Playing the right player in the right matchups is what makes the difference in winning or losing a fantasy football matchup. So, I do the research for you and give you five must-start players at every position!
QB: Justin Herbert, Chargers
With JK Dobbins out for this week and possibly more, look for the Chargers to rely on their short passing game. Herbert has also shown excellent mobility this season, running for 211 yards and 2 TDs. The Falcons have one of the worst pass rushers in the league, so Herbert should be able to take advantage in the Dome to the tune of 250+ passing yards and 2 TDs.
QB: Kyler Murray, Cardinals
Murray completely underperformed against Seattle in what was a critical game to take hold of the NFC West. Now he goes up against a Vikings defense that will want to blitz him on almost every dropback. If he can escape the pass rush, he should be able to find his receivers in man coverage, which could lead to some explosive plays. I am thinking 260 yards and at least 2 passing TDs and possibly a running one, too.
QB: Baker Mayfield, Bucs
Every game right now is a playoff game for the Buccaneers, as they cannot afford to lose. Carolina may have played better last week against Kansas City, but Tampa is still the more complete team. Baker should be able to go downfield using a lot of play-action and get about 260 yards passing and two touchdowns.
QB: Matthew Stafford, Rams
This should be a statement game for the Rams, who have their full offensive firepower at their disposal. Look for Stafford to throw for 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in the Superdome.
QB: Anthony Richardson, Colts
This is a must-win game for the Colts if they want to stay in the playoff picture. Richardson had an underwhelming performance in Week 12, but there’s still a lot of upside with his mobility, and he showed a great comfort level with Michael Pittman last week. Look for 200 passing yards from Richardson and at least 60 yards rushing and a rushing TD.
RB: Alvin Kamara, Saints
The Rams put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so look for Kamara to be used as an outlet receiver who should get at least 5 or 6 catches for about 50 yards to go along with another 70 yards rushing. If he adds a touchdown, he should finish with about 23 to 25 fantasy points.
RB: Joe Mixon, Texans
Mixon had a bad game last week, and it felt like he had let his fantasy managers down. The good news is that he gets to play Jacksonville, who looks like they have given up on both sides of the ball. Look for Mixon to have about 80 yards rushing and another 25 yards receiving, plus a TD.
RB: Kyren Williams, Rams
There may be no better play on the slate than Williams. The Saints have let up over 5 yards per carry, which should allow Williams to get 100 yards rushing and potentially multiple touchdowns.
RB: Chase Brown, Bengals
Brown is getting terrific fantasy numbers based on the sheer opportunities that he’s getting now that Zach Moss is out. Look for this to continue even against the tough Pittsburgh defense. Brown should finish the game with at least 12 of the 14 fantasy points with a chance at 20 if he can find the end zone.
RB: Bucky Irving, Bucs
Not only have the Panthers been a sieve to RB1, but they’ve also been extremely generous to RB2 as well. When the Buccaneers are winning, they tend to give the ball more to Irving, and considering I think they’re going to be winning this game throughout, Irving should have a really good chance at 100 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.
WR: Nico Collins, Texans
Sometimes there are “you just have to have it weeks,” and this might be that week from Collins. He is the go-to guy for the Texans and he’s playing an awful Jacksonville secondary that is barely covering anyone. Look for Collins to have over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown.
WR: Cooper Kupp, Rams
The Saints have been awful against opposing slot receivers, so look for Kupp to lead the team in receptions and yards and score a touchdown in a game that the Rams need to win very badly to stay in the race.
WR: Mike Evans, Bucs
If Evans wants to continue his streak of 1000-yard seasons, he’s going to need to have a couple of huge weeks against the Panthers. I think he gets one of those typical Mike Evans games where he goes 8 for 160 and two touchdowns. He is a must in every fantasy lineup.
WR: Ladd McConkey, Chargers
With Dobbins out, look for Herbert to rely on the short passing game and feed Ladd Mcconkey. McConkey is capable of double-digit targets, possibly double-digit receptions, and a 100-yard performance.
WR: Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals
If Murray can escape the Vikings pass rush, he should be able to look downfield and find Harrison open in man coverage, which could lead to a huge day for the rookie. I think we see 6 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown for Harrison.
TE: George Kittle, 49ers
This game is likely going to be played in a lot of bad weather, so look for San Francisco to throw a ton of short passes, which should play right into the hands of Kittle. He has the best chance on that team for double-digit fantasy points and a touchdown.
TE: Taysom Hill, Saints
It’s hard to quantify what Hill brings to the Saints. He just does a little of this and a little of that, and when you put it all together, he makes for an exceptional fantasy player. Look for him to get about 3 or 4 receptions for 30 or 40 yards and run for another 30 or 40 yards and find the end zone as he always seems to.
TE: Hunter Henry, Patriots
The Colts have been absolutely awful against opposing tight ends, and in a game where New England may be playing from behind, they will need to rely on Henry, who should have 60 yards and a touchdown.
TE: Evan Engram, Jaguars
It seems like weeks since we’ve used Engram in lineups, but with Trevor Lawrence likely back, I think he’s got a great chance at six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.
TE: Cade Otton, Bucs
The Bucs have the worst DVOA against opposing tight ends and they have allowed the most touchdowns to the position. Otton may not put up double-digit targets like he did when Evans was out, but he seems like a lock for a TD.