Quarterbacks

Start

Matthew Stafford, Lions (vs. Falcons): I frequently put quarterbacks facing the Falcons on my start list, and that trend will continue this week. The Falcons have given up the most passing yards in the league this season, and they allowed a struggling Kirk Cousins to throw three touchdown passes last week.

From a fantasy perspective, Stafford has regressed significantly this season. He was the fourth overall quarterback in fantasy points per game in 2019; he is currently only 21st among quarterbacks in fantasy points per game this season. Still, this matchup is too good to pass up.

Justin Herbert, Chargers (vs. Jaguars): Herbert has outperformed early expectations since taking over for the injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. Before the bye week, he had four passing touchdowns against the Saints. In his four starts, he is averaging 21.8 fantasy points per game, which is eighth among quarterbacks. The Jaguars defense lacks talent and has given up at least 30 points in their past five games. Herbert is a must-start in most formats.

Sleeper: Kyle Allen, Washington Football Team (vs. Cowboys)

Sit

Jared Goff, Rams (vs. Bears): Goff is typically a risky play. This season, he has two games with less than 12 fantasy points and three games with over 23 fantasy points. The Bears are allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, so I would avoid Goff this week.

Nick Foles, Bears (vs. Rams): In his three starts, Foles has recorded a total of three passing touchdowns and three interceptions. He is not an ideal option against Aaron Donald and the Rams.

Running backs

Start

Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team (vs. Cowboys): The Cowboys are allowing a whopping 173.3 rushing yards per game (second-most in the NFL). In addition, they are allowing 36.3 points per game to opponents (highest in the NFL). This is a dream matchup for any running back right now. Sure, Gibson does have to share touches with J.D. McKissic, but he still has led Washington’s backfield in carries for five consecutive weeks. He is a solid start in all leagues.

Justin Jackson, Chargers (vs. Jaguars): In Ekeler’s absence, Jackson saw a major increase in usage against the Saints. He led the Chargers with 15 carries and was tied for the team lead in receptions with five. The Lions were able to record 180 rushing yards against the Jaguars last week. Jackson could have a breakout game on Sunday.

Sleeper: Boston Scott, Eagles (vs. Giants)

Sit

Chase Edmonds, Cardinals (vs. Seahawks): Surprisingly, Edmonds is currently RB29. However, he has been touchdown-dependent. Edmonds has scored a touchdown in three games this season; he is averaging 16.3 fantasy points across those three performances. Conversely, he is averaging only 4.3 fantasy points in the three games in which he did not reach the end zone. Furthermore, the Cardinals have not frequently deployed Edmonds as a red zone option. He only has one carry and two targets from inside the 10-yard line this season.

Overall, he just does not receive enough touches to be a consistent fantasy starter. He still has not reached ten touches in a single-game this season.

Rex Burkhead, Patriots (vs. 49ers): James White is the most valuable Patriots running back due to his production in the passing game, and Damien Harris has received more carries than Burkhead for the past two games. Burkhead is essentially the third running back on the depth chart, and the 49ers defense is allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season.

Wide Receivers

Start

Travis Fulgham, Eagles (vs. Giants): The following players will be inactive for Thursday night’s game: Zach Ertz, Miles Sanders, and Alshon Jeffery. Meanwhile, Dallas Goedert and Jalen Reagor are still on the IR. Fulgham was added to the active roster three weeks ago. In that span, he is second among wide receivers in fantasy points. I don’t expect him to slow down against the Giants.

Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team (vs. Cowboys): As I previously mentioned, the Cowboys defense is struggling. McLaurin is unquestionably Washington’s go-to playmaker. He is a must-start in all formats.

Sleeper: Christian Kirk, Cardinals (vs. Seahawks)

Sit

Michael Gallup, Cowboys (vs. Washington Football Team): Understandably, the Cowboys offense took a major step back without Dak Prescott last week. The Cowboys scored only ten points, and Gallup had only two receptions for 23 yards. Gallup’s value has dropped significantly, as he is now the third wide receiver for an offense led by Andy Dalton. Unless Amari Cooper or CeeDee Lamb go down with an injury, Gallup should be benched.

Jerry Jeudy, Broncos (vs. Chiefs): Jeudy is currently WR53, and his production has not improved with Courtland Sutton on the IR. He should be stashed on the bench, until he builds chemistry with Drew Lock.

Tight Ends

Start

T.J. Hockenson, Lions (vs. Falcons): Hockenson has not put up great numbers this season, but he does have three touchdowns in five games. He has a good chance of scoring another touchdown against the weak Falcons defense.

Sleeper: Richard Rodgers, Eagles (vs. Giants)

Sit

Jonnu Smith, Titans (vs. Steelers): Smith is questionable for Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, but all signs are pointing towards him playing. If Smith does play, the Titans could limit his snaps and rely more on Anthony Firkser, who is coming off a 113-yard game.