As Thursday Night Football concluded, we head into a full 14-game slate on Sunday. With that, let’s dive into this week’s fantasy football outlook. Who should you start? Who should you sit?
Quarterback
Start ’em: Philip Rivers
Philips Rivers turned the ball over twice in his Colts debut against the Jaguars in an upset defeat. This week, Rivers is taking on a Vikings defense that got lit up, surrendering 522 total yards and 43 points against the Packers. Rivers is set to have a huge week going against an inexperienced and struggling cornerback group. Expect a huge game from Rivers and the Colts offense this week.
Sit ’em: Drew Lock
Drew Lock is coming off a tough loss against the Titans, throwing or 216 yards and a touchdown, struggling to get the offense to score throughout the game. This week, Lock is going up against one of the league’s best defenses: the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have one of the league’s top pass rushers in T.J. Watt. The Broncos offensive line has struggled the past couple of seasons and this week could be a tough week for them.,
Running Back
Start ’em: Jonathon Taylor
As I said earlier, the Vikings defense got destroyed in Week 1 and is still without top defensive players, Everson Griffen for at least two more weeks. With the Marlon Mack injury, Taylor takes over as the starter for the rest of the season. In his debut, he was targeted six times and averaged over 11 yards per catch. On top of that, he has the league’s best offensive line. Expect a huge uptick in touches and production from Taylor starting this week.
Sit ’em: Frank Gore
Le’Veon Bell is out for at least the next three weeks, leaving the starting job to long-time veteran and future Hall of Famer, Frank Gore. The 49ers defense is one of the best against running back in fantasy football, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. Gore is a very risky play this week as he goes up against one of the league’s top defenses.
Wide Receiver
Start ’em: Adam Thielen
Despite Kirk Cousins throwing five passes in the first half of last week’s game against the Packers, Thielen had a great second half. Since the defense kept giving up points, the offense had to throw the ball and Thielen benefited with two touchdowns. With a poor defense, Cousins is going to have to throw the ball to keep them in the game. Thielen is the top option and is going to need to have a big game against the Colts to avoid an 0-2 start.
Sit ’em: Marvin Jones
I know this one comes as a shock as Kenny Golladay is out, but as the top option last week, he didn’t perform to expectations. He only recorded four receptions for 55 yards. Jones is best when he has a partner in crime, which is Golladay. He will also be covered by Jaire Alexander, who is becoming one of the best corners in the game. The odds are stacked against Jones this week.
Tight End
Start’ em: Jared Cook
The Saints are without Michael Thomas for a few weeks, meaning that the two top options in the receiving ring game are Jared Cook and Emmanuel Sanders. As bad as the injury is for the Saints, this opens up more opportunities for Cook in the offense. Last week, he caught five of his seven targets for 80 yards. With the loss of Thomas, expect a boost in production from the 12-year veteran.
Sit ’em: Rob Gronkowski
Gronk’s first game since his return to the NFL was disappointing. He was targeted only three times throughout the game, including zero red-zone targets, where he is most dangerous and dominant. Gronk totaled 11 yards of two receptions. With the lack of targets and production, Gronk is a very risky play, who I would not start this week.
Defense
Start ’em: Chiefs
The Chiefs defense finished with four sacks and 13 pressures last week against the Texans. This week, they take on the Chargers, who have a weak offensive line, who lost their best piece in Mike Pouncey due to injury. If the Chiefs get out to an early lead, then Tyrod Taylor is going to have to throw the ball, meaning more opportunities to get pressure and turnovers. The Chiefs defense is set to have a big week against the Chargers offense.
Sit ’em: Eagles
The Eagles were a top defensive pick last week as they were going up against the Washington Football Team. The Eagles defense squandered a 17-point lead and gave up 27 unanswered points, losing 27-17. The Rams by far have a better offense than Washington and it is going to be a rough ride as the secondary has to focus on both Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp.
