Good: HOU WR Nico Collins vs. DAL CB Trevon Diggs: Collins is set to return this week from IR after suffering a hamstring injury. You could say Texans QB C.J. Stroud desperately wants Collins back after only winning two out of their last five games with Collins out. Dallas is on a four-game losing streak, and they will be without QB Dak Prescott for the remainder of the season. Defensively, the Cowboys gave up 34 points at home to the Eagles, and WR A.J. Brown racked up 109 yards. Brown and Collins have similar skill sets, so Collins could be welcomed back with plenty of targets.
Good: NYJ WR Davante Adams vs. IND CB Sam Womack
Fantasy managers have suffered disappointment all season long with Adams, but this could be the week managers have been longing for. Adams has had just one game with the Jets where he has eclipsed double-digit scoring. Luckily, the Jets have the Colts at MetLife Stadium this week. The Colts have the 27th-ranked pass defense, giving up a little over 238 passing yards a game. Both franchises have unraveled this season, but both teams could stay in the playoff hunt with a win. The difference is Adams is the best player on the field when the Jets offense is operating. Your patience will pay off this week.
Good: DET WR Jameson Williams vs. JAX CB Ronald Darby
Williams returned to the lineup last Sunday night, coming off a short suspension for PEDs. Williams made a few catches in the come-from-behind victory against the Texans Sunday night, but this week could be the week he makes quite the impact. The Jaguars have done a fairly good job limiting the opposing teams’ top receiver, but they struggle to contain tight ends and the WR2. Williams is a big play threat who can take one to the house from the middle of the field or take the top off the defense with a go-route. Williams would be a great FLEX option this week.
Bad: SEA WR DK Metcalf vs. SF CB Charvarious Ward
Metcalf is scheduled to return to action this week after missing some time with injury. The Niners have been Metcalf’s kryptonite. The talented Seattle pass catcher has eclipsed 100 receiving yards just one time against the Niners in 11 career games against them. Earlier this season, San Francisco held Metcalf to just three catches for 48 yards. Division games are always tough, no matter what. Seeing Metcalf twice a season helps set the standard for stopping him.
Bad: ATL WR Drake London vs. DEN CB Pat Surtain II
Denver’s pass defense ranks in the top ten in the league, giving up only 192 passing yards per game. As Bo Nix has improved and provided some scoring support, the Broncos are certainly in the mix for playoff contention. Surtain is one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL, but London is having a pretty good season so far. London has been held under 50 receiving yards just three times this season against Dallas, Tampa Bay, and Pittsburgh. The theme of those teams is that they have decent secondaries. London will draw plenty of attention on Sunday, so be cautious playing him.
Bad: CHI WR DJ Moore vs. GB CB Jaire Alexander
Moore lands on the hate list again this week. Despite the change in the play-caller, you have to consider the resume of the new Bears OC, Thomas Brown. He was the Panthers’ offensive coordinator last season, ranked dead last in the league. Brown is facing an uphill battle with morale low on offense and facing a tough Green Bay defense that is getting healthy, including their top corner, Jaire Alexander. Alexander is another corner that is a top-notch shutdown corner. Nothing is going to change in just one week’s time to make a Chicago receiver a smash play in fantasy.