It's matchup time once again! More and more uncertainty appearing by the week. I don't have much else to say that's already been said with injuries. We did see our first head coach firing. I suppose we will see the impact of that in their first game without coach Robert Saleh against the division rival Buffalo Bills. Will the Jets defense be as stout without Saleh? We will certainly find out. Let's get to the matchups!
QUARTERBACKS
START Caleb Williams vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Now here's a guy who's starting to figure it out. Williams, the #1 overall pick in this year's draft, had a rough start to the season. He finished with more than 12 points only once in his first four games of the season where he was no higher than QB14 (Week 3 vs IND). Last week, he took his chance at a weak Carolina defense and scored big. Williams finished 20 for 29 with 304 yards and two scores leading him to a QB6 finish on the week. He gets two cupcake defenses in a row as he takes on the Jaguars. Jacksonville has given up the MOST points to QBs so far this season and it would be a shame to leave Williams on your bench in this tasty matchup after what he did last week.
SIT Anthony Richardson vs Tennessee Titans
Richardson missed last week after getting banged up in the Colts' Week 4 game vs the Steelers. Richardson has a chance to come back this week and put old man Flacco back on the bench. While Richardson is a fantasy "darling" who can make people miss with his legs, he is best left on the bench this week. The Titans have given up the 10th least points to QBs and while that's not exactly horrible, it doesn't give people much hope as he tries to get right. He still hasn't put up a 10-point performance since his Week 1 outburst. Leave him alone until he shows he is back on track.
RUNNING BACKS
START Braelon Allen vs Buffalo Bills
Breece Hall has found a productive counterpart to help lighten the load in the Jets' backfield. That may not be what you want to hear as someone who invested high draft capital in Hall, but for those that took a late round flier on Allen are delighted with the early development of the rookie back. Lucky for both Hall and Allen owners, they go up against the Bills rush defense that has let rushers run free and given up the MOST points to opposing RBs this season. The game script may not be in the Jets' favor but the fact that the Bills are like Swiss cheese when it comes to running backs helps their cause. Allen is a nice FLEX option this week for anyone needing a Bye week replacement.
SIT Alexander Mattison vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Raiders running back room has been one of the most disappointing situations this season so far. Mattison seemingly has taken over starting running back duties from Zamir White who has been nothing short of a disaster so far. Mattison has been somewhat effective at times but the Raiders' offense as a whole has been dismal. Going up against the Steelers this week (3rd least points allowed to opposing RBs) gives no hope of a decent performance. There are plenty of better options at RB and for your FLEX spots... hopefully.
WIDE RECEIVERS
START Jalen Tolbert vs Detroit Lions
Unfortunately, as your resident Lions fan here at FantasyHolics, we still have yet to completely fix our secondary issues. That will likely be exposed by the Cowboys pass catchers as the run game will be stuffed. Jalen Tolbert is coming off of a breakout performance in Week 5 where he caught 7 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. He is filling in for Brandin Cooks who has been placed on IR. Tolbert filled in seamlessly and will look to take advantage of a team that will key in on CeeDee Lamb leaving Tolbert open for many opportunities. Tolbert is a heavy sleeper and a nice streamer this week.
SIT Ladd McConkey vs Denver Broncos
McConkey is coming off his best performance before his Week 5 bye where he put up 5 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown vs the Chiefs. Unfortunately for McConkey, he will be shadowed by the Broncos defense that has allowed the 2nd least points to the WR position this season. Just when McConkey is catching stride in his chemistry with Justin Herbert, they get a tough matchup like this. The Broncos have allowed less than 20 points in their last 4 games.
TIGHT ENDS
START Zach Ertz vs Baltimore Ravens
Why in the world would I recommend starting Ertz this week? He only scored 3 PPR points (2 catches for 10 yards). What if I told you he was targeted the second most by Jayden Daniels last week (8 times)? That was against the Browns last week who have allowed the 6th least points to the TE position this season. The fact that he's getting that kind of volume against that kind of matchup is encouraging. This week, Ertz gets the Ravens who are susceptible in the pass game; especially vs tight ends (6th most points allowed to TE) Ertz is due for a bounce-back effort this week with a matchup and volume that he's receiving. You should feel confident starting Ertz if you are looking for a bye week or injury replacement.
SIT Evan Engram vs Chicago Bears
Engram hasn't played since ending Week 1 early with an injury. He is set to make his return this week. Unfortunately for him, he gets a Bears defense that is quite stout against passing offense. They have allowed the 7th least points to the tight end position as well as bottom-10 to QBs and WRs. Playing the Bears is best avoided for those positions. They are notorious this season to allow top rushers to run wild this season (10th most points to RBs). With Engram making his return today, it's best to keep him on the bench until he shows to bring his production back up consistently.
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