As we make the push for the playoffs, hopefully I can help you make informed lineup decisions. I have added a new feature to this column recently titled “Take a chance on him.” That is where I feature an under the radar player that I particularly feel could exceed expectations for the week. I’ve been doing well in this spot, recommending Rob Gronkowski in Week 7 and Jakobi Meyers last week, who had a whopping 28.9 fantasy points. In Week 8, I featured Rashad Higgins, but the wintry and windy weather conditions played a significant factor against him. Wait until you see who I selected this week! If I have continued success with these picks, I might make these lower-owned players more of my focus. I’d love to know if you’d like me to go in that direction. You can post below or let me know on Twitter @FantasyQueenB.
Week 9/Season Recap
Last week, I suggested starting the aforementioned Jakobi Meyers and sitting Jonathan Taylor and Corey Davis. Those calls worked out well. I also recommended starting Chase Edmonds, and while he didn’t go off, he still scored double-digit fantasy points. David Johnson was knocked out of the game early with a concussion, so I won’t count him in the tally. Season tally: 33-20.
Love ‘em
Terry McLaurin at Detroit
Scary Terry is pretty matchup-proof at this point. Even the switch to back-up quarterback Alex Smith didn’t hinder McLaurin’s production last week. He had a huge afternoon snagging 7/115/1. He saw eight targets in the loss to the Giants and hasn’t been targeted less than seven times in a game this season. On Sunday, he gets a highly exploitable matchup against cornerback Desmond Trufant of the Lions. McLaurin could finish in the Top 5 in fantasy points at wide receiver this week.
Kareem Hunt vs Houston
If Nick Chubb plays, of course, you’re starting him. But I would also start Hunt this week regardless of Chubb’s availability. History tells us the two can coexist when it comes to fantasy production. In fact, Hunt has scored more points per game with Chubb in the lineup (17.42 to 13.62). This week, the Browns square off against the Texans, who surrender the most yards and the third-most fantasy points to running backs. They are also tied for allowing the third-most touchdowns (11) to the position.
Take a chance on him
Nelson Agholor vs Denver
As an Eagles fan, I find it very annoying that Agholor suddenly learned how to catch a football. That being said, it’s hard to trust him. He’s only had two games with more than two catches this year—the mere definition of touchdown-dependent. But Agholor has scored a TD in four of the last five games and now has a favorable matchup at home versus Denver. If you’re afraid to take a chance on him this week, check this: Denver has given up five touchdowns to receivers in the last two weeks. FIVE!
Leave ‘em
Devin Singletary at Arizona
Unfortunately for Singletary, rookie running back Zach Moss has out-snapped him the last two weeks. Singletary only had five total touches against the Seahawks with just two carries for one yard. He did catch all three of his targets for 33 yards, but that kind of production isn’t going to help propel you to the playoffs. A date with Arizona, the fourth-stingiest team against running backs, isn’t going to help matters either. Singletary is droppable in redraft leagues. Better yet, try to deal him to an RB-needy team before your league’s trade deadline, which is this week for most.
Marquise Brown at New England
I was very high on Hollywood in the offseason, but he’s been a disappointment this year. Many people underestimated how much Lamar Jackson would regress in the passing game. Jackson hasn’t looked good throwing and is averaging only 189 yards passing per game. With the Ravens focusing on its potent run game, Brown has only been a Top-25 receiver once in eight weeks. Since defending the run has been the Patriots’ Achilles heel, I wouldn’t take a chance on him and the passing game this Sunday.
As always, start your studs! Unless it’s under extreme circumstances, obvious players will not appear in this column.
Logo graphic courtesy of @TheDiamondMike
