Boom or Bust

Predicting the players who will break out–or fail–to meet expectations

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills-Boom: The Bills play the Jaguars this week, which should give Allen ample opportunities to score points due to the 1-6 Jags’ weak defense. Expect Allen and the Bills to move up and down the field with ease.

Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers-Boom: Jones plays the Chiefs this week who have a terrible defense. The Packers should have plenty of scoring opportunities because of the Chiefs’ 29th ranked defense. Also, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is out with COVID, which should mean the Packers rely more on their running game. This gives Aaron Jones many chances to put up points. 

DJ Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers-Bust: Moore has been quiet for a few weeks with no game over 15 points since week 4 and is expected to continue that this week against the Patriots. Quarterback concerns have hurt Moore and the Patriots are notorious for taking advantage of weak QBs.

Cordarelle Patterson, RB, Atlanta Falcons-Bust: Patterson plays the Saints this week who have limited production from running backs all year. With a potential large deficit coming, the Falcons will look to pass deep downfield, which will hurt Patterson.

Start or Bench

Deciding the best players to play this week

Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets-Start: In his last three games, Carter has put up 14.8, 16.4, and 32.2 points. He is steadily increasing his role with the Jets and could see lots of passes thrown his way as well. With the uncertainty at running back this year, Carter makes a good RB2 or flex option.

Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders-Start: Carr gets the QB-friendly Giants’ defense this week, which should allow him to put up big numbers. Coming off a bye, the Raiders will be rested and prepared to have a big game.

Tyler Higbee, TE, Los Angeles Rams-Bench: Unless your backup tight end is a fringe starter, stay away from Higbee. He hasn’t posted a double digit effort since week 3 and has seen five or less targets in all but two games this year. 

Damien Harris, RB, New England Patriots-Bench: Harris has been very good the past few weeks, but this week he goes against a Carolina defense that has shut down many running backs. Their ability to shut down running backs of Harris’ caliber make him an unreliable option to start.

Best Pickups

Finding players on the waiver wire to best impact your team

Jeremy McNichols, RB, Tennessee Titans: McNichols has been Derrick Henry’s backup all year, but now looks to be the main guy for the Titans due to Derrick Henry’s injury. 2.1% owned in ESPN leagues.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Tennessee Titans: Peterson was only signed to the practice squad, but he should be promoted to the main roster in a week after learning the Titans’ playbook. Once he becomes assimilated with the offense, he and Jeremy McNichols should make an interesting duo for the Titans.

Carlos Hyde, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Due to the injury to James Robinson, Carlos Hyde came in and put up a relatively productive 13.2 point game. If James Robinson has to miss the game next week, or isn’t fully healthy, Hyde is a solid option to pick up and consider playing if your team needs a running back. 6.7% owned in ESPN leagues.

Injury News

Staying up-to-date on the latest injuries in the NFL

Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans: Henry received surgery on his foot that will sideline him for 6-10 weeks. This is a potential season ending injury to the best running back in the NFL.  

Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals: Murray sprained his ankle during last week’s game against the Packers. The injury could take him out for three weeks at the worst, but he may miss no games at all. 

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys: Dak missed their game against the Vikings last week, but could return this week. He is officially listed as questionable. 

James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Robinson injured his foot in their game last week and never returned. He is questionable for the Jaguars’ game this week.

Trade Deadline News

Following the big moves that can impact players on your fantasy team

Von Miller to the Rams: The Rams’ defense just became even more appealing with the addition of Von Miller from the Broncos in exchange for a 2nd and 3rd round pick. The new look Rams should have an even stronger unit on that side of the ball.