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
Colin Kaepernick, SF vs. Was
Owners in smaller leagues may have lost patience with Kaepernick over the last month since he hasn’t topped 20 fantasy points since Week 6 and he’s only done is three times on the season, but the good news is that Washington is next on the schedule. Josh McCown tallied 288 yards and 2 touchdowns against them on Sunday and Teddy Bridgewater came up just shy of 20 points against them two weeks ago. Charlie Whitehurst and the Titans are the only team not to yield 20 points from the quarterback position going back to Week 2. Overall, Washington has allowed 23 points per game and the fourth most points to quarterbacks this season. While they’ve allowed only an average of 229 net passing yards per game, they have allowed 20 TDs against only three interceptions this year.
Josh McCown, TB at CHI
Despite having an excellent matchup against the Bears on Sunday, we learned that Teddy Bridgewater still isn’t at a level where he can be trusted as a fantasy option in larger leagues. This week, McCown gets his crack at the Bears and their struggling pass defense that has allowed the second most points to quarterbacks. Chicago’s opponents have thrown 24 touchdowns to 9 interceptions averaging a league high 8.2 yards per attempt with a passer rating of 104. Since regaining the starting job, McCown has taken advantage of two good matchups against Atlanta (for 301/2/2) and Washington (288/2/0) the last two weeks. We know McCown can throw a nice deep ball from his productive stint with the Bears last year. Now that Mike Evans is rolling, McCown looks like he could keep it going with another 20+ point performance.
Andy Dalton, Cin at HOU
We’ve seen enough from Dalton over the past few years to know that he can have some seriously bad performances, but he is also resilient and has shown the ability to bounce back with QB1 production the next week. Dalton will benefit from Gio Bernard’s return against a Texans defense that has allowed the third most points over the last seven weeks. The Texans defense is getting healthier and they present some risk, but the floor is pretty high with nine straight games allowing 18 or more points.
Brian Hoyer, Cle at ATL
The Falcons have allowed the most passing yards in the league (281 net yards per game) and their opponents are averaging a league-high 8.2 YPA. They also lost CB Robert Alford to injury on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brian Hoyer and the Browns welcome Josh Gordon back. Hoyer has thrown for 300 yards in two of his last three games. In Hoyer’s two starts last year when he and Gordon were on the field together, he threw for 590 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Kyle Orton, BUF vs. NYJ
It’s very hard to trust Orton right now after an underwhelming Thursday night performance against the Dolphins, but this is the same quarterback that threw for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Jets just four weeks ago on the road. The Jets have allowed the third most points, a total of 25 passing TDs and a passer rating of 108.8 (both worst in the league). Stay away from Orton in smaller leagues, but he might be worthwhile in deeper or 2-quarterback leagues.
Zach Mettenberger, Ten at PHI
Mettenberger’s stats on Monday were padded by an 80-yard touchdown to Nate Washington just before half, but he does have a strong matchup against an Eagles defense allowing the most points to quarterbacks. Three of the last four quarterbacks have thrown for 300 or more yards, and all but one have thrown 2 or more touchdowns against them this year.
Blake Bortles, Jac at IND
In deeper leagues, Bortles might have some redeeming value against a Colts defense that has allowed the most points to quarterbacks over the last four weeks. Bortles made his debut in Week 3 against them, throwing for 223 yards, 2 TDs and 2 interceptions in just over a half. If your league’s scoring is harsh on interceptions, then think twice about Bortles, because he’s still leading the league with 14 and could easily throw a couple more this week.
Running Backs
Isaiah Crowell/Terrance West, Cle at ATL
With Ben Tate out of the picture, the Browns rookies both have immediate value with a looming matchup against a Falcons defense allowing the most fantasy points and the most rushing TDs (12) to opposing backs. They’ve held the Bucs and Panthers running games in check the last two weeks, but the Browns should fare better with Josh Gordon returning to action. Providing that he turns in a good week of practice, Crowell should start. The coaches stuck with him even after he lost his third fumble of the season. West could be featured more on passing downs, but Crowell stands to get at least 15-to-20 touches and most of the goal line work.
Trent Richardson, IND vs. Jac
Ahmad Bradshaw’s broken ankle pushed Richardson back into a larger role for a high powered Colts offense facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the fourth most points to backs and the most long runs of any NFL defense (12 runs of 20 yards or longer). They gave up 131 yards to DeMarco Murray and 163 yards and 2 TDs to Jeremy Hill in their last two games. Richardson produced 80 yards on 17 touches and Ahmad Bradshaw totaled 83 yards and a touchdown on 11 touches. Dan “Boom” Herron moves into a secondary role with some sneaky value in deeper leagues, while Richardson goes from an uninspiring flex to a what-the-heck RB2 with RB1 upside with a soft matchup like this on tap.
Bishop Sankey, Ten at PHI
Sankey only ran for 38 yards against the Steelers on Monday night but he passed the eye test. He still needs more volume, but that’s part of the problem. He has an easier matchup this week against an Eagles defense that has been beaten by opposing backs on the ground and in the passing game. They’ve allowed the most touchdown receptions to backs (6) and overall about 140 combined yards per game with 11 TDs. The last four running backs all produced 15 points against them, so as long as Ken Whisenhunt gives him a few more totes, then Sankey should respond with RB2+ production.
Knile Davis, KC at OAK
As Jamaal Charles has returned to the top of the running back ranks over the last month, the workload for Davis has dwindled. After getting 10 or more carries in five of the first seven games, Davis had just 12 in his three games. Davis did score, though, and he also scored in his last game against the Raiders last year in Week 15. The Raiders have allowed the sixth most points and the backup RBs are averaging almost 8 points per game against them. It’s partially based on their winless record and allowing the most rushing attempts in the league – almost 34 per game. With that much volume, Davis could see double digit touches and his chances of scoring aren’t as bad either.
Alfred Blue, HOU vs. Cin
Blue’s value this week hinges greatly on the availability of Arian Foster, whose groin may be worse than he or the team is letting on. If Foster gets in full practices and starts this week, then Blue doesn’t have much value, but if Foster is somewhat questionable than Blue could factor in as a flex option against a struggling Bengals defense allowing the third most points to RBs.
Charles Sims, TB vs. Chi
The range of outcomes for backs that have faced the Bears this year is 8.6 points (Jonas Gray, 17-86-0) to Eddie Lacy’s 118 yards and a touchdown (20.8 pts). The Bucs haven’t been able to consistently run the ball this year, but Sims emerged last week as what should be the team’s featured back the rest of the way. Better used as a what-the-heck flex, Sims has some RB2 value in deeper leagues.
Devonta Freeman, ATL vs. Cle
Antone Smith’s season-ending knee injury might be just the impetus that Freeman needs to get a few more touches and chip away at Steven Jackson’s workload. The Browns have allowed the third most rushing yards and seven different backs have produced 20 or more points against them. Alfred Blue ran 36 times for 156 yards against them on Sunday. Steven Jackson should have more value this week, but he hasn’t been able to take advantage of good matchups before. Freeman, like Davis, needs more touches to produce, but he could get a few more of those touches with Smith out of the picture and a solid matchup against the Browns only adds to that hope.
Reggie Bush, Det at NE
Bush hasn’t been reliable at all this year, but if you’re looking for a silver lining in an otherwise gray cloud, Bush should return to the lineup this week with some flex value in deeper leagues against a Patriots defense allowing the most TD receptions to running backs (6) and the 10th most points overall. Joique Bell handles most of the touches and Theo Riddick could remain in the mix, so even a healthier Bush remains a sketchy flex outside of deeper leagues.
Latavius Murray, OAK vs. KC
We finally saw Murray in action on Sunday as he seemed to emerge from behind Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew with an eye towards more playing time going forward. The Chiefs aren’t a particularly good matchup considering that they haven’t allowed a touchdown to a running back this season, but they have allowed the 9th most rushing allowed to RBs.
Wide Receivers
Marques Colston &Kenny Stills, NO vs. Bal
With Brandin Cooks on injured reserve the outlook for Cooks and Colston is looking a bit brighter down the stretch considering that heading into Week 12 Colston is just WR 62 and Cooks WR59. The Saints also have a plus matchup at home against a Ravens defense that has allowed the third most points to receivers. An opposing receiver has topped 100 yards in three of their last four games and 18 different receivers have produced double digit points against them through 10 games. They’ve allowed the second most receptions (14.6) and the most receiving yards (197) to receivers per game.
Kenny Britt, Stl at SD
If last week was any indication, Shaun Hill and Kenny Britt got off to a great start in their first game together this year. Britt was targeted 7 times (tied for his season high) reeling in four of them for 128 yards and his second touchdown in three games. With Brian Quick on IR, Britt has finally emerged as the Rams No. 1 receiver and top big play threat. The Chargers lost their top pick, CB Shane Verrett, for the season and head into this week’s game allowing the sixth most points over the last six games even though they’ve played the Raiders twice along with the Chiefs and Jets in that span.
Cecil Shorts, JAC vs. Ind
The Colts have been like a drum by opposing receivers in their last three games allowing the most points over that span by a wide margin. Allen Robinson is on injured reserve leaving Cecil Shorts to clean up as the Jaguars top target flanked by rookies Allen Hurns opposite him and Marqise Lee in the slot. The Jaguars receivers erupted for 14-191-2 back in week 3 against the Colts so don’t be surprised at all if Bortles, Shorts and Hurns provide some fireworks. In that game, Robinson, Shorts and Hurns all produce 13+ fantasy points, so maybe Lee could even get something going as their No. 3.
Malcom Floyd, SD vs. Stl
Floyd may only be a WR4 based on his stats year to date, but he is the best downfield target for Phillip Rivers and he is also the most likely of his targets to catch a touchdown. While the Rams defense has turned up the heat on opposing quarterbacks the last few weeks, they’ve also allowed four different receivers to produce 17 or more points in their last two games. Floyd doesn’t get quite as many targets as Keenan Allen but he’s been just as productive for fantasy owners.
Andrew Hawkins, Cle at ATL
The Falcons were already one of the worst pass defenses in the league this year, but on Sunday they lost Robert Alford for the season. Desmond Trufant, their best corner, is expected to shadow Josh Gordon on the field as much as possible leaving the target rich Hawkins as a quality flex, if not WR3. The Falcons have allowed the second most passing yards, the eighth most points and the fourth most over the last seven weeks.
Jarvis Landry, Mia at DEN
Landry has been a regular here the last few weeks and he produced once again on Sunday hauling in a touchdown catch while reeling in all five of his targets against the Bills. Landry is more of a PPR play, but the Broncos have allowed the third most receptions to receivers (14.1 per game) and Landry has 21 targets over his last three games. By comparison, Landry has 42 receptions to Mike Wallace’s 44 despite seeing 27 fewer targets.
Charles Johnson, MIN vs. GB
The proverbial door swung wide open for Johnson on Sunday and the second year receiver took full advantage of his opportunity catching 6 of his 7 targets for 87 yards against the Bears and all but one of his targets came in the fourth quarter with the Vikings trailing. With Greg Jennings (ribs) and Jarius Wright (ankle) injured, Johnson has another window of opportunity to rack up some stats in a game that could have them playing from behind throughout. The Packers have allowed the second most points over the last five games and 12 TDs to receivers through their first 10 games.
Chris Hogan, BUF vs. NYJ
Hogan has emerged as arguably the Bills No. 2 receiver behind Sammy Watkins in their last two games outpacing Robert Woods in targets 16 to 13 while producing flex-worthy stats of 5-57-1 and 7-74-0. Of course, the Jets secondary is a complete mess with 25 passing touchdowns allowed and the second most 40+ yard pass plays (11) in the league. Coming off their bye, the Jets have allowed 11 or more points to five different receivers in their last three games.
If you’re searching for other options in deeper leagues, you might consider one of two rookies, Davante Adams or John Brown, or take another leap of faith into the deep abyss that is Justin Hunter. Hunter draws an Eagles defense that’s allowed the most touchdowns to opposing receivers. His talent is undeniable, but his production is undeniably hard to trust for even his most ardent fans. Kendall Wright is more of the PPR play for the Titans, but ironically, even he has been a bigger touchdown threat for the Titans than Hunter.
Adams is playing regularly in three receiver sets and he has a white hot Aaron Rodgers throwing to him against a Vikings defense allowing the 5th most touchdowns to opposing receivers. Brown has a daunting matchup against a Seahawks defense that has allowed the fewest points in the league, but his snaps could increase along with his targets with Larry Fitzgerald nursing a sprained MCL and likely playing through it. Brown is arguably their most dangerous receivers, but he’s unlikely to see much of Richard Sherman making him perhaps the most likely of the Cardinals to hit for a big play.
Tight Ends
Coby Fleener, IND vs. Jac
With Dwayne Allen sidelined this week, Fleener has an excellent chance to pick up where he left off against the Patriots with a monster 7-144-0 game. Fleener has four or more catches and 64 or more yards in three of his last four games and he won’t have Allen sapping targets away from him this week.
Charles Clay, Mia at DEN
Clay has come on over the last few games now that he appears to be over his pre-season knee injury. Still more of a PPR flex option than a true TE1, Clay has some red zone appeal and he faces a Bronco defense that has allowed the third most points over their last four games and the second most receptions per game (6.1). In four of their last six games, an opposing tight end went for at least 18 points against them.
Niles Paul, Was at SF
Jordan Reed is hurt once again, this time with an injury to his other hamstring. Paul is a ready-made replacement who can step right in and gobble up targets against a 49er defense that has allowed 5 touchdowns in their last six games to tight ends, and the sixth most points over their last four.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TB at CHI
Mike Evans can’t have all the fun, can he? Maybe so, but the Bucs have another talented rookie in Seferian-Jenkins who could do some damage against this Bears defense that has allowed 8 TDs in their last four games and 10 in their last six to tight ends.
Scott Chandler, BUF vs. NYJ
Chandler isn’t a guy you can really trust for fantasy purposes, but in deeper leagues he might be a viable reach because he can haul in a touchdown or put up useful numbers a few times a year. He also is facing a porous Jets secondary that he caught a touchdown against back in Week 8. The Jets have allowed the most touchdowns to tight ends (11), four in their last three games and the fourth most points overall.
Marcedes Lewis, Jac at IND
Lewis was activated form the short-term injured reserve list this week and he’ll move right back into the starting lineup with a matchup against a Colts defense that has allowed the third most points to tight ends and four touchdowns in their last three games. In his only two games played this year, Lewis was actually productive with games of 2-71-1 and 6-35-0. He’s a long shot, but he’s never been short on talent.
If you’re still searching for a reach in deeper leagues, consider rookie Eric Ebron, who faces a Patriots secondary allowing the most yards to tight ends (71 per game) and the fourth most points over their last four games. Similarly, Garrett Graham seemed to benefit from Ryan Mallett taking over at quarterback. He only caught two passes for 34 yards last week, but one was for a touchdown and he faces a Bengals defense allowing the sixth most points and the second most yards to tight ends (70).
Defense/Special Teams
Green Bay vs. Minnesota
The Packers are red hot all-around as their defense scored three times in their last two games with 7 turnovers and 7 sacks against the Bears and Eagles. Outside of those two games, the Packers didn’t touch double digit points in any other game, but one – the Vikings. Back in Week 5 in Minnesota, they recorded 6 sacks, forced 3 turnovers and scored their only other defensive touchdown of the season while holding the Vikings to 10 points. There’s no hotter defense in the league and the Vikings remain a top ten matchup even though they’ve given up only 5 sacks and 1 turnover in their last three games.
Indianapolis vs. Jacksonville
In addition to death and taxes, you can add fantasy defenses facing the Jaguars to your short list of “things you can count on”. The floor of their opponents this year is 8 points, but only two teams were so unlucky, while all other eight teams yielded double digit points. The Colts produced 16 points in Jacksonville and they’re a top 5 play this week even if Jonas Gray ran on them for 200 yards on Sunday.
San Diego vs. St. Louis
The highest scoring defense year to date is the Eagles, averaging 11.6 points per game, but the opponents of the Jaguars and Rams have been just as productive allowing 12.3 and 11.5 points respectively. If only you could stream one of their opponents each week, you’d essentially have the high scoring defense in your league. The Chargers haven’t been healthy all year on defense and they’ve allowed tons of points to four of their last five opponents, but they’ve also been able to take advantage of good matchups against the Raiders, Jets and Jaguars in their best performances of the year. With the Rams coming to town, San Diego is at least worth a reach in deeper leagues, but probably best alone in smaller ones.
Kansas City at Oakland
The Chiefs are a much better play at home, but they’re still worth a look in deeper leagues on the road against the Raiders. While they’ve been inconsistent rushing the quarterback and haven’t generated a lot of turnovers, they have allowed the second fewest points and the Raiders have scored the fewest. If you’re league scores points allowed then take advantage. If it doesn’t, the Chiefs are still worth a gamble but the Raiders haven’t allowed more than three sacks all year.
