:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47308438/usa-today-8822135.0.jpg)
Quarterbacks
Start Em
Derek Carr, OAK at CHI - This is the second week in a row that I'm targeting the quarterback that faces the Bears defense as their pass defense has been atrocious. They have surrendered eight passing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks and are yielding 19.3 fantasy points per game. Both Aaron Rodgers and Carson Palmer threw for three or more touchdowns against the Bears. Last week was the first time a quarterback failed to throw multiple touchdowns against them this year, but it's safe to say that it had a lot to do with the game flow and little to do with the Bears defense. Carr has played well in in the last two games, eclipsing 300 yards in each of those games and throwing for five touchdowns and just one interception. You should not hesitate to plug him in your lineup.
Andy Dalton, CIN vs. CIN
Cam Newton, CAR at TB
Tyrod Taylor, BUF vs. NYG
Matt Ryan, ATL vs. HOU
Sleeper Alert: Colin Kaepernick, SF vs. GB
Sit Em
Matthew Stafford, DET at SEA - This is the second week in a row that Stafford lands in the Sit Em section. Last week he had a tough matchup and has another unappealing matchup this week. With Kam Chancellor back in the lineup for the Seahawks, this defense is entirely different than what it was in the first two games. Last week they completely shut down the Bears offense and held them to zero points. Stafford now has five interceptions to go along with five touchdowns and has failed to throw for 300 yards in a single game this season. His recent struggles and the tough matchup make this an easy decision to keep Stafford on the bench this week.
Other Sits
Teddy Bridgewater, MIN vs. DEN
Nick Foles, STL at ARI
Michael Vick, PIT vs. BAL
Alex Smith, KC at CIN
Bust Alert: Ryan Tannehill, MIA vs. NYJ
Running Backs
Start Em
Karlos Williams, BUF vs. NYG - LeSean McCoy is doubtful for this game and Williams is expected to get the start. Even though McCoy has played in the first three games, Williams has managed to score a touchdown in each of those games. In fact, he's the only back that has scored a rushing touchdown in each game this season. He's averaging over seven yards per carry and has been very efficient. This is also a great matchup for Williams as the Giants have allowed 476 total yards and three touchdowns to opposing backs this season while surrendering over 18 fantasy points per game. Assuming McCoy sits out, Williams could see close to 20 touches and potentially have his best NFL game of his career.
Other Starts
Jonathan Stewart, CAR at TB
Frank Gore, IND vs. JAC
Mark Ingram, NO vs. DAL
Latavius Murray, OAK at CHI
Sleeper alert: Melvin Gordon, SD vs. CLE
Sit Em
Lamar Miller, MIA vs. NYJ - Once again Miller is a back I'm steering away from this week. Prior to last week, the Jets hadn't allowed more than 69 rushing yards in a game to opposing backs in. The Jets defensive line is arguably one of the best in the league and the Dolphins offensive line has struggled to run and pass protect. That just spells disaster for Miller. Through three games, Miller has failed to rush for over 53 yards, receive more than 13 carries, and score a touchdown. For some reason, the Dolphins don't give Miller the ball as much as they should considering his yards per carry. That being said, this is not the week to hope for a big game from Miller as he faces a stingy defense and is not getting a ton of volume. It's best to look for a better option this week and keep Miller on the bench.
Other Sits
Doug Martin, TB vs. CAR
Alfred Morris, WAS vs. PHI
Rashad Jennings, NYG at BUF
Todd Gurley, STL at ARI
Bust Alert: Justin Forsett, BAL at PIT
Wide Receivers
Start Em
Amari Cooper, OAK at CHI - The Bears have allowed the second most receiving touchdowns to opposing receivers through three games (7) and are yielding over 29 fantasy points per game. Cooper has now gone consecutive games with at least seven catches and 100+ receiving yards. He has one touchdown for the season and has been targeted 31 times. He is also third amongst receivers in yards after catch with 106. This offense is playing well and clicking on all cylinders. Cooper is a big part their success and has displayed his efficiency and chemistry with QB Derek Carr. Cooper has been impressive thus far and should continue to flourish this week against a suspect defense.
Other Starts
Jordan Mathews, PHI at WAS
Keenan Allen, SD vs. CLE
Donte Moncrief, IND vs. JAC
Allen Robinson, JAC at IND
Sleeper Alert: Brandin Cooks, NO vs. DAL
Sit Em
Golden Tate, DET at SEA- This is a perfect set up for the revenge game narrative, but that's too much of a hot take for me. The Seahawks are one of the best defenses in the league and play even better at home. Tate has struggled this season as he hasn't scored a touchdown or gone over 80 receiving yards in a single game. In fact, in standard scoring settings, he hasn't scored double digit points all season. He's been serviceable in PPR formats, but that won't cut it this week against a stingy defense that just shut out the Bears last week.
Other Sits
Vincent Jackson, TB vs. CAR
Jeremy Maclin, KC at CIN
Roddy White, ATL vs. HOU
Bust Alert: Jarvis Landry, MIA vs. NYJ
Tight Ends
Start Em
Martellus Bennett, CHI vs. OAK
Jason Witten, DAL at NO
Jordan Reed, WAS vs. PHI
Sit Em
Kyle Rudolph, MIN vs. DEN
Zach Ertz, PHI at WAS
Heath Miller, PIT vs. BAL
Defense
Start Em
Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sit Em