight games over 130 yards, Adams only had 40 last week, but he did score a touchdown.
6. Keenan Allen, Chargers (@ OAK) - Oakland is really really bad, which is good news for Allen, who had 124 yards receiving (and 28 yards rushing) last week.
7. Tyreek Hill, Chiefs (vs. ARI) - Few teams have had many answers for this speed demon, and I doubt the lowly Cardinals will.
8. Tyler Boyd, Bengals (vs. NO) - The burgeoning pass-catcher had 138 yards last game, and with A.J. Green out, he'll be the top receiver against a weak New Orleans pass defense.
9. Mike Evans, Buccaneers (vs. WAS) - Tampa's top receiver has been dealing with a knee injury, which may explain his poor production last week (which I don't expect a repeat of).
10. Robert Woods, Rams (vs. SEA) - Bob Forest has only had less than 70 yards once this season, and he's been targeted at least seven times in every game but one.
11. Cooper Kupp, Rams (vs. SEA) - Coop has been targeted at least six times in every game but one, and he has scored in every game but two.
12. Brandin Cooks, Rams (vs. SEA) - Not only did I kind of want to put these three Rams receivers together, but Cooks has been just as productive, going for 114 yards and a score last week.
13. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers (vs. CAR) - JuJu hasn't found the end zone since Week 5, but he is still a large part of the Pittsburgh offense.
14. Jarvis Landry, Browns (vs. ATL) - Juice has been a bit underwhelming this season, but the heavily-targeted slot receiver gets a very favorable matchup this week.
15. Julian Edelman, Patriots (@ TEN) - Despite the emergence of Josh Gordon, Edelman still has 10 targets (and two rushes) each of the last two games.
16. Josh Gordon, Patriots (@ TEN) - Speaking of JG, he has had at least six targets each of the past four games, and last week, he went for 130 yards and a touchdown.
17. Alshon Jeffery, Eagles (vs. DAL) - Jeffery was shut down by Jalen Ramsey last game, but he's been targeted at least eight times in each of the four other games in which he's played.
18. Marvin Jones, Lions (@ CHI) - Marvin has been the main beneficiary of the Golden Tate trade, totaling 18 targets the past two games.
19. Golden Tate, Eagles (vs. DAL) - Speaking of Golden Tate, he got a whole week to acclimate to his new team and draws a good matchup in his Philadelphia debut.
20. Larry Fitzpatrick, Cardinals (@ KC) - Larry had eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown last week, and this week, he goes up against Kansas City's exploitable defense.
21. Calvin Ridley, Falcons (@ CLE) - The rookie has been targeted at least five times in six games this season, which bodes well for this game, which could see a lot of points scored.
22. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers (vs. MIA) - The rookie has earned Aaron Rodgers' trust, which is important with Geronimo Allison out for the season.
23. Kenny Golladay, Lions (@ CHI) - Golladay hasn't really taken advantage of Golden Tate's absence, but he's still one of Detroit's top two receivers.
24. T.Y. Hilton, Colts (vs. JAX) - Eugene Marquis will likely be shadowed by Jalen Ramsey this week, so play him at your own risk.
25. Amari Cooper, Cowboys (@ PHI) - The state of the Dallas offense limits Cooper, but he was targeted eight times Monday night and scored a touchdown.
26. DeSean Jackson, Buccaneers (vs. WAS) - Jackson, of course, is boom-or-bust, but he has upside against a Washington defense that hasn't been great against opposing wide receivers.
27. Devin Funchess, Panthers (@ PIT) - With Cam Newton looking to Christian McCaffrey and Greg Olsen more, Funchess hasn't done much recently, but he is still the top wide receiver.
28. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks (@ LAR) - Doug has not done much this season, but he did catch four passes for 77 yards last week.
29. Sterling Shepard, Giants (@ SF) - Shepard has seen at least seven targets in seven of the eight games he has played in this season.
30. Corey Davis, Titans (vs. NE) - Speaking of targets, Davis has seen at least seven targets in five games, and he's seen double-digit targets in three games, including last week.
Tight End
1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. ARI) - Kelce torched his hometown team for 99 yards and a touchdown last week, and he'll probably torch Arizona this week.
2. George Kittle, 49ers (vs. NYG) - The man of the people tied for a season low in targets last week (four), but still had 108 yards and a touchdown.
3. Zach Ertz, Eagles (vs. DAL) - Ertz has over 100 yards in three of his last five games, and in the other two, he scored a touchdown.
4. Greg Olsen, Panthers (@ PIT) - It's nice to have Greg, who has scored in each of the last two games, back among the fantasy tight end elite.
5. O.J. Howard, Buccaneers (vs. WAS) - Since a dud against Chicago, O.J. has been killing it, totaling 250 yards and four touchdowns in his last four games.
6. David Njoku, Browns (vs. ATL) - After a dud two weeks ago, Njoku had 53 yards last week, and he has a good matchup this week.
7. Trey Burton, Bears (vs. DET) - Burton has found the end zone in all but three games this season, and he's scored in four of his last five games.
8. Jimmy Graham, Packers (vs. MIA) - Graham had 55 yards and a touchdown last week, and he has a decent matchup this week.
9. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots (@ TEN) - You'll want to keep an eye on the oft-injured star tight end's status as game-time draws closer.
10. Jack Doyle, Colts (vs. JAX) - Doyle picked off right where he left off in his return from injury, catching six passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
11. Evan Engram, Giants (@ SF) - Engram was targeted nine times last game (a season-high), and the now-healthy tight end draws a good matchup this week.
12. Austin Hooper, Falcons (@ CLE) - After double-digit targets in two straight weeks, Hooper has seven total targets the last two weeks, but he does get a good matchup this week.
13. Jared Cook, Raiders (vs. LAC) - After a hot start to the season, Cook has slowed down a bit, but he's still one of Oakland's best offensive weapons.
14. Jordan Reed, Redskins (@ TB) - Although he hasn't done much, Reed has been targeted a total of 18 times the past two weeks.
15. Eric Ebron, Colts (vs. JAX) - As with Cook, Ebron has cooled off a little after a hot start, and the return of Jack Doyle delegated him back to solely a red zone target.
16. Vance McDonald, Steelers (vs. CAR) - Vance has not found the end zone since Week 2, but he's still getting decent targets and gets a matchup with a defense that hasn't fared well against tight ends.
17. C. J. Uzomah, Bengals (vs. NO) - Facing a weak New Orleans pass defense without A.J. Green, Uzomah could be a decent streamer to take a shot on this week.
18. Benjamin Watson, Saints (@ CIN) - If nothing else, Watson has scored twice in the last three games.
19. Nick Vannett, Seahawks (@ LAR) - Vannett was targeted a season-high (and career-high) eight times last week, and he scored a touchdown.
20. Chris Herndon IV, Jets (vs. BUF) - He didn't extend his touchdown streak to four games last week, but he did have four catches for 62 yards.
Defense/Special Teams
1. New York Jets (vs. BUF) - We don't get to experience the Peter Man this week, but it's still the Buffalo Bills.
2. Los Angeles Chargers (@ OAK) - The Raiders are going to have the number one pick in next year's NFL Draft.
3. Chicago Bears (vs. DET) - Chicago's defense had been dominant, and Detroit's offense has been shaky.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. ARI) - Kansas City's defense isn't good, but Arizona's offense has not shown any life this season.
5. New England Patriots (@ TEN) - The Titans hadn't shown much life on offense before last week's win against Dallas.
6. Buffalo Bills (@ NYJ) - The Bills defense isn't bad, and the Jets offense isn't good.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. DAL) - Speaking of the Cowboys, Amari Cooper can only help so much.
8. Indianapolis Colts (vs. JAX) - The return of Leonard Fournette might help, but the Jacksonville offense is still a problem.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (@ IND) - The Indy offense isn't the easiest test for this talented defense.
10. Green Bay Packers (vs. MIA) - Brocktober has to end at some point, right?
Kicker
1. Greg Zuerlein, Rams (vs. SEA)
2. Harrison Butker, Chiefs (vs. ARI)
3. Will Lutz, Saints (@ CIN)
4. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (@ TEN)
5. Mason Crosby, Packers (vs. MIA)
6. Jake Elliott, Eagles (vs. DAL)
7. Graham Gano, Panthers (@ PIT)
8. Chris Boswell, Steelers (vs. CAR)
9. Robbie Gould, 49ers (vs. NYG)
10. Adam Vinatieri, Colts (vs. JAX)
Week 10 Game Picks
Record
Last Week: 8-5 vs. Spread: 7-6 Over/Under: 7-6
Season: 87-48 vs. Spread: 68-63-3 Over/Under: 59-72-2
Thursday
Panthers @ Steelers (8:20 PM, FOX/NFL Network)
Both teams come into this game on winning streaks (three for Carolina, four for Pittsburgh), so it should be a closely-contested battle. I think Carolina is the better team.
Spread: PIT -3.5 Over/Under: 51
Prediction: Panthers 32, Steelers 28
Sunday
Lions @ Bears (1:00 PM, FOX)
These two teams have gone in opposite directions the last two weeks. Detroit lost to Seattle and Minnesota, while Chicago beat New York and Buffalo. The Lions may have problems with the Bear defense.
Spread: CHI -7 Over/Under: 45
Prediction: Bears 32, Lions 17
Saints @ Bengals (1:00 PM, FOX)
It's hard enough to beat the Saints right now (they've won seven in a row, including last week against the previously-unbeaten Rams), especially when you don't have your top receiver (A.J. Green).
Spread: NO -6 Over/Under: 53.5
Prediction: Saints 35, Bengals 21
Falcons @ Browns (1:00 PM, FOX)
This will likely be a shootout between a dangerous Atlanta offense and an improving Cleveland defense (facing a weak Atlanta defense). The Browns could hang around, but they'll have a hard time stopping the Falcons offense.
Spread: ATL -5.5 Over/Under: 50
Prediction: Falcons 35, Browns 27
Patriots @ Titans (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Patriots have won six games in a row, and although the Titans looked good against Dallas last week, that was Dallas, not New England.
Spread: NE -6.5 Over/Under: 46.5
Prediction: Patriots 28, Titans 17
Jaguars @ Colts (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Jags have lost four straight games, and it won't get any easier on the road in Indianapolis. I could see this going either way, but I'll go with the host Colts over the offensively-deficient Jaguars.
Spread: IND -3 Over/Under: 48
Prediction: Colts 24, Jaguars 17
Cardinals @ Chiefs (1:00 PM, FOX)
It's been rough sledding for the Cardinals, whose only two wins are both against the 49ers. There is no way Arizona's offense will be able to keep up with the electrifying Kansas City attack.
Spread: KC -16.5 Over/Under: 49.5
Prediction: Chiefs 38, Cardinals 13
Bills @ Jets (1:00 PM, CBS)
You're going to want to tune in to this matchup between legendary quarterbacks Josh McCown and Matt Barkley. I have a lot more trust in McCown than Barkley.
Spread: NYJ -7 Over/Under: 38
Prediction: Jets 24, Bills 10
Redskins @ Buccaneers (1:00 PM, FOX)
Tampa Bay has a shot against a Washington team that just got blown out by Atlanta, but the Bucs' only win in their last five games was an overtime victory over Cleveland.
Spread: TB -3.5 Over/Under: 51
Prediction: Redskins 31, Buccaneers 28
Chargers @ Raiders (4:05 PM, FOX)
Jon Gruden's Great Tanking of 2018 continues against a dangerous Charger offense. This one will get ugly.
Spread: LAC -10 Over/Under: 50.5
Prediction: Chargers 42, Raiders 14
Dolphins @ Packers (4:25 PM, CBS)
In a matchup between Brock Osweiler and Aaron Rodgers, I'm going to go with Aaron Rodgers every single time.
Spread: GB -10.5 Over/Under: 48.5
Prediction: Packers 31, Dolphins 16
Seahawks @ Rams (4:25 PM, CBS)
The Rams suffered their first loss of the season last week, but they should bounce back against the 4-4 Seahawks.
Spread: LAR -9 Over/Under: 51
Prediction: Rams 32, Seahawks 24
Cowboys @ Eagles (8:20 PM, NBC)
The Cowboys struggled against the previously meager Titans last week, so I can't imagine them playing well against an Eagles team with playoff aspirations.
Spread: PHI -7.5 Over/Under: 44.5
Prediction: Eagles 30, Cowboys 17
Monday
Giants @ 49ers (8:15 PM, ESPN)
Somehow, this week's Monday night game is less compelling than last week's. Someone has to win, and I think it'll be Nick Mullens and the Niners.
Spread: SF -3 Over/Under: 44.5
Prediction: 49ers 28, Giants 24
Stats and info via ESPN.com, YahooSports.com, BleacherReport.com and OddsShark.com
Lines via OddsShark.com
Lines as of Thursday evening/Sunday morning
No comments:
Post a Comment