This article takes a look at players from each of the positions in your starting lineup who have interesting matchups. Not all players covered are your classic sleepers who might outperform expectations. Some are nominal starters with tricky matchups or players who might be deep sleepers in smaller leagues, but starters in larger leagues. Realizing that leagues and roster sizes vary wildly; your mileage could vary, too.
Quarterbacks
Mark Sanchez, Phi at GB
Now that Sanchez has resurfaced as the Eagles starting quarterbacks he has QB1 value and upside on a weekly basis. The Packers aren’t necessarily a good matchup allowing the 18th most points, but Sanchez should have enough volume to put himself into similar territory as Jay Cutler (272-1-2) and Drew Brees (311-3-0) was against them the last two weeks. Six of out nine teams produced 20 or more fantasy points from the quarterback position against the Packers this year - including three out of the last four.
Teddy Bridgewater, Min at CHI
Let’s face it. The Bears defense has become a dumpster fire. Three times in their ten games have they allowed four or more touchdowns and in their last two games they’ve ascended rapidly to the top spot among defensive matchups for fantasy quarterbacks after Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers relaxed and dropped 669 yards and 11 touchdowns on them. Bridgewater is nowhere near those two future Hall of Famers, but he is improving and showing enough poise in the last couple of games that I’d consider using him in deeper leagues in this matchup. His ceiling isn’t as high as others, but he should easily produce at least 250 to 300 yards and 1 or 2 touchdowns.
Josh McCown, TB at WAS
McCown took a bit of a beating in his first game since retaking the starting gig for the Bucs but he also put together some solid numbers with 301 yards, 2 touchdowns and 39 rushing yards. McCown looked significantly better than he did during his first three starts of the year connecting with Mike Evans for big plays and getting tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins into the mix, too. This week, he has another strong matchup against a Washington defense allowing the fourth most points to quarterbacks. They’re only allowing 223 net passing yards per game, but they’ve allowed 18 touchdowns with a league-low 3 interceptions. It’s hard to trust McCown after how shaky he looked earlier in the year, but he should deliver some worthwhile stats in this matchup.
Robert Griffin III III, WAS vs. TB
While I’m not particularly bought into Griffin III as a viable fantasy starter in normal-sized leagues, I can see a scenario in deeper or 2-quarterback leagues where he represents value going against a Buccaneers defense that is allowing the seventh most points, and 300 or more yards in four of their last six games. Six out of nine have produced 20 or more fantasy points and threw at least 2 TDs against them.
Brian Hoyer, CLE vs. Hou
Hoyer is another deep league option against a Texans defense that will likely be without one of their starting corners (Kareem Jackson). In their last game, the Eagles repeatedly went after replacement corner Andre Hal as they combined for 326 yards and 3 TDs. The Texans have also allowed 2 or more passing touchdowns in seven straight games while allowing the eighth most points in that span.
Running Backs
Ryan Mathews, SD vs. Oak
Mathews will return to the starting lineup this week after missing the last seven games with a sprained knee. He is expected to get around 15 touches against a Raiders defense allowing the third most points to running backs. Last week, we saw C.J. Anderson break loose for 163 yards and a touchdown on only 17 touches against them. It’s time to get Mathews back into the lineup with confidence.
Bishop Sankey, TEN vs. Pit
The Steeler run defense had allowed 15 or more fantasy points to the starting running back in four of their last five games. Sankey continues to get most of the touches in the Titans backfield, but he hasn’t been able to convert it into meaningful fantasy stats yet. He nearly scored a couple of times, but he is at least getting over 50 yards a game with a strong chance of 3-4 catches to go with it. He should be able to get over ten points for PPR owners this week, but for him to be a worthwhile RB2 he needs get into the end zone.
Terrance West / Isaiah Crowell, CLE vs. Hou
Ben Tate has lost his hold on the Browns starting running back spot with West and Crowell both earning a timeshare last Thursday in their lopsided win over the cross-state Bengals. West looks like the best option this week with his carries growing from 7 to 15 to 26 over the last three games. He has a chance to put up good numbers this week, too, against a Texans defense allowing the fifth most points. The Browns running game much of its appealwhen center Alex Mack got hurt, but the Texans allowed three different Eagles backs to produced double digit points in their last game. Crowell could be worthwhile as a flex option in deeper league as a potential goal line vulture who could get as many as 10 touches as a complimentary back to West.
Steven Jackson, Atl at CAR
Jackson has put together a pair of solid RB2 outings in a row with 18-60-1 against a stout Lions run defense and 16-81-1 against the Bucs. This week, he draws a Panther defense allowing the tenth most points, the second most rushing yards (122 YPG) and tied for the most rushing TDs (13). They have been better in recent weeks, though, holding LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles both under 10 PPR points on Monday night even though they both scored, and Marshawn Lynch to 74 yards and no score in Week 8. In between those games, Mark Ingram barreled over them for 100 yards and two scores. Jackson is best used as a flex option, but he has been producing as a low-end RB2 the last two weeks and you might get lucky to squeeze another game out of him.
Jeremy Hill, Cin at NO
Hill’s value came crashing back to Earth following last Thursday’s awful performance by the Bengals, but Gio Bernard remains sidelined leaving Hill as the featured back once again this week. Opposing backs have had success against the Saints, especially if we look past the Panthers split-backfield in Week 9. In the other three of their last four games the opposing back produced 15 points or more (Frank Gore, Eddie Lacy and Joique Bell). Even the Buccaneers tandem of Bobby Rainey (13 pts) and Doug Martin (10) combined for decent numbers as both hit double digits against them in Week 5. Don’t overreact to hill’s poor game last week.
Bryce Brown, Buf at MIA
Fred Jackson is still on the mend and is listed as questionable for this week’s game at Miami. It’s not a good matchup as the Dolphins are allowing slightly less than the average number of points to opposing backs. However, if Jackson is inactive, then you should definitely keep Brown on speed dial for a potential what-the-heck flex play. Brown would’ve had a much bigger day on Sunday had he not been stripped of the football just before crossing the goal line. He is adept in the passing game and a capable home run threat whenever he touches the ball. He appears to have surpassed Anthony Dixon as the preferred runner and he could have another good workload this week depending on Jackson’s status.
C.J. Anderson / Montee Ball, Den at STL
The Broncos backfield should be a fun one to predict over the next few weeks. Ronnie Hillman (foot/ankle) will miss this week’s game and Montee Ball is expected to play, leaving last week’s surprise (Anderson) as a hit-or-miss gamble depending on how the touches are split. John Fox has talked about using the back who is healthiest and that would be Anderson, but Ball could easily get enough touches to erode the value of both. The Rams aren’t a great matchup either. That said, if I were sitting on Anderson I would have a difficult time keeping him out of the lineup after watching him break loose last week.
Bobby Rainey / Charles Sims, TB at WAS
For the season, Washington ranks among the bottom eight matchup for opposing running backs and they get back NT Barry Cofield from short-term injured reserve this week, but they’ve also allowed 25+ fantasy points in back-to-back games to Matt Asiata and DeMarco Murray. It’s a tricky spot, though, because there is no telling how Rainey and Sims will split carries. Rainey seems like the best bet, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Bucs hand the keys of the backfield over to Sims this week now that he’s had a little game experience under his belt after spending all season on short-term injured reserve.
Wide Receivers
Brandon LaFell, NE at IND
LaFell has risen to WR31 on the season thanks to four strong outings in his last six weeks. In that span he ranks as WR11. On the other side of this matchup, the Colts have been equally as bad over their last several games, ranking as the best matchup for receivers over the last four weeks. In their last two games, five different receivers have topped 15 points against them.
Martavis Bryant, Pit at TEN
Over the last four weeks since Bryant finally took the field he has been the 6th highest scoring receiver in the league with 6 TDs in that span. In the Titans last seven games, 12 out of 14 starting receivers finished with double digit fantasy points against them. Bryant deserves to be in the starting lineup on a regular basis now, but his value could fluctuate weekly as he is still splitting snaps opposite Antonio Brown with Markus Wheaton. His big play potential and red zone prowess make his upside too appealing though.
Jordan Matthews, Phi at GB
The attack of the rookie receivers continues with Matthews being the latest to crash the party on Monday night joining fellow breakout rookies Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr, Brandin Cooks and John Brown. Matthews has a great connection going with Mark Sanchez after working together throughout the pre-season on the second team. With his 6’ 3” frame and sticky hands, Matthews is an excellent mismatch for Sanchez in the slot and he faces a Packer defense that has allowed the fifth most points to receivers over the last four weeks.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Min at CHI
Patterson remains very much a boom or bust play this week with his inconsistent route running, but the way the Bears have been playing of late he might be worth a shot. The Bears have allowed four receivers in their last three games to go for 16+ or more points and they’re among the worst defenses in the league in terms of passing yards (282 YPG, 5th), 40+ yard receptions (9, 5th) and 20+ yard receptions (35, 5th) and touchdowns (23, 2nd) allowed.
Taylor Gabriel, CLE vs. Hou
With Andrew Hawkins banged up and Josh Gordon still a week away from returning, Gabriel is probably the next best receiver who might be able to take advantage of this week’s matchup against a Texans defense allowing the most points to receivers. Gabriel is averaging 5 targets a game over the last six. Even though Miles Austin remains in the mix and has seen slightly more targets, Gabriel has been just as productive and he’s certainly more explosive. Gabriel makes a nice upside play this week with a possible matchup against Andre Hal with Kareem Jackson hurt. The Texans already allowed the 2nd most touchdowns to receivers, the most receptions and the 2nd most yards.
Jarvis Landry, MIA vs. Buf
Landry has quickly developed into the Dolphins second best receiver behind Mike Wallace. He is most valuable in PPR formats considering that Ryan Tannehill has peppered him with 16 targets for 12 catches and a touchdown in his last two games. The Bills have allowed the 12th most points to receivers and only four starting receivers failed to produce double digit fantasy points against them. One of those four was Brian Hartline back in Week 2 when Landry outpaced him with 5-49-0.
Andre Roberts, WAS vs. TB
The Bucs have allowed the most touchdowns and the second most points to receivers. Roberts has been consistently seeing 5+ targets a week, but he hasn’t been converting enough of them and he hasn’t scored since back to back games with a touchdown in week 4 and week 5. Roberts is still a major reach in normal sized leagues, but in deeper leagues or those with multiple flex starters, Roberts could be worthwhile this week.
Justin Hunter, TEN vs. Pit
This will probably be the week that we bail on Justin Hunter and the minute we do, he will unleash a can of something good on the Steelers. In the past month, T.J. Graham, Torrey Smith, T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and DeAndre Hopkins have all hit for big plays or touchdowns against them. Hunter really has been underwhelming all year and it’s hard to trust him except in the deepest of leagues, but as a what-the-heck flex, maybe he’ll pull a T.J. Graham. For what it’s worth, he’ll get his chance.
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce, KC vs. Sea
Tight ends are dropping like flies around Kelce in Kansas City. By attrition, the Chiefs will have no other choice but to have Kelce on the field. The Seahawks corners tend to funnel the action into tight ends, making them a friendly matchup allowing the sixth most points and the most touchdowns per game.
Kyle Rudolph, Min at CHI
Rudolph returned to practice on Wednesday, putting in a limited session. Rudolph has been targeting this week for his return but it would be great to see him get in some full practices to be sure. With a matchup looming against a Bears defense allowing the most points to tight ends, it would be great timing. Chase Ford has filled in reasonably well during his absence, but Rudolph’s return would be a boost for Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings offense particularly in the red zone.
Jared Cook, STL vs. Den
It’s hard to go with Cook this week after he broke loose for a long touchdown catch and run last week. He’s like lightning and he rarely strikes twice in such a short period, but he might be worth a shot in deeper leagues against a Broncos defense allowing the third most points. They’ve been particularly tormented the last few weeks by Mychal Rivera (6-64-1), Rob Gronkowski (9-105-1) and Antonio Gates (5-54-2).
Charles Clay, MIA vs. Buf
Clay finally seems to be over the hump from a nagging pre-season knee sprain that limited him somewhat athletically throughout most of the season. He did catch seven passes for 31 yards on 8 targets when they last met in Week 2 and he’s been much more productive lately with 17 targets for 12 catches, 110 yards and a TD in the last two games.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TB at WAS
Seferian-Jenkins is coming off his best game so far with 9 targets for 5 catches, 30 yards and a touchdown. Josh McCown certainly seemed to look his way and this week these two could rekindle their newfound connection against a Washington defense allowing the 10th most points to tight ends. IN their last two games, Washington allowed 5-66-1 to Chase Ford and 5-70-1 to Jason Witten.
Coby Fleener, IND vs. NE
Fleener’s fantasy value is touchdown dependent but he’s facing a Patriots defense that has allowed touchdown catches in three consecutive weeks to Julius Thomas, Martellus Bennett and Jeff Cumberland. The week prior to that, Scott Chandler blew up for 6-105-0 against them.
Defense/Special Teams
Washington vs. Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers have thrown 12 interceptions (second most behind Jacksonville) and they’ve been sacked 25 times while allowing the third most points for fantasy defenses. They’ve been sacked four or more times in three of their last four games and they’ve managed to score more than 17 points just twice this year. Washington came up small against Minnesota a couple weeks ago, but they were extremely active and productive against the Cowboys the week before and they’re well rested coming off the bye with NT Barry Cofield back in the mix.
Cleveland vs. Houston
The Browns pass rush has never really materialized this year, but this matchup could be a good one for fantasy purposes. It will be Ryan Mallett’s first NFL start and it’s in the dog pound. Mallett might have the strongest arm in the league, but he’s also like a statue in the pocket. Against the Bengals on Thursday, the Browns forced four turnovers, sacked Andy Dalton twice and held the Bengals to three points. They’ve allowed 17 points or less in four of their last five, too.
Minnesota at Chicago
Thanks to their downright awful play lately, the Bears have now devolved into the third best matchup for opposing defense allowing 9 or more points four of their last five games. They’ve committed eight turnovers in their last three games while allowing 3 or 4 sacks in five straight games. The Vikings pass rush is rolling over the last month with 20 sacks (and seven turnovers)in their last four games.
San Diego vs. Oakland
Derek Carr has been more solid than expected as a rookie and he lit up the Chargers back in Week 6 in Oakland for four touchdowns and 282 yards, but the Raiders have committed three turnovers in three straight games and San Diego is coming off their bye week.
