Start em’

Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions – When a player faces the Cleveland Browns, they get a starting nod from me. I especially like the matchup for Matt Stafford. He’s fresh off 361 yards and two touchdown performances against the Packers, and he has at least 300 yards passing in his last three games. The Browns don’t have a productive pass rusher opposite rookie Myles Garrett, and their defense is a pretty below average group anyway. Stafford should be fine throwing to Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, and he could easily make it four games in a row with 300 yards.

Tarik Cohen, RB, Chicago Bears – The play of Bears’ rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has been nothing spectacular, so running backs Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen have had to carry the offensive load. Cohen gets most of his work in the passing game, making him a valuable play in a PPR league, however, Cohen is a lesser play in a standard league. Look for Cohen to have a big game against Chicago’s division rival, the Green Bay Packers, whose defense can’t stop anyone.

Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams – Woods has filled the Rams top receiver well, he’s been a key cog in record setting offense that the Rams’ possess. Woods and quarterback Jared Goff have been in a nice rhythm in the last few weeks, as Woods has led the Rams’ in receiving as of late. The former USC wideout should have no issue leading the team in yards against a depleted Texans defense that’s missing key players all over the place.

Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants – It’s been a rough year for the Giants, but rookie tight end Evan Engram has been a bright spot for the team. Engram leads all rookies with four touchdown grabs, and he led his team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in the last three games. The rookie’s ability to create mismatches with his speed and size provides Eli Manning with a dependable target, something the Giants have been lacking after Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall this the season.

Sit em’

Damien Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins – After the surprising trade of Jay Ajayi, the Dolphins are in need of a new starting tailback. However, the new starting back likely will be Kenyan Drake, not Damien Williams, even though Williams had a touchdown last week. Regardless of who the starter is, the Dolphins rushing attack will likely struggle against a strong Panthers front seven. Williams’ stock will also take a hit with Drake’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and be an every down presence.   

Brandin Cooks, WR, New England Patriots – It’s no secret that Tom Brady has struggled when playing in Denver. A good defense, led by the Broncos secondary, has limited the Patriots aerial attack lately, which isn’t ideal for Cooks, who is known for catching long passes over the top of the defense. The Broncos have been really bad against tight ends this season, so Brady can look for Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, rather than throw to Cooks, who’ll be shadowed by Aqib Talib or Chris Harris Jr.

Josh Doctson, WR, Washington Redskins – It’s hard for anyone to have a big day against the Minnesota Vikings. Their secondary is loaded with talent, including Pro Bowlers Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith, who make life tough against opposing offenses. I don’t like the matchup for Doctson, and his quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who will have a hard time getting the ball to him. Doctson will likely struggle against one the NFL’s top units.

Play of the Week

Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets – Robby Anderson has been a pleasant surprise for the Jets. His four touchdowns are tied for first on his team, and he leads the Jets in receiving by over 100 yards. The former undrafted free agent has assumed the top receiver role well, serving as a deep threat for aging quarterback Josh McCown. Anderson has a good matchup against the Buccaneers on Sunday, a team whose season is just about over. Look for Anderson to have his way with a secondary that’s been mangled by injuries this season.