Boom or Bust

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

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers-Boom: Kittle had a disappointing 2.3 point performance last week against the Jaguars. However, expect him to bounce back in a big way this week against the struggling Seahawks.

Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Boom: Brady has been one of the best quarterbacks this season with multiple 20+ point performances including a 29 point game against this week’s opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, earlier this year. The Falcons have been known to allow opposing quarterbacks to have big games all season. 

Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants-Bust: Barkley has not been able to get in a good flow in the two games since returning from his ankle injury that took him out of five games. Do not expect him to get back to his old ways this week against a Dolphins’ defense that has played surprisingly well as of late. 

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens-Bust: The Ravens play the Steelers this week who have had success against Jackson in the past. Even with the Steelers struggling, rivalry games always bring out the best in teams. Expect the Steelers defense to contain Lamar and keep the game low scoring. 

Start or Bench

Deciding the best players to play this week

Alexander Mattison, RB, Minnesota Vikings-Start: With another injury to Dalvin Cook, Mattison once again looks to start at running back for the Vikings. When asked to carry the load, Mattison has big games, including a 29.3 point performance in his last start against the Lions. Coincidentally, the Lions are the Vikings’ opponent this week. 

Van Jefferson Jr, WR, Los Angeles Rams-Start: Jefferson has come along nicely for the Rams this year and posted a 18.3 point performance a week ago against the Packers. Look for Jefferson to continue that this week against the 2-9 Jaguars. 

Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots-Bench: Jones has been a fairly consistent mid-level option at quarterback so far this season. However, the Patriots play the Bills on Monday Night Football in what looks to be a highly defensive game. This should keep Jones’ scoring low.

Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets-Bench: Moore has been hit or miss recently for the Jets, which makes him a risky option to start–to say the least. The Jets have many questions at quarterback with three different starters this year. None of them have done anything consistently well which makes Moore someone to avoid. 

Best Pickups

Finding players on the waiver wire to best impact your team

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers: Much like the last time Christian McCaffrey was injured, Hubbard looks to be a solid option to pick up. He should become the feature back for the remainder of the season. 50.4% owned in ESPN leagues. 

Tevin Coleman, RB, New York Jets: Due to the injury to Michael Carter, Tevin Coleman has seen a larger workload. While nine points a week ago is not amazing, he did see 18 total touches, which should give him better chances for touchdowns if it continues. 27.9% owned in ESPN leagues. 

Dontrell Hilliard, RB, Tennessee Titans: Hilliard has broken onto the scene with games of 16.2 and 18.3 points in his past two games for the Titans. Even though the Titans are on bye this week, Hilliard is still a great option to pick up because of his recent play. You don’t want him to fall to someone else before playoff time! 33.5% owned in ESPN leagues.

Injury News

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

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey’s season came to an abrupt end when he was put on injured reserve this week because of a nagging ankle injury. An MRI will determine a potential need for surgery, but even if he does not need surgery, he will not be available the rest of the way.

Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Cook suffered a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum last week against the 49ers. Reports indicate that he will miss at least the next two games. 

Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Samuel injured his groin last week and is doubtful to play in this week’s game against the Seahawks. However, this should only sideline him for one week.