QB:
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Even after the trade for Adams, Rodgers is still only 53% owned on Sleeper. He faces a terrible Patriots defense this week and should definitely be added, even if it’s just for this game. He and the Jets got off to a hot start on SNF against the Steelers but were unable to maintain success in the 2nd half. This week, that won’t be a problem, as even the worst teams in the league have had success moving the football and scoring points on the Patriots.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense started really slowly with Wilson on SNF. It was so bad that most of the people watching were wondering when they were going to see Justin Fields come in and reclaim his job. Russ eventually shook off the rust, though, and led the Steelers to a huge win, a blowout win. The Steelers won 37-15, and Wilson threw for 264 yards, 2 TD, and he didn’t turn the ball over. He also rushed for a TD on a QB sneak. He got George Pickens heavily involved and gave Pat Freiermuth a chance to make big plays, too. Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren benefited from the offense opening up as well, as they combined for 146 rushing yards and two catches for 15. yards.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
With both Browns QBs getting injured in week 7, the emergency QB Jameis Winston entered the game and threw a TD pass to TE David Njoku. Watson is out for the remainder of the season, and DTR didn’t look good throwing the football. There are a lot of people out there who believe that Winston should have been starting already for the Browns, and although it comes under unfortunate circumstances now because you never want to see injuries, I do believe that all the Browns pass catchers just got a boost. Winston is a great option now for any league where you can start 2 QB.
RB:
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
The Saints have fallen apart. Dennis Allen is likely to be the next coach to be fired, and there is a good chance that star RB Alvin Kamara gets traded. If that trade does happen, Miller is going to become a starting RB and gain plenty of fantasy value just based on opportunity alone. This is the type of move you want to make before a trade occurs, so you can get Miller cheap, not after the trade occurs, because then it is going to cost you a top waiver priority.
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 13: Kimani Vidal #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 13, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers
This is a repeat from last week. He is just a stash at the moment, but he is one J.K. Dobbins injury away from being the starting RB in a run-first offense. Dobbins has been injury-prone his entire NFL career, so whether you roster Dobbins or not, Vidal is a really nice stash as we head into the second half of the NFL season.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
He won’t cost you much this week after Javonte Williams put up a huge game in week 7, but McLaughlin has a great matchup against Carolina, who has given up a ton of points to RBs this season and allows the most points per game in the NFL. He also gets work in the passing game and could provide you with depth at the position in deeper leagues.
