With Julio Jones likely out for the season, now might be a good time to take a gamble on Harry Douglas or make a trade for either Steven Jackson or Roddy White if you can get them. When an offensive weapon like that goes down, the surrounding cast all has to step up to the plate. They all come with question marks, but considering how disappointing Atlanta has been this year, there’s a chance you could get one of them for a relatively low price. That all being said, Atlanta is on bye this week so be sure to factor that into your decisions.
Speaking of injuries, David Wilson is likely out for the Giants this week which makes Brandon Jacobs a surprisingly decent flex play. Chicago isn’t the easiest matchup in the world and the Giants did resign Da’Rel Scott, but Jacobs will likely get the goal line carries if there are any which gives him a little extra upside. If you need a quick pick up following the Julio news, Jacobs should do nicely at least for this week.
Another nice start in that game is Martellus Bennett. Bennett has had a relatively quiet couple of weeks after his explosive start, but against the Giants, he’s a must start tight end. Something around 6 catches for 60-70 yards and a score sounds about right for him this week. Although I know a lot of people are anxious to start Rob Gronkowski this week if he plays, I rank Bennett slightly higher this week.
Other nice starts are Steve Smith against Minnesota, Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams against Philadelphia, and Pierre Thomas against New England. There are obviously better plays than all of these guys, but if you’re on the fence between two players and one of them is listed above, give them a shot.
For QBs, Andrew Luck, Jay Cutler, and Alex Smith are all in great matchups this week and should be considered top 10 options. Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford, Terrelle Pryor, Russell Wilson, and Philip Rivers are in difficult spots. 12-16 team leagues should still start these guys over less consistent options, but just be aware that their matchups are less than ideal based on what we’ve seen from opposing defenses so far.
Although Danny Woodhead has been outstanding for fantasy owners these past two weeks, the Colts have been pretty solid against the run this year. With Ryan Mathews likely out this week after suffering a concussion, Woodhead should still be considered a decent flex play in most leagues, but don’t expect the kind of numbers he put up against Dallas or Oakland.
Chris Johnson is an even riskier play this week. With Shonn Greene on his way back and a matchup against Seattle’s smothering defense, don’t expect more than 7-9 points from him this week. Sure, he scored 14 points in standard leagues last week, but most of that came from a 49 yard touchdown reception.
Finally DeSean Jackson and Anquan Boldin are both in tough spots this week. Both are playing top five defenses when it comes to defending the pass and with Nick Foles possibly starting at QB for Philadelphia who knows how well the Eagles’ offense will be moving down the field this week. In PPR leagu8es, both are still decent options, but their chances of scoring this week are limited.
I hope the Jeremy Kerley helped a few of you secure a win on Monday. This week, look for Brandon LaFell and Greg Little to put up solid flex numbers if you’re in a jam.
