By Kevin Lewis
*For both Daily and Seasonal Leagues
START EM
WR Josh Gordon, @Atlanta($7800)- This is really simple. Josh Gordon was the number 1 wide receiver in all of fantasy football last year. The Cleveland Browns are in the heat of a playoff run so don’t believe any of that pitch count nonsense coming from Mike Pettine. Happy Josh Gordon is free week!
RB Jerick McKinnon, vs Green Bay($5600)- This is dicey because Green Bay could blow these guys out and make McKinnon an afterthought. That said, the Packers run defense is suspect, and if the game remains even remotely close McKinnon could be a nice RB2 especially in PPR formats.
RB Tre Mason, @San Diego($5600)- Mason just had his first 100 yard game as a pro against a stout Denver defense. Now, he might not receive another 30+ carries this week, but the Chargers defense isn’t as good. I like him to return RB2 value this week.
TE Larry Donnell, vs Dallas($5300)- Donnell has been highly frustrating all year and as QB Eli Manning continues to struggle I understand apprehension about plugging him into the lineup. That said, Donnell had 7 catches for 90 yards the first time these two teams met and the Cowboys allow the third most fantasy points to tight ends in the NFL.
QB Colin Kaepernick, vs Washington($7300)- The Redskins just finished letting Josh McCown sauté them last week, their pass defense is a mess and this game has the makings of a blowout. Kaepernick hasn’t been particularly good from a fantasy or real life sense this season but he’s probably due for a good game. Who better to do it against than a team who made Josh McCown look like the second coming?
RB Denard Robinson, at Indianapolis($7500)- The Jaguars don’t have the talent to put forth a gameplan like New England did in an effort to beat the Colts. That said, Gray’s success last week makes me think Robinson will be a focal point in this game. A 120+ total yards and a touchdown performance is roughly what I expect from Shoelace this week.
WR Cecil Shorts, at Indianapolis($6300)- I know. I know. Two Jacksonville Jaguars in one lineup? Colts are going to score a lot of points, and there should be some garbage time and we all know that’s where Shorts shines the most.
RB Rashad Jennings, vs Dallas($6600)- He’s healthy again and he received 22 touches last week in his return to action. Dallas yields a healthy 4.4 YPC and the Giants get back standout G Geoff Schwartz this week. All signs point to a productive evening from Rashad Jennings.
SIT
QB Matthew Stafford, @New England($8200)- To integrate a little real life into this quickly, does anyone really trust Stafford on the road against an elite NFL team? I mean, the Lions have literally NEVER won under his guidance in similar situations. On the season, Stafford is the 16th best fantasy QB as he has been a massive disappointment. I just don’t trust him in this particular environment enough to start him.
RB Jonas Gray, vs Detroit($6700)- He’s a Patriot runningback, firstly. Secondly, Detroit has one of the very best run defenses in the NFL. Thirdly, don’t do it to yourself.
TE Vernon Davis, vs Washington($5000)- I’ll keep listing him here until he actually does something that gets him off this list.
WR Golden Tate, @New England,($8200)- I fully expect Tate to see a lot of Revis on Sunday as the Patriots roll coverage to Calvin Johnson’s side. Given that I don’t think highly of his QB in this tilt either, I would probably stay away from Tate as well if you have better options to throw out there.
RB Fred Jackson, vs New York Jets (in Detroit, $6500)- Simply put, the Jets are the third best running unit in football and it’s been proven that they are vulnerable to the pass. Fred is a plug and pray RB3/flex at best this week. Bonus: He has one rushing touchdown in 11 contests against the Jets.
WR Percy Harvin, @Buffalo Bills(Detroit), ($6400)- As much as the Jets are forcefeeding the ball to him and they’re playing in a dome, Vick should be running for his life all game. The Bills pass rush is potent and Vick is known for holding on to the ball too long. I’d probably avoid Harvin this week.
QB Andy Dalton, @Houston, ($8200)- He’s had two good games all year. JJ Watt is employed by the Texans. There are better plays in both daily and seasonal leagues
RB Trent Richardson, vs Jacksonville($5700)- I know, I know. The whole backfield is his at the moment and he’s playing against a bad Jaguars team. I understand if you start him but the guy is so bad at football. Do you really wanna put your faith in him?
Fantasy Savvy 