Boom or Bust

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

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys-Boom: Coming off a disappointing performance with  just 4.3 points last week against the Broncos, Lamb looks to bounce back against the Falcons. The Falcons have been prone to giving up big passing plays, which could allow Lamb to have a big week. 

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers-Boom: If Aaron Rodgers is able to return this week, look for Adams to have a big day against a Seahawks’ defense that ranks near the bottom of the league. Even if Rodgers is out, Adams should still be able to have a big day. 

Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals-Bust: While still being a top level quarterback, do not expect this to be a huge week for Kyler. He is still bouncing back from an ankle injury that sidelined him last week. With his status still unclear and no practice for over a week, Murray will most likely not be 100% if he decides to play.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions-Bust: Swift plays a tough Steelers’ defense this week who have slowed down running backs all year. The Lions will most likely be down early, which will force them to throw more and give Swift the ball less. 

Start or Bench

Deciding the best players to play this week

D’Ernest Johnson, RB, Cleveland Browns-Start: With Nick Chubb most likely out this week due to testing positive for COVID-19, Johnson becomes a very serviceable player. He scored 27.8 points in week 7 when he was the lead back for the Browns due to injuries to Chubb and Kareem Hunt. 

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons-Start: Ryan has been a pretty average to above average quarterback so far this season, but has played better than his preseason expectations. This week, the Falcons play the Cowboys who saw their secondary get torched by Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos last week. 

Chase Claypool, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers-Bench: Claypool has been pretty average so far this season. He is also battling a toe injury that shouldn’t take him out of this week’s game, but could limit his snaps. With the Steelers playing the Lions, they may get a big lead and look to run out the clock for most of the second half, which would hurt Claypool’s chances of a big game. 

Jeremy McNichols, RB, Tennessee Titans-Bench: Many people were betting on McNichols taking a larger role for the Titans because of Derrick Henry’s injury, but his role hardly grew. Adrian Peterson ended up getting more carries and McNichols’ job as a pass catching third down back stayed the same. This makes him a fringe starter at best for most fantasy teams.

Best Pickups

Finding players on the waiver wire to best impact your team

Devonta Freeman, RB, Baltimore Ravens: Freeman racked up 16.3 points last week against the Vikings and saw a larger role in the Ravens backfield. This makes him an intriguing option to pick up. 13.4% owned in ESPN leagues.

Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets: As a rookie, it took a while for Moore to find his niche for the Jets, but after a 27.4 point performance last week, he seems to have found his spot. His steady increase in production makes him a viable option to pick up at wide receiver. 15.1% owned in ESPN leagues. 

Tim Patrick, WR, Denver Broncos: Patrick has emerged as a solid player this year for the Broncos. He’s been a consistent double-digit scorer this year and looks to continue that while Jerry Jeudy works his way back into the lineup. 23.8% owned in ESPN leagues.

Injury News

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

Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns: Earlier this week, Chubb tested positive for COVID-19. He needs two negative tests that are 24 hours apart before being allowed to play again. He will most likely miss this week’s game. 

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers: Rodgers missed last week’s game against the Chiefs due to a COVID diagnosis. His status for this week’s game against the Seahawks is up in the air and will most likely not be known until closer to game time.

Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks: After getting injured in week 5, Wilson has been cleared to return for the Seahawks. He should be back on the field this week against the Packers.