Arizona
Drew Stanton replaces Carson Palmer as the Cardinals starting quarterback for the rest of the season after learning that Palmer is out with a torn ACL. This is a big blow to the NFC West leading Cardinals. What should we expect from Stanton going forward? His fantasy ranking in the three games he started earlier in the year was 32nd, 12th and 31st. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. His receivers didn't light it up either with the exception of John Brown. In fact, all three of Stanton's touchdown passes have gone to Brown. Stats suggest that Brown is the one you should take a chance on. Don't abandon Larry Fitzgerald though, he should still be a common target for Stanton going forward.
Atlanta
I mentioned last week that Atlanta's schedule is starting to do them some favors. This week at Carolina is a good match up for Matt Ryan and the Falcons receiving duo of Julio Jones and Roddy White. By the way, Steven Jackson has scored a touchdown in two consecutive games and three of the last five. The Panthers run defense has been known to give up big plays here and there. I would be more of a fan of this match up if this was at the Georgia Dome, but it still should yield positive results. Consider Jackson this week as a stretch-RB2.
Baltimore
Bye Week (at NO, SD, at MIA)
Buffalo
The Bills brought Fred Jackson (groin) back last week against the Chiefs, however he was mainly used as a receiving option. I suspect his workload will increase in the coming weeks. He may be a little limited heading into the Thursday night game at Miami, but he's still worthy of a RB2 start especially in PPR leagues. I'm not all-in on Jackson until he shows me a bit more. Groin injuries are hard to recover from, especially for a running back who is as agile as Jackson. Sammy Watkins is also dealing with a groin injury, although not as bothersome as Jackson's. He is expected to be 100% against Miami. My gut feeling is that Miami will be able to slow the run down, but the passing game could thrive, or at least be more productive. This benefits Watkins.
Carolina
The Panthers offense is struggling right now. Cam Newton is playing inconsistent ball and the offensive line is having difficulties staying afloat. To make matters worse, their defense is still not the same caliber as last year's dominant unit. The running game is finally healthy again, but DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart aren't as good as they used to be. This team will struggle to score points, which is not good for fantasy purposes. They have a sweet schedule in the second half, especially the fantasy playoffs so there is still some hope that Newton, Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen will rise up when we need them most. This week's match up vs. Atlanta is one of those games where I would gamble on the offense finding some rhythm. I expect Carolina to have some success this week. Keep Newton, Benjamin and Olsen in your lineup.
Cincinnati
The Bengals can't possibly play as poorly as they did last week against Cleveland, but I wouldn't bet on them at New Orleans. Giovani Bernard (hip) is still battling injuries and may not be healthy enough to play this week. Monitor his practice schedule as we get closer to Sunday. If he can't go, Jeremy Hill would again get the start. Hill's luster has worn off after the big game against Jacksonville, but I don't think he's as bad as he was on Thursday. As the offense goes, Hill goes. If no Bernard, consider Hill a stretch-RB2. I was not that impressed with A.J. Green last week, but a lot of that had to do with Dalton's struggles. There will be no wind in the dome in New Orleans this week. We'll see how Green does, but I'm not loving him as a fantasy stud right now.
Cleveland
How about those Browns?! The running back carousel continues in Cleveland. It's definitely apparent that the Browns want to control the ground game. They have one of the best trios of backs in the league. Last week Terrance West led all backs with 26 carries, however all three contributed a touchdown apiece in the win over Cincinnati. It looks like West is the back to have out of the committee right now, but that could change any week or any possession. As a fantasy owner, I'm waiting for one of the three to tweak and ankle, hamstring or concussion. The fantasy flood gates would at least provide some semblance of clarity there. Another reason to like the Browns is their schedule. They played PIT twice already and only have IND left as a formidable foe in their stretch run. Those of you who have Josh Gordon - keep him in your sights. It's almost go-time come Week 12. Truth be told, I don't know what to expect from Gordon when he returns. Will he be game ready? Will he regress based on last year's totals? I'm thinking there's going to be some challenges for the young wide out. Don't be too surprised if he doesn't start off strong out of the gates.
Chicago
The Bears are in a big slump right now and Jay Cutler isn't doing them any favors. Brandon Marshall suffered a sprained ankle last week, but he may be able to suit up and play this week without much concern. Monitor his practice schedule. If Marshall isn't quite 100% it opens the door for Alshon Jeffery and/or Martellus Bennett to shine. Chicago released veteran Santonio Holmes on Tuesday which leads me to believe Marquess Wilson (collarbone) will be returning to the lineup. I don't think he'll be a big contributor at first, but he has the ability and speed to make plays, especially down field. He looked sharp in the preseason before getting injured.
Dallas
Bye Week (at NYG, PHI, at CHI)
Denver
Denver has four players who are must starts every week. Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. If we get some clarity on the running back position, there could be a fifth. Montee Ball (groin) is expected to return this week, but how much action will he see, especially after C.J. Anderson's breakout game against Oakland. I would not be shocked to see Ball have minimal carries in his return, but monitor his practice schedule and follow the news as we get closer to game day. Anderson may be called upon to handle the majority of the carries once again. Ronnie Hillman (foot) is out this week and possibly the next. His window may have closed as a reliable fantasy option.
Detroit
Calvin Johnson is back and playing well, but that has not had a negative effect on Golden Tate and I don't think it will going forward. Matthew Stafford has confidence in Tate to be a reliable option. He should continue to see plenty of single coverage and open field as opposing safeties will keep a closer eye on Johnson. The Lions have a tough match up at Arizona this week, but the passing game could thrive, which includes Tate and Johnson. Reggie Bush (ankle) still doesn't look all the way back yet. He may have tweaked it again, which means we could see more of Theo Riddick in his place. Keep tabs on Bush's situation this week and let it be known I am not big on any Detroit backs against the Cardinals strong run defense.
Green Bay
Aside from Davante Adams, the Packers fantasy options look outstanding. Watch Adams have a big game this week after failing to do so in a 55-point romp last week. The NFL has a crazy way of shuffling the cards like that. I wouldn't be shocked to see that come to fruition. The Packers host the Eagles in what I see as a big match up for the Packers passing game and ground game. If this is a back and forth affair, my money is on Aaron Rodgers and all of his compatriots to have big fantasy games. Get several Packers in your lineup this week. This could be a good one.
Houston
The big news for Houston over their bye week is the promotion of Ryan Mallett to quarterback. What can we expect from Mallett and his receiver mates? How will he spread the ball around? Who will benefit the most? What does this mean for Andre Johnson? These are all good questions and unfortunately I don't have the answers. I do believe we'll see Mallett's big arm on display which is something Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn't able to provide. How he does in the short and intermediate passing game is what I'm most interested in. Arian Foster (groin) is expected to play this week, but check to see if he practices in full on Friday before putting him into your lineup in ink.
Indianapolis
The Colts return from their bye week to host the Patriots in what could be one of the best games of the week. Andrew Luck vs. Tom Brady. Grab your popcorn. I like this match up for fantasy purposes a lot more in the friendly dome environment. I mentioned this a few weeks back, but the Colts and Luck love to go to the tight end. Nearly half (12) of Luck's 26 touchdown passes have gone to tight ends. Seven of those went to Dwayne Allen and four to Coby Fleener. Allen is a decent TE1 while Fleener, who has come on strong recently, is a low end TE1 with potential. We know about T.Y. Hilton's ability, but don't discount Reggie Wayne, who has 18 targets in his last two starts. This should be a fun game to watch with plenty of fantasy opportunites.
Jacksonville
Bye Week (at IND, NYG, HOU)
Kansas City
The Chiefs are all about Jamaal Charles, but Dwayne Bowe has 5+ catches in five of the last six games. He's staying under the radar because he still has not found the end zone this year. Usually, touches will eventually lead to touchdowns. If that's the case, Bowe could have a nice second half of the year. He has 25 catches on 35 targets in the last four games. The scores will have to come soon right? Perhaps they will come this week vs. Seattle. Kansas City is known for keeping the pass attempts to a minimum, but they may not have a choice against Seattle if the scoreboard dictates it. Don't expect a poor game from Charles in this match up. If anything, look for him to see an increase in receptions in this game. Charles hasn't had more than 4 catches in a game all year, but that could change this week.By the way, Seattle has allowed 10 touchdowns to tight ends this year. Good things in store for Travis Kelce? It looks like it.
Miami
Jarvis Landry leads all Dolphins with 19 receptions in the last four games. He is starting to get more involved in the offense and I don't see it letting up. I would take a chance on Landry going forward this year. The window to acquire him is getting smaller. All it will take is a multiple touchdown game for him to be on the map. Remember, he's receiver with better numbers than Odell Beckham Jr. when they played together at LSU. Mike Wallace is quietly having a decent year. He has scored in six of the Dolphins nine games, but he's not on most people's radar because he has only exceeded 75 yards only once. The schedule opens up for the passing game in the second half of the season. Wallace, Landry and Charles Clay will have more chances in the coming weeks and it starts Thursday night against Buffalo.
Minnesota
The news in Minnesota is headlined by the possible return of Adrian Peterson. It's a definite possibility that he could be back on the field for all of December. Just in time for the fantasy playoffs. Monitor this situation closely and jockey for position to acquire Peterson if he's available in your league. If/when he returns, he'll be a major asset to the Vikings offense. His presence alone will lift the level of play and production in the receiving corps, including Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson. Right now it's looking more like when he'll return, not if.
New England
I'm looking forward to this week's game against Andrew Luck and the Colts. The Patriots and Colts are coming off a bye in what is being billed as the biggest game of the week. From a fantasy perspective, I love this match up for the Patriots, especially Shane Vereen, Rob Gronkowski and whatever receiver is not primarily covered by Vontae Davis. My thinking is that might be Julian Edelman (Davis on Brandon LaFell). If this news comes out closer to game day, jump on the receiver that gets Greg Toler or Josh Gordy. Also keep an eye on Danny Amendola. I would not be shocked to see Brady latch onto a receiver in this game and exploit the weakness. Amendola could be that guy.
New Orleans
Could the Saints be establishing a rushing identity? Finally? After many years of teasing, New Orleans may finally have a running game led by Mark Ingram. Ingram returned from a hand injury and has taken over as the Saints primary ball carrier. He has 24, 30 and 27 carries in the last three games, which is unheard of in a Sean Payton offense. Ingram also has three 100+ yard games with three touchdowns in that span. This week the Saints host the Bengals. Expect more of the same. Cincinnati has allowed 8 rushing touchdowns in the last five games. Jimmy Graham is a given, but also take a glance at Marques Colston, Kenny Stills and Brandin Cooks as flex options. I expect them to bounce back after a rare home loss last week and that means plenty of fantasy potential
NY Giants
The Giants host the 49ers this week and we should see the return of Rashad Jennings (knee) at running back. Mark Ingram ran well against San Francisco last week, which leads me to believe this match up for Jennings isn't as bad as I originally thought - provided Jennings is 100%. Odell Beckham Jr is the real deal and he should be a fantasy starter going forward. The injury to Victor Cruz opened the door for him and he has not looked back. Play him with confidence going forward.
NY Jets
Bye Week (at BUF, MIA, at MIN)
Oakland
The Raiders continue to look poor in losses. They have no ground game, so let's get right to the positives - Mychal Rivera has come on strong over the last three games. He and James Jones have been the two main targets for Derek Carr (28 targets a piece in that three game span). Yardage has been hard to come by, but it's clear that Jones and Rivera are main weapons on offense. Both are marginal flex options against San Diego in what looks like another game with garbage yards.
Philadelphia
The Eagles offense had no problems adjusting to Mark Sanchez last week against the Panthers, however that was a home game and this week the Eagles travel to Lambeau to face the Packers in what could be a potential playoff match up in the post season. I don't expect the Eagles to run their offense as well as they did last week, but I do think this game has the potential to be high scoring, which is good for fantasy production. Don't sit your Eagles this week. This game could be a perfect setting for a fantasy showdown, but I can also see it struggling to reach expectations. How Mark Sanchez responds on the road will be the key determining factor.
Pittsburgh
0, 2, 1, 1, 1 = touchdown passes by Ben Roethlisberger on the road this year. Compared to 1, 3, 2, 6, 6 at home. This week the Steelers play at Tennessee after struggling on the road last week at the Jets. I still like all of the regular Steelers fantasy options, but my expectations aren't as high as you might think. The match up looks juicy on paper, but there's definitely a trend with the Steelers on the road. Be wary.
San Diego
The Chargers return from the bye week to host the winless Raiders. San Diego has a let down game at least once a year. Luckily for them, it was their last game at Miami, where they were spanked 37-0. They should rebound nicely against Oakland. At least that's the consensus pick. Ryan Mathews (knee) is expected to return this week, but keep a watchful eye on the news as game day approaches. I can see the coaching staff easing Mathews back into action, but I can also see him getting plenty of reps if his knee holds up with no problems. Keenan Allen is someone who could have a strong second half of the season. He should be over his hamstring injury and back to full health. As long as the game isn't over at halftime, I like Allen's chances for a big game - a six-plus catch game with a potential score. Antonio Gates is also someone who could find himself getting a first half touchdown before the game is out of hand. I don't love the match up for the Chargers passing game, because it may only last a few quarters while the running game takes over the game in what could be lopsided by halftime.
Seattle
The Seahawks are trending favorably and the division chase is heating up, especially with the loss of Carson Palmer and two games to play against Arizona. Seattle will have a tough test at Kansas City, who have won four straight games. This is not an easy win by any stretch. In fact, I think the Chiefs will win this game outright. The tight game leads me to believe that Russell Wilson will have more pass attempts than normal, which is good for his fantasy value as well as his receivers. Doug Baldwin has been the primary beneficiary of Wilson's throws lately, but Jermaine Kearse is also someone who could benefit. Marshawn Lynch should see plenty of action yet again this week, but keep in mind, the Chiefs run defense is stingy - they have not allowed a rushing touchdown all season.
San Francisco
The 49ers appear to be shifting their identity back to a run-dominated offense. The match up against the Giants is a favorable one for Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde. The Giants allowed over 300 rushing yards to the Seahawks last week. This is a road game for San Francisco, so the potential for success isn't as high as it would be at home, but I still like this game for Frank Gore. Anquan Boldin has been playing well lately with 6+ catches in the last four games with a touchdown catch in three of the last four.
St. Louis
The Rams have struggled on offense over the last few games with Denver coming to town. Their best chance is to keep the game close with relentless defense, but that seems like a tall order against Peyton Manning. I like how the Rams get up for games at home, but the margin could get too high too soon for St. Louis to keep pace. The only players with a decent chance at fantasy value in this game are Kenny Britt, Jared Cook and Tre Mason. I wouldn't bet on either of them to be that productive.
Tampa Bay
Josh McCown surprised me last week with a 300-yard game and two touchdowns. It was also against the Falcons, but it still raised my eyebrows. Mike Evans continues to be a productive receiver option. He has three touchdowns and two 100+ yard games in the last two weeks. He is quickly becoming a must start fantasy option. Vincent Jackson is still holding on as a decent fantasy threat, but Evans is clearly the top dog right now. Bobby Rainey and Charles Sims split carries in Sims first professional game. I expect to see more of Sims in the coming weeks. The Buccaneers want to see what he can provide as a lead back, plus he brings a versatile element to the offnese that can definitely help move the ball and create scoring chances. The window to acquire Sims is closing fast. Don't be surprised if he has 20 touches in a game soon enough.
Tennessee
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has indicated that his rookie quarterback, Zach Mettenberger must "get the ball out of his hand faster and check down quicker." To me that suggest more opportunities for Kendall Wright, especially if Delanie Walker (concussion) is forced to miss this week's game. The targets aren't coming at a blistering pace like they did last year for Wright, but he is still the team's go-to receiving threat at this time - especially without Walker. There could be a lot of passing opportunities this week against the Steelers if the game dictates it.
Washington
Washington returns from their bye to host the Buccaneers. Alfred Morris is coming off conescutive games with a touchdown and the match up against the Buccaneers is promising. Robert Griffin doesn't quite look like a dominant quarterback yet in my eyes. Perhaps this game will help him get back on track. If he can find time to make throws, he can be very dangerous. This could be the game Pierre Garcon gets back on track. I also like DeSean Jackson's potential here as well.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com