Boom or Bust

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

Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers-Boom: Herbert has found a rhythm recently with three straight games of 300+ yards and 2+ touchdowns. Expect that momentum to continue this week when the Chargers play the 4-8 Giants.

Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders-Boom: Kenyan Drake’s injury last week opened the door for Jacobs to explode as the lead running back last week for the Raiders. He capitalized on his opportunity with a 24-point performance. Jacobs’ role as a pass catcher increased as well, which resulted in him catching a career high nine passes. The Chiefs’ defense has allowed many points this year and should allow him to keep that pace this week.

Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Bust: Godwin is coming off a huge performance last week where he had 15 catches for 143 yards, but that came against a weak Falcons’ defense. The Bucs will have a far greater challenge this week against the Bills that should slow down Tampa Bay’s scoring. 

Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals-Bust: Burrow injured his finger last week during the Bengals’ 41-22 loss to the Chargers, but he is expected to play in this week’s game against the 49ers. The quarterback was in noticeable pain throughout the game, which will make it difficult for him to perform at a high level if the pain continues.

Start or Bench

Deciding the best players to play this week

Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos-Start: The injury to Melvin Gordon last week allowed rookie running back Javonte Williams to break out for a 32.8 point performance. Even if Gordon comes back, Williams should see a majority of the touches and have the opportunity to replicate his performance from a week ago.

Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys-Start: Gallup has been on a hot streak recently with performances of 16.6 and 14.6 points over the past two weeks. His increased role on the Cowboys looks to be maximized this week against a Washington defense that has been susceptible to high- powered passing attacks this season. 

Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns-Bench: Hunt had an anti-climactic return two weeks ago against the Ravens when he only scored 2 points. After a bye last week, the Browns will face the Ravens for the second time. Expect more of the same from Hunt in what shapes out to be a low-scoring affair.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Houston Texans-Bench: Cooks has cooled off after a hot start to the season. The Texans are facing major QB issues with Davis Mills and Tyrod Taylor unable to string together anything special. The uncertainty at QB makes it difficult to have confidence in Cooks having a good performance.

Best Pickups

Finding players on the waiver wire to best impact your team

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions: St. Brown came up huge for the Lions in their first win of the season with a 24.8 point performance a week ago. This momentum may carry over for him and the Lions. He is a solid option to pick up. 8.3% owned in ESPN leagues. 

Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Gage has really turned it on over the past few games with 18.2 and 22 point outings. This high level of play makes him a perfect candidate to pick up before fantasy playoffs start. 35% owned in ESPN leagues. 

Rex Burkhead, RB, Houston Texans: Burkhead has seen a much larger workload over the past three weeks–38 carries, 4 receptions. He hasn’t seen high scoring numbers, but usually the scoring comes eventually when running backs see that kind of volume. 29.3% owned in ESPN leagues.

Injury News

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

Logan Thomas, TE, Washington Football Team: Thomas suffered a major knee injury last week, which resulted in him being placed on the IR and ending his season. The official diagnosis is unknown, but it was bad enough for Washington to end his season already.

Adam Thielan, WR, Minnesota Vikings: Thielan is out for this week’s game against the Steelers because of a high-ankle sprain he got during last week’s game against the Lions. He is expected to return for the Vikings’ next game.

Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: Williams was placed on the Covid-19 reserve list this week, which should take him out of this week’s game. Fellow Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is also on the Covid list, but is expected to be ready for the game this week.