Quarterback
Start:
Andrew Luck (IND): Luck has been on a roll lately. He is now second among quarterbacks in ESPN standard scoring. This explosive trend should continue against the Chiefs at home this Sunday.
Derek Carr (OAK): Carr has struggled a bit in recent weeks, and will look to bounce back in a favorable matchup with the Buccaneers.
Sit:
Philip Rivers (SD): Rivers will have an extremely tough matchup this week when he faces the Broncos on the road. Leave him on your bench.
If you’re desperate:
Jameis Winston (TB): Winston rebounded well last week after a slow start and has a good chance to keep it going this week against the Raiders’ exploitable secondary.
Running back
Start:
Devontae Booker (DEN): With C.J. Anderson out indefinitely, Booker now has a golden opportunity. The talented rookie should be started in any league this week.
Jacquizz Rodgers (TB): Rodgers has also seized opportunities, as Doug Martin’s injury has left him as Tampa’s only solid running back. He has had two straight 100-yard games, and based on his volume of carries, he should be played again this week with confidence.
Sit:
Mark Ingram Jr. (NO): Ingram has a nightmarish matchup, squaring off against the Seahawks’ defense. There should be little running room for him, severely limiting his upside.
If you’re desperate:
Ty Montgomery (GB): Montgomery just earned RB positional eligibility on ESPN, and should be deployed as such in a great matchup against the Falcons. He’s been nearly impossible to cover since being placed at RB, and this week should be no different.
Wide receiver
Start:
Randall Cobb (GB): Cobb, like Montgomery, should see plenty of targets in Green Bay’s lethal passing offense. Aaron Rodgers knows how to spread the ball around, and should do it enough to warrant a start for both Cobb and Montgomery.
Michael Crabtree (OAK): Crabtree has been very solid this year, but has a tough matchup against the Raiders. But he still sees enough targets, especially in the red zone, to justify playing him.
Sit:
Alshon Jeffery (CHI): Until this point, Jeffery has had a miserable season. He is not targeted nearly enough considering his talent and has the worst matchup imaginable this Sunday against the Vikings.
If you’re desperate:
Davante Adams (GB): Adams looked like the focal point of Green Bay’s passing attack last week, and looks ready to do so again. Rodgers will look for him just as much as Montgomery and Cobb.
Tight end
Start:
Jordan Reed (WAS): There is some concern about Reed being inactive this week, but he has practiced the last two days so he should be ready. As Kirk Cousins’ favorite target, Reed is a must-start when he faces the Bengals in London.
Kyle Rudolph (MIN): Rudolph has a great matchup this week against the Bears on Sunday night. He should be targeted often, especially in the red zone.
Sit:
Antonio Gates (SD): Gates has yet to look like his old self this year, partially due to injury and partially due to the emergence of Hunter Henry. In an awful matchup against the Broncos, Gates is far from reliable this week.
If you’re desperate:
Jack Doyle (IND): Doyle has emerged as one of Luck’s favorite targets, and should be targeted heavily again against the Chiefs.