Start ‘Em
QB – Blake Bortles – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking on the Baltimore Ravens this week. Quarterback Blake Bortles currently ranks fifth among QB’s in ESPN standard scoring leagues, which is higher than most big name guys, like Andrew Luck and Matt Ryan. The Ravens secondary is beat up, and they give up the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have been unreal the past month, sitting at 6th and 8th respectively in receiving yards, and I look for Bortles to go to those guys early and often. I predict Bortles to throw for 250 yards and three touchdowns this week.
RB – James Starks – Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have been riddled with injuries to their top offensive performers like Jordy Nelson and Eddie Lacy. Lacy was playing hurt without his fantasy owners knowing it for the past few weeks, but now head coach Mike McCarthy has finally stated who their number one back is: James Starks. Starks will get at least 20 touches against an awful Lions run defense. Look for the Packers to take an early lead, which will lead to more and more carries for Starks.
WR – Allen Robinson – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are taking on the Baltimore Ravens, which provides a beautiful matchup for Robinson. The Ravens have given up at least 2 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in five of their last seven games. Jags quarterback Blake Bortles has been on a tear the past few weeks, and Robinson has been right in the middle of the success. Robinson should see 10 plus targets with Allen Hurns questionable for Sunday, and I think he will get 150 receiving yards and at least one touchdown.
TE – Jordan Reed – Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins take on the New Orleans Saints this week, which provides an excellent matchup for all Redskins players. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ranks 10th in ESPN standard scoring leagues among quarterbacks, and most of his points have gone toward Jordan Reed. Reed goes up against the defense that allowed three touchdowns and over 150 yards to Delanie Walker in Week 9. Reed is a strong play against a week Saints secondary.
D/ST – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers came into 2015 expected to have one of the worst defenses in the league, but have definitely exceeded expectations this season. The Steelers have had a top ranked defense all year because of how dominant their front seven has been. The Steelers take on the Browns this week, and whether they face Johnny Manziel or Josh McCown, the Steelers should make their job extremely difficult. The Steelers are going to cause penetration against the Browns offensive line. Expect a few sacks, and maybe a turnover or two.
Sit ‘Em
QB – Carson Palmer – Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are taking on divisional rival Seattle on Monday night. Carson Palmer is currently the seventh ranked quarterback in an ESPN standard scoring system. Palmer is taking on a Seahawks defense that has allowed the third least amount of points to a quarterback. Palmer and the Cardinals have had fantastic offensive success as of late, but I see this game being a slugfest. I would sit Palmer for this week and try to pick up someone like Derek Carr or Blake Bortles.
RB – Any New York Giants Running Back
The New York Giants backfield situation is the most uncertain situation in all of fantasy football. The Giants have a solid offense, but they have a backfield by committee, which is a fantasy nightmare. If you have either Shane Vereen or Rashad Jennings, sit them because the Patriots have a really solid run defense, and it is a hopeless situation in predicting who will get the majority of touches and receptions coming out of the backfield.
WR – Jeremy Maclin – Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are taking on the top overall rated defense in the Denver Broncos this weekend. The Chiefs offense has struggled ever since their leading producer, Jamaal Charles, went down for the season with an injury. Alex Smith has had trouble finding his wide receivers in the red zone, when they actually get there, over the past two seasons. Maclin is a master of making something out of nothing, but with how rare his touches are, he’s a must sit this week against the Broncos.
TE – Vernon Davis – Denver Broncos
Many fantasy owners jumped on Vernon Davis when he was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Denver Broncos, but they shouldn’t have been so quick to react. The Broncos main tight end is Owen Daniels, and Manning has a trust built up with Daniels. Daniels isn’t the fastest or most elusive tight end, but is great at finding space when Manning has no other options. Davis has yet to build that trust with Manning, and it will take time for that to develop. I don’t think Davis will be fantasy relevant for the rest of this season.
D/ST – Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are taking on the Oakland Raiders, and in years past, anyone playing the Raiders was an automatic start in fantasy. However, things have changed because the Raiders have an electric duo, with Derek Carr at quarterback and former Bama standout Amari Cooper at wide receiver. The Vikings have a mid-level defense in terms of fantasy, but the Raiders are going to put some major points up on the board. I would stream a defense if you own the Vikings because they have a very difficult matchup against a hot Raiders team.
For more Blue Raider sports, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_Sport.
To contact Interim Sports Editor Connor Ulrey, email sportseditor@mtsusidelines.com.
