This Week Around The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

Tom Brady, David Johnson are Players of the Month.

Who else could be the AFC Offensive Player of the Month but Patriots quarterback Tom Brady? Brady returned from a four-game suspension to post numbers in line with being his career best. He's thrown 12 touchdowns passes against zero interceptions for 1,319 yards and a 73.13 completion percentage. The Patriots are 4-0 since Brady returned to the field and New England is currently holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff picture. Brady has the most Player of the Month awards in NFL history after earning his ninth.

NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors go to Cardinals running back David Johnson. In five games, Johnson averaged 145.2 yards rushing and receiving per game with five touchdowns to go with it. Johnson would be a leading MVP candidate if Arizona were a team with a winning record right now -- he's been as much a part of a team's offense as anyone in the league. He's the first running back in franchise history to earn the monthly award.

The AFC Defensive Player of the Month goes to the unlikeliest of heroes. Bills pass-rusher Lorenzo Alexander tallied six sacks in five games for Buffalo, to go along with two passes defensed and a forced fumble. The 33-year old Alexander entered the league as a tight end in 2007 and had never tallied more than 2.5 sacks in a single season before joining Buffalo this year. He's been a true Cinderella story in Buffalo and as much of a reason as any that they're fighting for a playoff spot.

NFC Defensive Player of the Month go to Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril. The ninth-year veteran has 6.5 sacks with two forced fumbles and three passes defensed. Avril is on pace to match his career-best numbers he posted in 2011 with the Lions when he notched 11 sacks.

Ageless wonder Adam Vinatieri earned the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award. The 43-year old Colts kicker was 12-of-12 in October with 13 extra points and he set the NFL record for consecutive makes when he notched his 43rd straight field goal in a win over the Titans. His fifth monthly award ties him for most in NFL history.

Fellow fortysomething field-goal kicker Matt Bryant of the Falcons won NFC Special Teams Player of the Month. Bryant was 11 of 12 with 17 extra points in October. Bryant joins Hall of Fame kicker Morten Andersen as the only kicker in Falcons history to win multiple Special Teams Player of the Month awards.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Chargers pass-rusher Joey Bosa earned Rookie of the Month honors. Elliott is on pace for one of the best seasons ever by a running back -- not just for a rookie. Bosa missed the first handful of games but returned to the lineup to post impressive numbers, particularly when it came to getting pressure on the quarterback.

 

[Greenbacks]

Top 5 Offenses: YPG (Through 8 Weeks)

 

[Greenbacks]

Time to make a move in your fantasy league. These 16 players are primed for BIG second halves.

Soak it all in, we are now officially closer to the end of the NFL regular season than we are to the beginning. It goes by so fast that it's hard to take a moment to look back. However, that's just what we are going to do here.
Every week of the NFL season we've used the Next Gen Stats collected by the microchips installed in the players' shoulder pads to discern which matchups to target for fantasy leagues. Now that we are at the mid-point of the 2016 regular season, we not only have a full complement of data to comb through, we also have a better understanding of the metrics Next Gen Stats offer us.
With that clarity and data in our arsenal, we'll look at some players set to have big second halves of the 2016 season and also some matchups we can target during the fantasy playoffs with under the radar slot receivers. Having this information may be just what you need to start making the moves you need to make the run at winning your league.

Next Gen Stats league-winners

Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints - There has been a changing of the guard in the Saints wide receiver corps. The team's 2016 second-round pick appears to have established himself as the top dog in a crowded pass-catching group. Since Week 4 Michael Thomas leads New Orleans in target share (20 percent), receiving yards (315) and wide receiver snap share (78 percent). He's knifed into the role many expected Coby Fleener to play, pacing the veteran in red zone touchdowns (three) since Week 4 and besting him in red zone touchdowns (two to zero) and snaps played (231 to 157).
Thomas has managed to bully his way to the top of the Saints pecking order for no other reason than he's just quite damn good at football. As his route chart shows, the Saints haven't put much on his plate, asking Thomas to primarily run slants, crossers and other in-breaking routes. Yet, he's executing that assignment with precision. Among wide receivers who saw 40 or more targets when lined up outside, Thomas ranked fifth with a 2.73 average yards of separation at target. Thomas also showed an ability to win in tight coverage, registering a 57.1 catch rate on targets where he has less than a yard of separation from the nearest defender.

Tyrell Williams, WR, San Diego Chargers - The Keenan Allen season-ending injury was indeed a devastating one, as the promising receiver was just entering his prime and all set for a breakout year. Nevertheless, the Chargers have been able to do more than merely get by with a replacement group of wide receivers led by stellar free agent addition Travis Benjamin. Yet, it's been the contributions of unheralded Tyrell Williams that has taken this group over the top.
Before a matchup with Denver in Week 8, it appeared that Williams was emerging as San Diego's No. 1 receiver. In Weeks 2 through 7 Williams led the team in targets, receiving yards, wide receiver catch-rate and red zone targets. Those are all the money ingredients you need to make a high-end fantasy asset.
Next Gen Stats reveals that it was nothing but Williams' play that helped him earn that prominent position in the san Diego offense. Among wide receivers who saw 30-plus targets when lined up out wide, Williams ranks 13th in average separation at target (2.73). Given his size, it should be no surprise that Williams is a playmaker when the ball is in flight. His 54.5 catch rate on targets when he has las than a yard of separation puts him inside the Top-10 among wideouts with more than 10 targets in those situations.
Josh Hermsmeyer of RotoViz has done fantastic work in showing how air yards can be a big assist in predicting wide receiver performance. Williams trails Travis Benjamin in market share of the Chargers intended air yards with a 24.2 percent to 27.8 percent share, but laps his teammate in terms of converting his air yards into production. Benjamin has a 3.21 differential in his intended to completed air yards, while Williams comes with a superior 2.19 differential. Both Williams (11.6) and Benjamin (11.9) come with similar air yards per target figures. With the Chargers playing the Buccaneers, Panthers, Raiders and Browns in Weeks 13 through 16, Williams will have plenty of opportunities to be a true season-saver in the second half of 2016.

Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns - One of the most surprising developments of the 2016 season has been the emergence of Terrelle Pryor as dominant force at wide receiver. As a whole, the football community just has not stopped to appreciate how wild the Pryor story is. The former quarterback, as of just over a calendar year ago, is on pace for 1,064 receiving yards and averages 9.5 targets per game in his first year as a receiver.
Air-yards statistics reveal just how voluminous the opportunity Pryor owns is. Pryor trails only stud receivers Mike Evans and A.J. Green in market share of his team's intended air yards with 41.5 percent. While it is a limited sample size, Pryor's market share of air yards actually jumps to 49 percent when Josh McCown plays. That rate would pass Mike Evans (48.3 percent) for the league-lead. Pryor has a 4.03 differential in his intended vs. completed air yards on his targets. He should become more efficient as the season wears along, especially if McCown starts. Pryor's 47.8 percent catch rate on targets with less than one yard of separation is above the NFL average (45.3) among receivers who have 12 or more targets.

 

[Greenbacks]

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers - The winds of change blow pretty fast and furious around here, please be aware of turbulence. After a disaster-level sophomore season in the NFL, Adams looks like he's rather quietly emerged as the Packers most consistent traditional wide receiver. He's improved his game, as players are wont to do as they mature in the league, and largely corrected his two killer flaws from last year.
Adams struggled to run clean routes and get open in his second season, but this year he ranks ninth (2.37) in yards of separation at target out of 29 receivers who have garnered 40-plus targets lined up out wide. Last season, regardless of his route-running, Adams had troubles actually securing and catching the football, especially in tight coverage. The story of 2016 is quite different. Adams has nine targets on the year when he less than one-yard of separation, and he's hauled in 100 percent of those targets. He's the only player to catch every single one of his targets that come when he has less than a yard of separation.
The wealth of options in the Green Bay passing game might make Adams' volume a questionable proposition week-to-week, especially with Randall Cobb and running back/receiver hybrid role player Ty Montgomery looking like featured players prior to missing Week 8. However, one thing is clear: Adams is out-playing Jordy Nelson this season. The former Pro Bowl wideout ranks 37th out of 41 receivers in yards of separation at target (1.96) among receivers with 30-plus targets outside. Nelson also only has a 37.5 percent catch rate when he has less than a yard of separation. In Week 8 the Packers deployed Nelson in the slot on a season-high 63 percent of his snaps. Nelson hauled in his longest catch of the season, a 58-yarder, from the slot. We still need more evidence that Nelson can beat outside man coverage with regularity like he once did.

Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins - After back-to-back 200 yard games and the retirement of Arian Foster, you might not need much convincing that Ajayi is a league-winner. But let's just go over how impressive his 2016 campaign has become of late.
After spending much of the early season in the dog house, Ajayi came out running well after Foster went down with an injury. Even when mired in a dreadful four-way committee he clearly stood out. After eight weeks of the season Ajayi leads the NFL in shortest distance traveled per rush yard gained with a 3.3 per carry average. This metric encapsulates not only Ajayi's wild-horse running style when hitting the big play but also his relentless downhill aggression.
Now that teams know they need to view Ajayi as a dangerous threat, they will certainly look to dedicate more resources to slow him down. The problem is, that did not really work during his dominant two games. Ajayi averaged a whopping 9.6 yards per carry on 19 attempts when facing eight-plus defenders in the box.

Next Gen Stats players to buy

Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings - He's a baller, that's obvious. However, Diggs started to go quiet with an injury in the mid-point of the season. You can chalk that entirely up to injury. On the season, Diggs owns a 31 percent share of the Vikings intended air yards (19th in the NFL) but we know his ceiling is much higher than that when healthy. On Monday Night Football in Week 8, Diggs owned a whopping 55.6 percent share of the team's intended air yards, which was the third-highest total of the week. His usage is that of a No. 1 receiver and his play on the field backs that up:
Diggs averages 2.87 yards of separation at target when lined up out wide, which ranks sixth among receivers with 30-plus targets out wide. Even when he's covered, he's still a threat to make the play. Diggs' 61.5 catch rate when he has less than a yard of separation ranks seventh among receivers with 10-plus targets in those situations. I wanted to put Diggs in the league-winners section, but concerns about the Vikings offensive line and the trickle down effect to their overall offensive functionality leave lingering doubts about his weekly ceiling, even if he has one of the best floors at the wide receiver position.

Frank Gore, RB, Indianapolis Colts - Somehow, some way, Frank Gore is still getting it done. The veteran back is on pace for another 1,000-yard season and his yards per carry and catches per game are up from his 2015 averages. He's creating space behind an offensive line that still has question marks and is getting downfield with more authority. Gore ranks third in the NFL in shortest distance traveled per rush yard gained (3.4). Gore is currently a top-10 running back in fantasy, but lacks the sex appeal that makes most players hard to acquire in a trade. His owner might not truly know what he has on his hands.

John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals - The Cardinals receiver has a number of positive indicators in his Next Gen Stats portfolio. No player who has earned 30 or more targets when lined out wide creates more separation at target than John Brown. He leads the NFL in that category with 3.28 yards of separation at target. Brown has a 21.4 percent market share of the Cardinals intended air yards, despite the fact that he wasn't a factor early in the season after a preseason concussion and missed a game. Brown has a 4.74 differential in his intended air yards on targets and completed air yards on receptions. That ranks second in the NFL among players with 30-plus targets. The Cardinals aren't the same deep passing team they once were with the decline of their pass protection and play behind center. However, Brown's route chart reveals he does more than just run go-routes:
The construction of his team may not allow for Brown to be the lid-popping deep threat many envision him as. But his separation numbers indicate he can do far more than that to help his team in the second half of the season. Brown only needs some slight positive regression in his air-yards differential to exceed expectations in the second-half of the season.

 

[Greenbacks]

Will Fuller, WR, Houston Texans - The only player to rank ahead of Brown in air-yards differential is Will Fuller with a whopping 7.42. Fuller was on a tear to start the season but a mid-season injury took the air out of that balloon. The week-winning potential is still there for Fuller, as his 18.1 average intended air yards on targets is second in the NFL (30-plus targets), trailing only Sammie Coates. We know there will be ups and downs with Fuller, he has a lowly 25 percent catch rate on targets where he gets less than a yard of separation, but the opportunity is still laid before him.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears - Air-yards statistics point to a big second half of the season for Alshon Jeffery. Despite a seemingly slow start, Jeffery owns a team-high 32.4 percent share of the Bears intended air yards, which is the 15th highest share in the NFL. Opportunity was truly the only issue for Jeffery in the early portion of the season, but he has target totals of 13, 11 and eight the last three weeks. There's also no question having Jay Cutler back under center is a positive for Jeffery. He averaged a 27.4 percent share of the team's intended air yards with Brian Hoyer playing, but that number jumps to 40.3 percent with Cutler. The combination of Kevin White and Cameron Meredith averaged a 20.25 share with Hoyer, but that number dips to 10.9 percent with Cutler.

Marvin Jones, WR, Detroit Lions -The individual play of Marvin Jones has not declined. Jones averages 2.33 yards of separation at target when lined up out wide, which is the 10th highest mark among players with 40 or more targets. Even when he does not earn separation, Jones is one of the best receivers at hauling in contested catches. His catch rate when he has less than a yard of separation leads the NFL (10 target threshold):
Jones owns a 34.6 percent share of the Lions intended air yards, the 10th highest mark in the NFL. The next highest share in Detroit belongs to Golden Tate, and his 24.1 percent ranks 42nd among pass-catchers. If there is going to be a downfield playmaker in this offense when everyone is healthy, it will be Jones.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs - Kansas City is not known for their downfield passing game, and while Maclin has disappointed this year, there's reason to expect something of a rebound from him down the stretch. Maclin's 33.9 percent share of the team's intended air yards is the 12th highest mark in the NFL. The next highest Chiefs in intended air yards share are Chris Conley (17.2 percent) at 70th in the NFL and Travis Kelce (15.6 percent) at 78th. Maclin's differential in his average intended air yards on targets (12.7) and air yards on receptions (9.7) leaves plenty of room for positive regression in the second half, especially since he was one of the most efficient receivers last year for the Chiefs.

Jamison Crowder, WR, Washington Redskins - DeSean Jackson looks like he's merely a bit player in this offense, while Pierre Garcon hasn't formed a tangible ceiling with the volume of targets he owns. Jamison Crowder is not only a big part of the future of this team, he's a massive part of the present. Crowder took 72 percent of his snaps from the slot in the first eight weeks of the season and has been one of the best slots in the NFL:
Expect his volume and playing time to trend upward, especially as he plays some of the best matchups for slot receivers down the stretch. Crowder's 8.8 average intended air yards per target makes him a safe floor play in collecting easy catches.

C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Houston Texans - Houston has two pass catchers (Hopkins and Fuller) in the top-18 of highest differential between their intended air yards on targets and completed air yards. Brock Osweiler has been simply miserable at consistently hitting his downfield targets. On the other hand, he has found a weapon in his young tight end. C.J. Fiedorowicz's 7.4 average intended air yards per target makes him the clear preferred short-area option for a hesitant quarterback. He's been hyper efficient at converting those targets, with one of the lowest differentials in the NFL (0.77). There's no reason to expect his volume to diminish, as he's playing well and fits what his quarterback needs.

 

[Greenbacks]

Next Gen Stats deep dive sleepers

Brian Quick, WR, Los Angeles Rams - Don't stop believing. Brian Quick is suddenly starting to pop back up on the radar with the Rams. He registered a season-high in snaps, targets and yards in their London game in Week 7. Quick has been the big play threat for Los Angeles, not Tavon Austin. His 14.6 average intended air yards per target is one of the ten highest marks among receivers with 30 or more targets. His differential is also solid with just a 2.67 mark. Only Julio Jones, Brandon Marshall, Adam Thielen, A.J. Green and Alshon Jeffery have lower differentials while checking in with an average intended air-yards figure of 13.5. Quick has also converted in tight spaces, with a 70 percent catch rate when he has less than a yard of separation.
The opporutnity will be sketchy week-to-week in this offense, but Keenum has been aggressive this season ranking second in Next Gen Stats' quarterback aggressiveness metric (percentage of passes thrown when targeting a receiver who has less than one yard of separation from their defender). Keenum has thrown 24.6 percent of his passes in such situations. Even if Quick won't be a week-to-week contributor in this offense, he does have appeal as an assist during the bye weeks and there might still be reason to hold on in dynasty leagues.

J.J. Nelson, WR, Arizona Cardinals - Clearly, Next Gen Stats like John Brown, but there is also plenty affinity for his teammate J.J. Nelson. The diminutive receiver averages 3.24 yards of separation on his targets from the outside, which would put him among the NFL leaders. Nelson was named a starter in the three-receiver set after a big game against the Panthers, replacing Michael Floyd. He should be able to produce more with the opportunity. Floyd's 16.7 percent catch rate when he had less than a yard of separation at target was one of the worst marks in the league.

 

[Greenbacks]

Defenses to target in the slot

New York Jets - The decline of the Jets once vaunted defense has been notable and dramatic. The unit's issues start with the drop off of Darrelle Revis. Once an All Pro corner, Revis is essential "just a guy" on his best plays and a complete liability on his worst. However, New York has also struggled to slow down interior receivers. The Jets allow 71 yards per game to slot receivers and a league-high 9.5 touchdown rate.

Notable slot receivers on the schedule:
Julian Edelman (64 percent of yards in the slot): Weeks 12 and 16
Jarvis Landry (87 percent of yards in the slot): Weeks 9 and 15
T.Y. Hilton (51 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 13
Jeremy Kerley (95 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 14

Atlanta Falcons - With star corner Desmond Trufant shutting down the outside passing lanes, opposing offenses often have to pick on the Falcons in the middle of the field. Thus far this season, it's been an effective strategy. The Falcons give up a league-high 129.9 yards and 15.6 targets per game to opposing slot receivers.

Notable slot receivers on the schedule:
Adam Humphries (69 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 9
Jordan Matthews (73 percent of yards in the slot): Week 10
Larry Fitzgerald (52 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 12
Tavon Austin (52 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 14
Jeremy Kerley (95 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 15
Willie Snead (79 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 17

Pittsburgh Steelers - Middle of the field coverage has been something of an issue for Pittsburgh this season, as tight ends and pass-catching running backs have gotten over on them this year. That's also extended to issues defending slot receivers. The Steelers give up the third most yards per game (114.9) on an average of 15 targets per game to interior receivers.

Notable slot receivers on the schedule:
Kamar Aiken (88 percent of yards in the slot): Weeks 9 and 16
Cole Beasley (87 percent of yards in the slot): Week 10
T.Y. Hilton (51 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 12
Sterling Shepard (98 percent of yards in the slot): Week 13

Detroit Lions - We know the Lions pass defense has been an issue all season, but that's especially true when they face slot receivers. With weak personnel in the secondary outside of stellar outside defender Darius Slay, Detroit tends to force teams to target the inside of their defense. The Lions allow a league-high 9.34 yards per target to slot receivers and 105.1 yards per game. The 72.2 catch rate they give up is the third-highest mark in the league.

Notable slot receivers on the schedule:
Allen Hurns (63 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 11
Willie Snead (79 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 13
Sterling Shepard (98 percent of yards in the slot): Week 15
Cole Beasley (87 percent of yards in the slot): Week 16
Randall Cobb (72 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 17

Carolina Panthers - Are you old enough to remember when the Panthers had a shutdown corner? Are you even old enough to remember when they had any good corners? Carolina elected to revamp their secondary with inexperienced players and rookies this offseason by rescinding the franchise tagged they placed on Josh Norman and then doubled-down by cutting Bené Benwikere mid-season. The results have been less than stellar all around, but the Panthers are especially vulnerable to interior receivers. Through eight weeks Carolina allows the third-highest toughdown rate (9.1), the second-highest catch rate (74 percent) and 88.6 yards per game to slot receivers on just 77 targets (23rd).

Notable slot receivers on the schedule:
Tavon Austin (52 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 9
Willie Snead (79 percent of snaps in the slot): Week 11
Seth Roberts (89 percent of yards in the slot): Week 12
Doug Baldwin (81 percent of yards in the slot): Week 13
Jamison Crowder (73 percent of yards in the slot): Week 15
Mohamed Sanu (68 percent of yards in the slot): Week 16

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Nick Foles to start in place of Alex Smith vs. Jaguars.

Nick Foles is once again a starting NFL quarterback. The Kansas City Chiefs announced Wednesday that Foles would start Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in place of Alex Smith.
Smith left the Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts after taking several hits to the head. The team reiterated Wednesday it doesn't believe Smith suffered a concussion and that he's symptom-free, per Andy Reid.
Smith was hit while sliding on opening possession Sunday and his head bounced off the turf -- there was no flag on the play. He cleared concussion protocol and returned to the game in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Smith's head bounced off the ground again. This time he left the game for good.
On Monday he was cleared, and the team stated Smith didn't suffer a concussion.
Despite the positivity about Smith's status, he's still going through "return to play protocol," per Reid, and was already ruled out of Sunday's contest. Tyler Bray will back up Foles.
Smith, who has suffered two concussions in the past, was asked Wednesday if he felt like he suffered a concussion: "Nope," he responded bluntly, per the team's official website.
With Smith sitting, Foles will make his first start of the season. Foles started six games under Reid as a rookie in 2012.
The 27-year-old quarterback performed well in relief last week, completing 16 of 22 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns, for a 135.2 passer rating. With Foles under center, the Chiefs could work the deep ball more than it did with Smith.

Passing, 21+ Air Yards This Season
Smith: 5 of 17; 158 yards; 9.3 Y/A; 1-0 TD-INT; 85.4 passer rating
Foles: 3 of 4; 116 yards; 29.0 Y/A; 1-0 TD-INT; 156.3 passer rating

Last season Foles had 69.0 passer rating with Rams, second worst in the NFL. Sunday we'll see if Reid's magic continues to work on Foles or if last week's performance was an aberrative event.
The Chiefs also announced running back Spencer Ware remains in concussion protocol.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

I`ll post the Fantasy.....Start em/Sit em tomorrow morning.

 

[Greenbacks]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

[/FONT]

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: Quarterbacks.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Dak Prescott vs. Cleveland Browns

Come on, you all knew this was coming! Prescott shot down the Eagles last week, scoring 27.3 points against a "tough" defense in what was his best fantasy performance of the season. Next on the schedule is a date with the Browns, who have allowed 19 touchdown passes and the fourth-most points (20.4 PPG) to quarterbacks.




vs.
Matt Ryan vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ryan continues to roll for the Falcons and fantasy fans alike, scoring 24.4 points in last week's win over the Packers. He should put up another nice stat line in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers, who have allowed 14 touchdown passes and an average of 19.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Consider Ryan a virtual must start.




vs.
Jameis Winston vs. Atlanta Falcons

Winston, listed as a start 'em last week, produced 19 fantasy points in a loss to the Raiders. I'd keep him in your starting lineup this week against the Falcons, who have surrendered the most fantasy points (22.2 PPG) to quarterbacks this season. Winston also scored a solid 25.5 points against Atlanta in Tampa's season opener.




vs.
Philip Rivers vs. Tennessee Titans

Rivers has struggled in recent weeks, failing to score 15 fantasy points in each of his last three games. I do like him to rebound this week, however, as the Titans come to town in what could be a barnburner. Over their last two games, Tennessee has allowed 29.7 points to Blake Bortles and almost 28 points to Andrew Luck in Week 7.




vs.
Ryan Tannehill vs. New York Jets

If you're in need at the quarterback position with six teams on a bye, Tannehill is a viable streamer based on a matchup against the Jets. New York's defense has allowed five different quarterbacks to score 17-plus fantasy points, and four of those signal-callers went for over 20 points. That includes Josh McCown just last weekend.


Sleepers:
Colin Kaepernick vs. Saints, Case Keenum vs. Panthers




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Derek Carr vs. Denver Broncos

Carr, listed as a start 'em last week, scored more than 30 fantasy points in a win over the Buccaneers. While that performance makes him tough to sit, keep in mind that the Broncos have allowed the fewest fantasy points (12 PPG) to quarterbacks. Carr also has six touchdowns with six giveaways in four career contests against them.




vs.
Russell Wilson vs. Buffalo Bills

I blew this call last week with Wilson, who scored bupkis despite a tremendous matchup against the Saints. It's clear that he's not even close to 100 percent, and his level of fantasy production has suffered as a result. A Monday night matchup against the Bills isn't favorable either, so Wilson should be left to the fantasy bench.




vs.
Matthew Stafford vs. Minnesota Vikings

Stafford has been solid for fantasy owners overall this season, but his points have decreased in each of his last three games. That trend could continue in a difficult road matchup against the Vikings, who have surrendered just six touchdown passes and the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (12.2 PPG) in 2016.




vs.
Blake Bortles vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Bortles had the worst huge performance in the history of fantasy football last week, scoring just fewer than 30 points in a loss to the Titans. Don't let that point total fool you though, as Bortles looked bad for most of the night and was saved in garbage time. He's a virtual must-sit in a tough road game against Kansas City.




vs.
Tyrod Taylor vs. Seattle Seahawks

Quietly, Taylor has scored 18-plus fantasy points in three straight games despite the fact that he has no explosive options in the pass attack without Sammy Watkins. Still, it's tough to start him with confidence in a road matchup against Seattle. Quarterbacks have averaged just 13.9 fantasy points per game against them at home.


Busts:
Eli Manning vs. Eagles, Ben Roethlisberger at Ravens

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: Running backs.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Devontae Booker vs. Oakland Raiders

Booker had a nice debut as the new starting running back in Denver, scoring one touchdown and 12.4 fantasy points in a win over the Chargers. The rookie should best that total against the Raiders, who have surrendered the fourth-most rushing yards (907) and an average of more than 20 fantasy points per contest to running backs.




vs.
Jay Ajayi vs. New York Jets

Ajayi will be hard pressed to rush for 200-plus yards for the third straight game, but don't be afraid of this week's matchup against the Jets. While their FPA against running backs (17.1 PPG) is decent overall, the Men in Green have given up 23-plus fantasy points to runners in two of their last three games. Start Ajayi this week.




vs.
Christine Michael vs. Buffalo Bills

Michael didn't put up the massive stat line a lot of fantasy fans were hoping for last week, but he still scored 10.2 in a loss to the Saints. I'd continue to deploy him against the Bills, who have surrendered 10-plus fantasy points to three of the last four running backs to face them including a huge 27-point performance to Ajayi in Week 6.




vs.
Terrance West vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

West's last fantasy stat line went south, as he scored one point in a loss to the Jets. Still, I'd keep him active in what is a favorable matchup against the Steelers. Their run defense has left a lot to be desired on the gridiron, allowing 11 total touchdowns and an average of almost 25 fantasy points per game to opposing backs.




vs.
Charcandrick West vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Assuming that Spencer Ware (concussion) is unavailable this weekend, West would be one heck of a flex option for fantasy fans. Over the last four weeks, the Jaguars have allowed five touchdowns and an average of close to 25 fantasy points per game to running backs. West would also see a ton of volume, and volume is king.


Sleepers:
Tim Hightower at 49ers, Derrick Henry at Chargers




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Ryan Mathews vs. New York Giants

Raise your hand if you can name the number of snaps Mathews saw last week against the Cowboys. You might be surprised to know that the answer is eight, compared to the 63 snaps that Darren Sproles saw in the contest. With such a small snap percentage and a tough matchup against the Giants ahead, Mathews is a hard sell.




vs.
Todd Gurley vs. Carolina Panthers

Maybe you can afford to sit Gurley, maybe you can't. Just keep in mind that he's averaging 3.0 yards per rush, and the Panthers have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards (509) to runners. Also, Carolina has held Hyde, Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Mark Ingram and David Johnson to 185 rushing yards combined.




vs.
Latavius Murray vs. Denver Broncos

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Murray fooled us all with his two-touchdown performance against the Jaguars two weeks ago, as he followed it up with a seven-point stinker in Tampa Bay. With DeAndre Washington and Jamize Olawale in the mix, not to mention a matchup in Denver, Murray is a tough sell.




vs.
Isaiah Crowell vs. Dallas Cowboys

Crowell rushed for a mere 29 yards against the Jets last week, but he still scored 12.3 fantasy points and continued to out-snap Duke Johnson (41/31) ... though the gap has closed. Regardless, I'd beware of this week's matchup against the Cowboys. Their defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points (13.6 PPG) to runners.




vs.
Theo Riddick vs. Minnesota Vikings

Riddick made a nice return to action both for the Lions and fantasy fans alike, scoring one touchdown and 19.3 points in a loss to the Texans. Regardless, I'd beware of the versatile veteran ahead of this week's matchup in Minnesota. Their defense has allowed just four total scores and 16.3 fantasy points a game to backs in 2016.


Busts:
Rashad Jennings vs. Eagles, Chris Ivory at Chiefs

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: Wide receivers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Jarvis Landry vs. New York Jets

Landry hasn't put up great numbers for fantasy fans in recent weeks, but I'd roll with him in a plus matchup against the Jets. Wideouts have caught almost 70 percent of targets when covered by cornerback Darrelle Revis, who can no longer be considered a threat to fantasy points. I like Landry to catch six-plus passes in this contest.




vs.
Kelvin Benjamin vs. Los Angeles Rams

Benjamin has seen his fantasy numbers remain stagnant in recent weeks, as he's averaged a mediocre 6.6 points in his last five games (one touchdown). I like him to break the end-zone drought this week in Los Angeles, however, as the Rams have allowed eight touchdowns and an average of 196.4 yards to wideouts in their last five games.




vs.
Ty Montgomery vs. Indianapolis Colts

Montgomery's late absence from the active roster last week was tough for a lot of fantasy fans, so be sure to keep tabs on his status for an upcoming matchup against the Colts. If he's active, I'd expect Montgomery to see a good number of snaps and touches in what could be a shootout at Lambeau Field. Barring setbacks, start 'em.




vs.
Donte Moncrief vs. Green Bay Packers

Moncrief was one of my favorite breakout candidates this season, but injuries slowed his rise to stardom. He returned with a vengeance last week, however, scoring a touchdown and 10 fantasy points in a loss to the Chiefs. With a favorable matchup in Green Bay up next, owners should use Moncrief as a second/third wideout or flex option.




vs.
Michael Thomas vs. San Francisco 49ers

Thomas, listed as a sit 'em last week, posted a modest 6.3 fantasy points in a win over the Seahawks. I'd get him back into your lineup against the 49ers, who have surrendered a ridiculous seven touchdown catches to wide receivers in their last three games. Consider the rookie an attractive No. 2/3 wideout or flex starter.


Sleepers:
Kenny Britt vs. Panthers, Quincy Enunwa at Dolphins




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Marvin Jones vs. Minnesota Vikings

Remember when we all liked Jones to be this season's top breakout receiver? Well, his numbers have tumbled in recent weeks. In fact, he's posted a combined 248 yards in five games since he shredded the Packers for 205 yards in Week 3. Next up on the slate is a date with the Vikings, who have allowed four touchdowns to wideouts.




vs.
Allen Robinson vs. Kansas City Chiefs

As someone who has Robinson in two leagues, I hope this has a reverse jinx effect and he goes off against the Chiefs. But let's face the facts. He's averaging fewer than eight fantasy points a game this season, and has hasn't scored a touchdown in his last three game. Oh, and playing at Arrowhead Stadium is no walk in the park.




vs.
Doug Baldwin vs. Buffalo Bills

Baldwin has failed to score a touchdown in four straight games, as his regression back to being an average fantasy wideout continues this season. The Bills have been up and down in their defense of wide receivers, but even the best matchups have not bore statistical fruit for Baldwin (see Saints, Week 8). He's a serious risk for fantasy fans.




vs.
Jeremy Maclin vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Maclin scored 10.3 points against the Colts, which was his best stat line since the opener. In between, he had scored no more than 7.8 fantasy points (five games). Maclin has also seen inconsistent targets in recent weeks, and Tyreek Hill is making an impact in the vertical attack. A matchup versus Jalen Ramsey is difficult, too.




vs.
Mike Wallace vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Wallace recorded a combined 217 yards in the two games before Baltimore's bye week, and he'll have some motivation to face his old team. With that said, it's hard to ignore what figures to be a tough matchup against the Steelers. Their pass defense has allowed three touchdowns and the fourth-fewest points (17.7 PPG) to wideouts.


Busts:
Amari Cooper vs. Broncos, Golden Tate at Vikings

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: Tight ends.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Kyle Rudolph vs. Detroit Lions

Rudolph has had a roller coaster of a regular season in the stat sheets, but this week's matchup against the Lions makes him a solid option for fantasy fans. No team has allowed more fantasy points to tight ends (12.7 PPG) than the Lions, who have also surrendered eight touchdowns to the position. Rudolph should post a nice line.




vs.
Antonio Gates vs. Tennessee Titans

Gates has overtaken Hunter Henry in terms of snaps and targets over the last two weeks, so it looks like he's back in the good graces of fantasy fans (at least for now). I'd start the future Hall of Famer against the Titans, who have surrendered an average of 10.2 fantasy points per contest to opposing tight ends over the last four weeks.




vs.
Gary Barnidge vs. Dallas Cowboys

Barnidge hasn't scored a single touchdown (he had nine in 2015), and he's failed to score more than nine points every single week. Regardless, he's worth a shot this week against a Cowboys defense that's lost Barry Church and Mo Claiborne to injuries. Overall, Dallas has given up the ninth-most points to tight ends (8.9 PPG) in 2016.




vs.
Coby Fleener vs. San Francisco 49ers

Fleener has been one of the most inconsistent tight ends in fantasy football this season, but I think he's a worthwhile streamer ahead of this week's matchup in San Francisco. Their defense has given up has average of around 60 yards per game to tight ends, and getting six to eight points from the position this weekend isn't bad at all.




vs.
Dennis Pitta vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This one is more for fantasy fans in PPR formats, but Pitta is a viable option in a week with six teams on a bye. The veteran is the third-most targeted player at his position behind Greg Olsen and Jordan Reed, and a matchup against the Steelers is favorable. Their defense has allowed the 10th-most points to tight ends (8.3 PPG) in 2016.


Sleepers:
Cameron Brate vs. Falcons (TNF), Lance Kendricks vs. Panthers




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Julius Thomas vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Thomas has scored a touchdown in two straight weeks, but he's averaged a mere 24 yards in his last three games and has become very touchdown dependant. This weekend he goes up against the Chiefs, who have surrendered an average of just 4.8 points a contest to tight ends. That includes one touchdown catch allowed.




vs.
Jack Doyle vs. Green Bay Packers

Doyle was a massive bust for fantasy fans last week, scoring 3.6 points against the Chiefs. He's now scored fewer than four points in four of his last seven games, and the return of Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett will do nothing to help his target totals. I'd temper expectations ahead of an upcoming game in Green Bay.




vs.
Eric Ebron vs. Minnesota Vikings

Ebron returned to action after a multi-week absence and posted a solid 79 yards in a loss to the Texans. While he'll be tough to bench with six teams on a bye, keep in mind that a matchup against the Vikings doesn't bode well. Their defense has given up 5.9 fantasy points per contest to tight ends, which includes zero touchdowns.




vs.
Jason Witten vs. Cleveland Browns

Witten's matchup against the Browns looks great on paper, but consider this: Cleveland has faced Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker and Jordan Reed in their eight games. In their other five games, their defense has allowed 5.2 points per game to the position. Keep that in mind before starting Witten this weekend.




vs.
Zach Ertz vs. New York Giants

Ertz continues to be a bust for owners, as he's scored a combined 9.2 points in his last four games (no touchdowns). He should remain on fantasy benches ahead of this week's matchup against the Giants, who have given up 5.7 points per game to tight ends. The G-Men have also surrendered just one touchdown to the position.


Busts:
Charles Clay at Seahawks (MNF), Jesse James at Ravens

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: Defense.


Start 'Em

vs.
Start of the Week - Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Chiefs defense is on fire, scoring double-digit fantasy points in each of the last three games. I like that trend to continue against turnover-prone quarterback Blake Bortles and the Jaguars, who have been a positive matchup for defenses. In fact, two of the last three opposing units have scored seven or more points.


vs.
Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Panthers defense hasn't been good in real football terms for most of this season, but it can be an asset in fantasy land. That's evident in last week's 19-point effort against the Cardinals. Next up is a road matchup in Los Angeles, where the Rams await. No offense has been a better matchup for opposing fantasy defenses this year.


vs.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

Listed as a bust defense last week, the Eagles scored just three fantasy points in a loss to the Cowboys. The matchup is much better this week, though, as Philadelphia travels to New York to face a Giants offense that's had it's share of problems. Due in part to Eli Manning's turnover issues, the Eagles are worth a look.


vs.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers

You might think a matchup against Cam Newton is bad for opposing defenses, but the opposite is true ... defenses have scored the fourth-most points when going up against the Panthers. Enter the Rams, who are fresh off a bye and back at home in front of their fans. You can even grab the Rams off the waiver wire in some leagues.


Sleepers:
Dolphins defense vs. Jets, Titans defense at Chargers



Sit 'Em

vs.
Sit of the Week - Buffalo Bills vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Bills field the fifth-ranked defense based on fantasy points, but this unit has scored a combined seven points in their last three contests. While Russell Wilson has struggled all season long, defenses have still averaged fewer than six fantasy points when facing Seattle. I'd keep Buffalo on the fantasy football sidelines.


vs.
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

How bad has the Jets defense been for fantasy owners this season? Well, this unit has scored four or fewer points in five of its last seven games including four games with two or fewer. Next up is a road date in Miami against the Dolphins. Over the last four weeks, defenses have averaged just 3.3 points against Ryan Tannehill and crew.


vs.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns

You might think a road game in Cleveland is a good matchup for the Cowboys, but that's not the case this week. Dallas has lost important defensive backs Barry Church and Mo Claiborne to injuries, and the return of Josh McCown makes the Browns offense a lot more formidable than it was under Cody Kessler. Beware Big D.


vs.
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The last time the Giants were on the gridiron (or pitch since it was in London), their defense put up 21 fantasy points. I don't see them going for close to that total this week, however. Despite throwing out a rookie quarterback in Carson Wentz under center, defenses have averaged just 4.9 points against Philadelphia this season.


Busts:
Ravens defense vs. Steelers, Seahawks defense vs. Bills (MNF)

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: Kickers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Cairo Santos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Santos, listed as a start 'em last week, delivered with 12 fantasy points in a win over the Colts. I'd keep him active once again, as he faces a Jaguars team that's allowed more fantasy points to kickers (11.7 PPG) than any other team in the league. In fact, no kicker has scored fewer than eight fantasy points against them this season.




vs.
Steven Hauschka vs. Buffalo Bills

Hauschka hasn't recorded huge numbers in recent weeks, scoring no more than eight fantasy points in a game since Week 4. However, he's still a solid option heading into this week's Monday night matchup against the Bills. Over their last three games, Buffalo's team has allowed double-digit fantasy points to three different booters.




vs.
Mason Crosby vs. Indianapolis Colts

Crosby ranks just 17th in fantasy points among kickers, and his six-point performance against the Falcons last week was a disappointment. I would have faith in the veteran this week, though, as he faces a Colts defense that's surrendered an average of more than 10 fantasy points per game to opposing booters. Get Crosby active.




vs.
Caleb Sturgis vs. New York Giants

Fantasy fans looking for a replacement kicker this week should consider Sturgis, who is coming off a solid 13-point performance against the Cowboys last week. Next up is another NFC East battle, this time against a Giants team that has surrendered an average of 10.4 points per game to kickers. Sturgis is available in most leagues.


Sleepers:
Will Lutz at 49ers, Josh Lambo vs. Titans




Sit' Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Chris Boswell vs. Baltimore Ravens

Boswell put up a solid 10 fantasy points in Pittsburgh's last game before the bye week, but it was the first time since the season opener that he recorded more than eight points in a game. I'd keep him on the bench (or waiver wire) against the Ravens, who have surrendered the fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers (4.4 PPG) this season.




vs.
Matt Prater vs. Minnesota Vikings

Aside from an 11-point performance back in Week 3, Prater has been an average to below average option for fantasy owners this season. That trend should continue in a matchup with the Vikings, who have surrendered an average of just 5.1 fantasy points per game to kickers. You can find much better alternatives on the waiver wire.




vs.
Graham Gano vs. Los Angeles Rams

Gano is coming off a tremendous 14-point effort in a win over the Cardinals, but it was just the second time this season where he's posted more than eight fantasy points in a game. I'd beware the veteran this week in Los Angeles against a Rams defense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points (4.8 PPG) to kickers.




vs.
Blair Walsh vs. Detroit Lions

You have to like Walsh in a home matchup against the Lions, right? Well, not so much. Walsh hasn't scored more than seven fantasy points in a game since Week 1, and the Lions have surrendered a combined 17 fantasy points to kickers in their last three games. At this point, Walsh is better left on the bench .. or the waiver wire.


Busts:
Sebastian Janikowski vs. Broncos, Jason Myers at Chiefs

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Cody Kessler to start for Browns vs. Cowboys.

The Cleveland Browns will go back to a rookie quarterback. Coach Hue Jackson announced Cody Kessler would start Sunday versus the Dallas Cowboys.
Jackson cited the evaluation of the first-year quarterback as his reason for starting Kessler over veteran Josh McCown.
"I want to get a chance to continue to look at him," Jackson said. "(Kessler has) uncanny ability, some moxie and poise and he's demonstrated that."
The coach added that, while he wants to play, McCown took the news in stride.
"I think he understands the situation we're in. He's been doing this for 15 years," Jackson said.
Kessler has shown good accuracy and an ability to move the offense in spurts. The Browns averaged 384 yards of offense in games Kessler started and finished. However, he lacks the arm to unleash a deep aerial attack. It's not a coincidence that the two games under McCown's watch were the Browns' most explosive.
While McCown might have provided a better shot to win in the short term, Jackson values the evaluation of his third-round pick higher on the priority list.
With the season already lost, the Browns are playing for the future. Finding out what they have in Kessler is the best use of the rest of the 2016 season.