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
Matt Ryan, Atl at NO
For those of you in smaller leagues going into the title game with Ryan, there’s no need to switch horses midstream. Ryan has a great matchup against a Saints defense allowing 267/2/0.4 in their last five games and the fourth most points overall to quarterbacks. Back in Week 1, Ryan scorched the Saints for 448 yards and three touchdowns.
Matthew Stafford, Det at CHI
Stafford hasn’t been the most reliable fantasy quarterback this year, but this matchup is just too juicy to pass up for other non-elite options. The Bears were abused by Drew Brees on Monday night. They’ve allowed the most points in the league to quarterbacks and it was just a couple weeks ago when Stafford threw for 390 yards and 2 TDs against them at Ford Field. The Lions have everything to play for and the Bears look like a team that already started mailing it in.
Tony Romo, DAL vs. Ind
The Colts defense has feasted on some of the weaker quarterbacks they’ve faced (Savage/Fitzpatrick, Bortles, Hoyer, Whitehurst), but they’ve also given up a lot of points to several other higher caliber quarterbacks like Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady and even Colt McCoy. They’re a more formidable matchup with Vontae Davis and Romo has been more reliable on the road, but with the playoffs on the line, you have to stick with Romo.
Mark Sanchez, Phi at WAS
Washington has allowed 10 touchdowns and over 300 yards per game in their last three. Eli Manning was the latest to light them up with 250 yards and 3 TDs on Sunday. Back in Week 3, Nick Foles powered this same Eagles offense with 325 yards, 3 TDS and no interceptions for almost fantasy 30 points against them, and their defense isn’t as good now as it was then.
Shaun Hill, STL vs. NYG
In the Giants last four games, only the Titans quarterbacks failed to produce 20 points while Robert Griffin III III. Tony Romo and Blake Bortles all delivered. Hill had a tough matchup against the Cardinals last week, a long week to prepare for this game and he also threw a pair of touchdowns in each of his two games before Arizona that were both good matchups against Washington and Oakland. The Giants allowed the eighth most points to quarterbacks, so for those of you in deeper leagues, Hill might be worthwhile.
Running Backs
Steven Jackson, Atl at NO
Jackson has looked as good over the last few weeks as he has in past few years. He also has an outstanding matchup this week against a Saints defense that’s allowed the most points to running backs since Week 10. In Week 14, Johnathan Stewart bullied them for 155 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. In Week 13, LeVeon Bell steamrolled them for 254 yards and a TD. In Week 12, it was Justin Forsett’s honors with 190 yards and 2 TDs, and in Week 11 it was Jeremy Hill who got the party started with 165 yards. Jackson probably won’t reach those heights, but the Falcons combined for 108 rushing yards, 1 TD, 5 catches for 73 yards and a TD against the Saints in the season opener. You should be able to pencil in Jackson as a solid RB2 type this week with a good shot for 75+ yards and a TD.
Lamar Miller, MIA vs. Min
Miller has been a solid RB2 for most of the year, but your confidence could be waning over the last several weeks as his production has slipped in the second half of the season. The Vikings run defense has also been weaker in the second half of the season allowing 142 yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game to RBs in their last seven. Miller’s biggest problem has been an inconsistent workload, but he has 17, 17 and 15 touches in the last three games and he should see a healthy workload again this week with what should be a favorable matchup at home.
Fred Jackson, Buf at OAK
Once again, Jackson has redeemed himself to owners who ignored his age and drafted him for depth or insurance back in August. With 54 receptions this year already despite missing games due to injury, he’s once again a factor down the stretch with a strong matchup against an Oakland defense that has allowed the second most points. Knile Davis cashed in against the Raiders last week with a 70-yard touchdown catch and run in relief of a banged up Jamaal Charles.
Pierre Thomas, NO vs. Atl
Thomas has a superb game catching the football against the Bears on Monday night. This week, he faces a Falcons defense allowing the most points to RBs. Thomas was highly productive against them in Week 1 with 89 total yards (including 6 receptions). Mark Ingram scored twice in that game while Khiry Robinson also scored while adding 28 yards of his own. Overall, the Saints backs combined for 119 yards rushing on 26 carries, 3 TDs and 8 receptions for 64 yards. Look for Thomas to have another solid outing this week.
Joseph Randle & Lance Dunbar, DAL vs. Ind
The DeMarco Murray watch could come down to a game-time decision and there’s a ton of Murray owners playing in title games this week. To be safe, you should definitely have Randle (or Dunbar if you can’t Randle) rostered in the event that Murray is inactive. You have to go back to Week 7 to find the last starting running back against the Colts that didn’t produce at least 10 points. They’ve allowed the 8th most points to running backs this year. If Murray doesn’t suit up, Randle is expected to get the bulk of the carries, but Dunbar could also be consistently involved on third downs and in the passing game.
Jonathan Stewart, CAR vs. Cle
The Browns have allowed an average of 32-134-0.8 rushing to opposing backs in their last five games. Stewart has tentatively taken charge of the Panthers backfield due to DeAngelo Williams’s being hurt. If Williams remains out, then keep Stewart on standby, but the Panthers running game has the potential to disappoint owners, so do your due diligence here and know that Stewart is bit of a gamble even with a good matchup like this one on paper.
Chris Ivory, NYJ vs. NE
Don’t think for a second that Rex Ryan won’t have the Jets playing their best “A” game in what appears to be his last divisional rival game against Bill Belichick. The Jets will probably still get crushed by the Patriots, but Ivory has a legitimate chance to power their offense and deliver RB2 value since he ran for 125 yards and a TD against them back in Week 7 on the road. Chris Johnson also had a solid performance in that game with 80 total yards. The Patriots run defense has been more than solid in the second half of the season, though, with Eddie Lacy’s 115 total yards being the best game turned in against them since Ivory’s Week 7 effort.
Shane Vereen, NE at NYJ
Vereen hasn’t been very useful in the second half of the season, but it’s worth noting that his last outing against the Jets featured a pair of touchdown catches and 114 total yards.
Matt Asiata, Min at MIA
Asiata looks like the best bet of the Vikings backfield to have any fantasy value in this week’s matchup against a Dolphins defense that has allowed 29-153-1 rushing to opposing backs in their last four games.
Dan “Boom” Herron, Ind at DAL
Until LeSean McCoy was vulture by Chris Polk for 2 TDs on Sunday night, the Cowboys had allowed 20 points to opposing running backs in five straight games. If only we could count on the assumption of rational coaching here, but Trent Richardson will probably continue to see just enough touches to keep Herron’s value suppressed as a decent flex with RB2 upside in deeper leagues.
Toby Gerhart, JAC vs. Ten
Gerhart should lead the Jaguars backfield in touches this week against a poor Titans run defense that has allowed the most points to running backs since Week 7. Six of the last seven backs combined for 100 yards and all seven found the end zone against the Titans.
Branden Oliver, SD at SF
Ryan Matthews hasn’t practiced yet this week as of Wednesday leaving the door open for Oliver to led the Chargers backfield in touches for the second straight week. Unfortunately, this week’s matchup is a formidable one even with Chris Borland, Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman all out of commission. The 49ers also cut DE Ray McDonald this week due to off the field issues and they have allowed an average of 154 yards and a TD to opposing RBs in their last four games. Check on the status of Matthews later in the week and keep Oliver on speed dial if he winds up misses a second straight game.
Alfonso Smith, SF vs. SD
Not a great matchup, but with Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde almost certainly sidelined this week, Smith will get the start and have a chance to at least get 15 to 18 touches against a decent Chargers defense that hasn’t allowed a touchdown to a running back since Lamar Miller in Week 9.
Wide Receivers
Jordan Matthews, Phi at WAS
Matthews is a boom/bust pick with a strong matchup against a Washington defense that was worked over by Odell Beckham Jr last week for 12-143-3. Matthews’s production has been falling with each game that Mark Sanchez starts, but the matchup appeal is there since he torched them for 8-59-2 back in Week 3 with Nick Foles.
Marques Colston, NO vs. Atl
Stills could be locked up with up-and-coming corner Desmond Trufant this week leaving Colston as a viable breakout candidate against a Falcons defense that has allowed the fourth most points to opposing WRs. Brandin Cooks stormed out of the gate against Atlanta with 7-77-1 in the opener while Colston had one of this best games of the season with 5-110-0. Plus, Colston has scored in three of his last four games setting him up for another solid late-season finish.
Anquan Boldin, SF vs. SD
As Colin Kaepernick goes, so does Anquan Boldin. With Kaepernick slumping over the last month, Boldin’s numbers have fallen considerably with a total of 9 catches for 95 yards over his last three games. That said, the Chargers have allowed a wide receiver to produce 21 fantasy points or more against them in their last four games straight. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Kaepernick bounce back a little this week with Boldin being his go-to guy.
Charles Johnson, Min at MIA
The Dolphins have allowed the fifth most points to receivers over their last six games has turned into one of the better late season waiver pickups with 20 catches for 355 yards and 2 TDs in his last five games. Teddy Bridgewater is actually playing decently right now and Johnson has been one of his most reliable targets. No need to shy away from Johnson at this stage. If he helped you get here, stay with him.
Marques Wilson, CHI vs. Det
Wilson is a wild card this week with a decent matchup against a Lions defense allowing the 8th most points to opposing receivers over the last six weeks, but without Jay Cutler at quarterback. That might prove to be a good thing, but it’s a bit risky rolling with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback this week without having seen him play enough to know whether he’ll be productive or face plant like Johnny Manziel did last week. Wilson was able to catch a touchdown on a short drag route on Monday night against the Saints, but he’s essentially a boom/bust flex option until we see more.
Nate Washington, Ten at JAC
It’s hard to trust any of the Titans receivers this week with Charlie Whitehurst expected to start in lieu of injuries to Zach Mettenberger and Jake Locker, but Washington has been producing at a WR3 level now for the past five weeks. He has five straight weeks with at least 56 yards and two touchdowns in that span.
Eddie Royal/Malcom Floyd, SD at SF
With Keenan Allen sidelined, Eddie Royal and Malcom Floyd take center stage against a 49er defense that has been one of the stingiest units in the league. Expect to see more from Antonio Gates this week while Seyi Ajirotutu will see extended action as the Chargers third receiver. Royal and Floyd both have touchdown / big-play potential, but we’d be more optimistic if the matchup were better.
Donte Moncrief, Ind at DAL
Last week we were hoping to see more out of Moncrief with Reggie Wayne banged up, but Wayne played and it was Hakeem Nicks who cashed in with a touchdown catch to upstage the talented rookie. This week, TY Hilton might not be fully healthy once again opening the door for Moncrief. Just like the last few weeks, Moncrief has the upside and potential to make big plays downfield or after the catch, but Andrew Luck spreads the ball around and it’s just as likely for him to pitch a goose egg like he did on Sunday.
Tight Ends
Dwayne Allen & Coby Fleenor, Ind at DAL
Both of the Colts tight ends have been TE1s at different times throughout the year, but with Allen rounding back into shape after missing several weeks, it has taken the wind out of Fleenor’s sails. Both remain viable low-end TE1/flex plays in normal leagues, but even in smaller leagues they are worthy starters this week against a Dallas defense that has allowed the most points to tight ends. Before getting hurt, Allen caught a touchdown in six of his last seven games. After catching another one last week, he’s back.
Jason Witten, DAL vs. Ind
Witten has been more of a low-to-mid TE2 this year, but he’s coming off his busiest day of the season with 7-69-0 on 9 targets. With Murray possibly out, the Cowboys could lean on Witten more than usual this week with a plus matchup for Romo in the cards. The Colts are a tight end friendly matchup, too, allowing the fifth most points. Jordan Reed and Heath Miller have both blown up against them. Aside from the Jaguars and Texans weak tight ends, nine out of the other ten produced double digit points against the Colts. Witten looks like a quality TE1 at the most important time.
Zach Ertz, Phi at WAS
After a quality start to the season, Ertz’s second half has been extremely disappointing with only 15 catches and 1 touchdown in his last seven games. Washington’s defense has allowed the second most touchdowns to tight ends and the sixth most points. Larry Donnell was quiet against them last week amid Odell Beckham Jr’s dominant play, but in prior week’s Jared Cook (4-61-2), Coby Fleener (4-127-2), Chase Ford (5-66-1) and Jason Witten (5-70-1) all had quality TE1 production. Ertz remains a risky play but he’s a quality reach in deeper leagues.
Tim Wright, NE at NYJ
Wright is a lot like Ertz – you can’t expect either one to catch a lot of passes but they both are strong in the red zone and they at least have a shot to provide TE1 production without high utilization. Wright’s draw this week is a matchup with a Jets defense that has allowed the most touchdowns in the league to tight ends. Maybe Brady will throw a bone or two to Wright this week after peppering Gronkowski, Edelman and LaFell more in recent games.
Eric Ebron, Det at CHI
For really deep leagues, Ebron is at least worth considering for the potential of catching a touchdown against a Bears defense that gave up two of them to Josh Hill on Monday, and the second most to tight ends this year. Ebron’s hands have been shaky all season, but Stafford should have a big game against the Bears.
Defense/Special Teams
St. Louis vs. NY Giants
The Giants have allowed more than two sacks in only three games this season, but they have committed two or more turnovers in half of their games and they’ve allowed 3 touchdown returns in their last three games. The Rams defense has also been on fire over the last two months with double digit production in three of their last four games.
Green Bay at Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers have allowed 14 sacks in their last four games with 11 turnovers. They scored more than 17 points once in their last nine games. With the Packers playing for the division title and the Bucs to preserve their #1 draft pick, the Packers are one of the best plays of the week.
Carolina vs. Cleveland
The Panthers defense has played a little better of late and we all witnessed the Johnny Manziel experiment last week. For that reason alone, the Panthers could be worth starting this week, but they are anything but a sure thing defensively this year. The Browns have committed 12 turnovers in their last five games with at least two in all five.
San Diego at San Francisco
The 49ers have allowed 15 sacks in their last three games with 8 turnovers in their last four. They haven’t scored more than 17 points in five straight games and seven of their last eight.
Tennessee at Jacksonville
The Jaguars have allowed more points to opposing defenses than any other team, but the Titans are one of the worst defenses in the league making them a hard one to trust in championship week. It is worth noting, though, that their best production of the year came back in Week 6 against the Jaguars with 6 sacks, 2 turnovers and a block while holding them to 14 points. It’s a scary proposition, but in deeper league you could definitely do worse.
