WHO I LIKE
QB, Marcus Mariota (TEN) – The Heisman Trophy winner torched a decent Miami secondary this weekend and has impressed me by displaying his ability to scramble and throw the ball downfield well. Start him against the winless Browns this weekend.
RB, Theo Riddick (DET) –
There were a lot of concerns about Detroit’s backfield when Ameer Abdullah got hurt, but Theo Riddick has stepped up to the plate. He’s a versatile catch and run receiver, and a favorite dump off target of Stafford’s.
WR, Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Fitzgerald is dominating the wideout position in the NFL this season. Even at the age of 33, he’s a fantasy stud with five touchdowns through five games. He plays a sloppy Jets defense next Monday.
TE, Martellus Bennett (NE) – With Tom Brady back, the veteran tight end’s stock immensely increases. Brady has always loved looking for big tight ends in the red zone and Bennett’s three touchdowns forecast a favorable offensive relationship.
WHO I DON’T LIKE
TE, Dwayne Allen (IND) – Allen might have scored a touchdown last game, but that was his first since Week 1. He only scored one touchdown through 13 games last season, so a drought isn’t unprecedented. Think about sitting Dwayne Allen this week.
QB, Tyrod Taylor (BUF) –
If you’re looking for explosive performances consistently every weekend, look away from Tyrod Taylor right now. With Sammy Watkins on the IR, wait until Taylor becomes in sync with what’s left of his offense.
RB, Giovani Bernard/Jeremy Hill (CIN) – The two backs split touches and a road game against New England this weekend with a struggling offense just isn’t a favorable matchup. Stay away from these two.
WR, Alshon Jeffrey (CHI) – Jeffrey’s numbers have dramatically declined since Brian Hoyer replaced Jay Cutler. He’s averaged around four targets per game this season and only 78 yards and zero touchdowns per game. Stay away from Jeffrey for now.
MY SLEEPERS
QB, Matt Stafford (DET) – Some may not think of Matt Stafford as an elite quarterback, but he and his offense are rolling right now. He finessed his way around a tough Eagles defense last weekend and faces the mediocre Rams at the comfort of his own home stadium in Detroit.
RB, Matt Asiata (MIN) – Asiata’s presence in the back-field and Adrian Peterson’s absence has not hurt the undefeated Minnesota offense thus far. Minnesota’s on bye this week, but pick up Asiata who’s scored in two consecutive weeks and is only owned in 15 percent of all leagues.
WR, Sammie Coates (PIT) – Martavis Bryant’s season-long suspension and Roethlisberger’s ability to throw bombs down the field has showcased that Coates is a fantasy monster right now. He’s only owned in 40 percent of all leagues, so turn to the waiver wire this weekend if you’re in need of a wideout.
WR, Jeremy Kerley (SF) – In the last two weeks, Kerley has managed to eclipse 190 yards and two scores even with a subpar quarterback. He’s owned in only 8 percent of all leagues, but be careful about starting him this weekend against a riled-up Bills defense.
