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Arizona
Carson Palmer (shoulder/neck) is getting closer to returning to the field which should yield better fantasy numbers across the board, but especially from his receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. After four games, Fitzgerald and running back Andre Ellington lead the team with 13 receptions. That's not super exciting, so the return of Palmer is definitely a positive for the Arizona offense and fantasy production. Andre Ellington had a big game last week, but in order for him to be a legit, consistent fantasy back, he'll need more of what we saw last week - over 140 total yards and 2 touchdowns. If Palmer can't play this week vs. WAS, rookie Logan Thomas could get the start due to Drew Stanton's concussion he suffered last week. Thomas has plenty of potential, but he's still learning the ropes. If forced to start, don't expect a lot from the passing game.
Atlanta
It's been the Julio Jones show lately, which has decreased the involvement of Roddy White. Should you be concerned about White's lack of production this year? He has scored two touchdowns, so he's more than just a flex option, in my opinion but there is some concern. The Falcons running game has improved lately with decent numbers all around, particularly Steven Jackson, Antone Smith and Devonta Freeman. Freeman totaled over 80 yards and is starting to see more touches. Antone Smith is the player everyone wants to see more of. His yards per touch is out of this world. Atlanta has to get him the ball more often going forward. I will be shocked if his touches don't increase. He's averaging 11 yards per carry and 26 yards per reception.
Baltimore
Justin Forsett has 23 catches on 27 targets this year which is fourth in the league for running backs behind LeVeon Bell, Fred Jackson and Matt Forte. Aside from that, he's still averaging a stout 5.9 yards per carry. He's turning into a legit Top 10-15 RB and he's getting in the end zone to help boost his numbers. Steve Smith had an off day last week, but I don't expect that to slow him down. The Ravens play at Tampa Bay this week, a team Smith knows well. I envision another strong day from the senior Smith.
Buffalo
Buffalo is on a roll and Fred Jackson is winning the battle against Father Time. Jackson is clearly the back to own over C.J. Spiller and it doesn't appear to be close. Spiller is a very talented back who will likely reach pay dirt during free agency this off season, but for now, it's Jackson leading the Bills. He has earned a weekly start in your lineup despite one game with double-digit carries. His receiving numbers have elevated his fantasy stock and so far, he's been able to handle the load of what's given to him. I mentioned last week that Kyle Orton's presence will be good for Sammy Watkins development. Expect the Bills to continue to force feed him the ball and get good positive results.
Carolina
The Panthers are still struggling to run the ball with their running game held together with scotch tape and rubber bands. It doesn't get any easier for Carolina, who have a murderers row of opponents coming up at CIN, at GB, SEA, NO, at PHI, ATL then their bye week. It doesn't look like there is any fantasy interest on this team other than Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin. The Panthers coaches have talked about unleashing Cam Newton more as a weapon in the running game. His return as a rushing threat should propel the rest of the running game and the offense in general.
Cincinnati
The Bengals hit a road bump last week at New England, but now they return home to play Carolina where they have been one of the best teams in the league on their home turf. Depending on which Panthers defense shows up, will determine what to expect from the Bengals brass of A.J. Green, Giovani Bernard and even Mohamed Sanu. Sanu has been a nice surprise this year. As long as Marvin Jones (foot) continues to rehab his injury, Sanu should put up decent fantasy numbers. I'm afraid it won't last though with Jones returning eventually plus Tyler Eifert (elbow) coming back for the second half of the season.
Cleveland
There are two things I want to share. One, I still like Isaiah Crowell, but for right now, Ben Tate is the incumbent back and he'll likely be the primary ball carrier for the Browns until further notice. Having Crowell as a backup and Terrance West as a third stringer is a solid blend of depth. Other teams would love to have what they have at running back. Two - Andrew Hawkins may have had a sub par game, but he still led the team in targets with nine and should still be a big piece of the offense moving forward. Jordan Cameron has been a disappointment so far, but I doubt that lasts long. I expect him to have a breakout game sooner, rather than later.
Chicago
Brandon Marshall has been un-Marshall like lately, but I beleive that's more a result of his ankle injury keeping him in check. Despite the lower numbers this year, he still has five touchdowns. All it will take is a 9-145-2 game and he'll be right back on top. In the meantime, Alshon Jeffery is playing well and has earned his keep as a legit fantasy WR, picking up where he left off last year. Martellus Bennett had a tough game at Carolina, but I don't see him drifting off as a strong fantasy play. The Bears offense has many weapons. Some weeks one player in particular shines over the others. Last week it was Matt Forte and Jeffery. All have the potential for big games, but their floor is still very respectable, which means their fantasy value should be fairly consistent this year.
Dallas
The Cowboys play at Seattle this week, so be aware. I wouldn't be too excited about any player, including DeMarco Murray. He's still a Top 10 back this week, but closer to 10 than 1. Terrance Williams, not Dez Bryant leads the team in receiving touchdowns with five (Bryant has four). At current pace, Williams will finish with over 10 touchdowns, but I'm not buying into that. The sell high tag definitely fits him.
Denver
Montee Ball being inured (groin) could be a blessing in disguise. Let's face it, he wasn't doing well as a healthy player, at least now you have a reason to sit him and get someone else in your lineup who can produce. It's undermined right now who will fill in at running back in Ball's absence, but there are two strong candidates in Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson. My take is that Anderson will be more of a true between the tackles and goal line back, while Hillman will see spot duty here and there. Anderson is a bigger load who can handle more carries, Hillman is a quicker, faster alternative who can mix it up. I don't even think John Fox knows which back will excel more, but if I had to guess, I'd say Anderson gets the bulk of the carries, but don't rule out Juwan Thompson either.
Detroit
Reggie Bush (ankle) and Calvin Johnson (ankle) are both considered questionable for Week 6 at Minnesota. If Johnson is out, expect big things from Golden Tate. Even if he plays I still like Tate. If Bush is out, look for Joique Bell to be involved all game long, but he needs to be cleared from his concussion from Week 4 first. I would roll the dice on Bell regardless of whether or not Bush is able to play. The team is going to have to turn to someone to produce on offense. Bell could easily be the default answer. This might be a good week to give Ebron a chance at your lineup, especially if Johnson or Joseph Fauria is out. The longer Calvin Johnson is not 100% the more I feel like he's a good candidate to try to trade. This has all of the makings of another Roddy White-like situation from last year. It's possible that Johnson's ankle woes will affect him all season long, or at least several weeks. That's not good news considering you likely spent a high draft pick on him and are relying on his production.
Green Bay
The Packers play at Miami this week in what could be a tough game for Aaron Rodgers and company. The Dolphins are a better team at home and they are coming off a bye week. I don't love the match up but Green Bay has been playing well lately. I'm not sure if any opponent will be able to shut them down. It looks like Eddie Lacy has dusted off the rust and is ready to assume the role as an every week fantasy start. Both Jordy Nelson (3) and Randall Cobb (7) are Top 10 fantasy wide receivers so far. Ride them for as long as you can. I don't see their value going away in this offense.
Houston
Houston hosts the Colts on Thursday Night Football this week and we all know that Thursday night has produced some dud match ups with average winning point margins approaching an unprecented 30 points per game. So which team shows up this week? I actually think we could see a battle this week with Houston playing the role of home underdog. Several key players have to be healthy to pull off the tall order, including Arian Foster (hamstring), Andre Johnson (ankle) and J.J. Watt (thigh). If Houston can keep the score close, they'll have a chance. I don't see Ryan Fitzpatrick winning this game with his arm in a come from behind manner, so it will have to be a battle won in the trenches and the running game of Foster. DeAndre Hopkins is a player I have interest in this week, especially if Johnson is less than 100%.
Indianapolis
Andrew Luck and the Colts travel to Houston this Thursday night for a quick turn around game. For some reason I see this being a close game throughout. The Texans have allowed two touchdown passes to each of the last three quarterbacks they've faced (Eli Mannning, EJ Manuel and Tony Romo). Luck should be able to put up decent numbers despite being on the road in an environment that could cause problems. Very quietly, T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne have 31 and 30 receptions. They are the two main focal points of the passing game, but Dwayne Allen has also been a nice surprise with 15 catches and four touchdowns. Ahmad Bradshaw has four receiving touchdowns of his own. The Colts offensive fantasy options are producing well this year. That should continue with Luck having a breakout year compared to years past.
Jacksonville
It's safe to say that no Jaguars RB is a good fantasy option at this time. There's too much of a RBBC approach and the results aren't that good to begin with. Having said that, rookie Storm Johnson and college teammate of Blake Bortles will get a fair share of carries this week against Tennessee. There could be some fire to the smoke, but at the end of the day, the jaguars run game has not been impressive to this point. The main source of fantasy relevance are the Allen brothers - Hurns and Robinson. The two each had 11 targets last week and remain the go-to options for Blake Bortles, especially while Marqise Lee (hamstring) continues to heal. The Jacksonville offense has struggled lately, but that could change against Tennessee this week, who have given up 7 passing touchdowns in the last two games, including nearly 700 passing yards.
Miami
The Dolphins are coming off a big win in London over the Raiders where they scored 38 points. Anytime a team goes over 35 points, you have to take notice. Mike Wallace is having a good year so far in the new Bill Lazor offense, but he hasn't had a big yardage game yet this year. The Packers come to town this week who have allowed only three passing or rushing touchdowns in the last three games. Knowshon Moreno (elbow) could possibly return this week but so far there is no official determination on his status. We will likely see Lamar Miller start and get the majority of the carries, however if Moreno is able to suit up, don't be surprised to see him steal some thunder.
Minnesota
We should see Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) back under center for the Vikings this week vs.Detroit. His presence should give the offense a lift, but I am still leery of this receiving unit. Cordarrelle Patterson hasn't done much of anything since Week 1. I will be shocked if he doesn't have at least 5-6 touches in this game, if not more. The Vikings have shared how they want and need to get him more involved. This is a perfect week for him to see an uptick in production. If it doesn't happen this week, it just isn't meant to be for the young receiver. Perhaps we were a little too soon on annointing him as one of the next best young receivers? We'll see - this week will say a lot.
New England
Well, Tom Brady finally proved us doubters wrong. It took a few games, but it looks like Tom Teriffic is back - or at least serviceable. The Patriots offensive line woes have at least diminished some. Rob Gronkowski is showing signs of a renaissance and Brandon LaFell is turning into the Patriots deep threat they didn't realize they have. Oh and Tim Dwight is even seeing more reps. Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley looked strong in their respective roles. All is good in the football universe again - but can they do it on the road? This week's game at Buffalo is their fourth road game in six games. The Bills know all of the Patriots secrets (unlike Cincinnati) and the Bills have a strong defense this year. If Brady and the bunch can put forth a similar effort and result at Buffalo, I'll be on board the Brady train once again.
NY Giants
Rashad Jennings (knee) is out for a few weeks, but his replacement Andre Williams is a legit fantasy start in the mold of a RB2 while Jennings is out of the lineup. This week's match up at Philadelphia favors the passing game more than Williams and the running game, but it still should yield opportunities for Williams to score and put up decent numbers. The Eagles have allowed 13 touchdown passes in five games, giving up at least two each game. Don't give up on Larry Donnell, despite the dud game last week. He is still a big part of the Giants offense even with the arrival of Odell Beckham. Speaking of Beckham, in just one game he has impressed me to the point where I am looking to acquire him whenever possible. He is a strong route runner and he knows how to use his body to shield defenders. He is someone to consider as a WR option going forward, especially this week.
NY Jets
Outside of the Week 1 victory against Oakland, the Jets have lost four straight games and soon to be five with Denver coming to the Meadowlands. I can honestly say I have zero interest in the Jets fantasy options right now. Jeremy Kerley had a nice effort in Week 4, but there are too many issues with this team at this time for me to get excited about anyone as a consistent fantasy start.
Oakland
The Raiders return from their bye with a new (interim) coach (Tom Sporano). The early word is that Derek Carr (knee) will be able to play this week vs. San Diego, The Raiders have two wide receivers who have a small semblance of fantasy value. James Jones and Andre Holmes. I would not be surprised to see both dominate targets and actually have some fantasy appeal this year. I don't like the match up against San Diego this week, but I do see some light at the end of the tunnel with Jones and Holmes.
Philadelphia
The Eagles host the Giants this week in a pivotal division game that will start to dictate pecking order in the NFC East battle. Surprisingly, the Giants have allowed only one quarterback since Matthew Stafford in Week 1, to throw for more than one touchdown in a game. That includes Drew Stanton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kirk Cousins and Matt Ryan. Not exactly a string of Pro Bowlers, but still impressive nonetheless. Philadelphia has scored 30+ points in four of their five games this year. I expect a game in the 50's with plenty of scoring. This is a game you should have circled to search for daily fantasy options as well as players for your weekly lineups. LeSean McCoy had 24 carries last week for 81 yards, however the Giants have not allowed a running back to top more than 15 carries this year. I am getting more and more displeased with McCoy's production this year. The offensive line is partly to blame, but he's also not finding the holes and ripping through defenses. You'd think that with the Eagles unorthodox style of offense, the running game would flourish. Outside of Darren Sproles and his jailbreak gashes, the Eagles run game has been fairly dormant. Maybe that changes this week. If you have McCoy, you start him and hope for the best.
Pittsburgh
The Steelers had some troubles at Jacksonville last week and now they go to Cleveland, who not only is on an emotional high after their big comeback win last week, but they played Pittsburgh tough in Week 1. The first contest was high scoring at 30-27 and I see a potential match up exploitation for the Steelers if Joe Haden (hip) is out this week. Both Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton could have good games as a result. LeVeon Bell is also someone who should benefit. He put up 21-109-1 and 6-88 in Week 1. If it aint broke don't fix it. If Bell continues to find success running the ball, this could be a long day for Cleveland if their offense doesn't keep pace.
San Diego
The Chargers play division doormat Oakland this week in what looks like a strong match up on paper. The Raiders have allowed 30+ points twice and less than 20 points twice. All four losses. Last year, the Raiders shocked the Chargers winning at home 27-17. In that game, Philip Rivers passed for over 400 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. The game in Sand Diego was won handedly by the Chargers and Rivers had a mediocre 200 yard game with 1 touchdown pass. Interestingly enough, the Raiders have not allowed a 300 yard passer this year, or a 100 yard receiver. Aside from Arian Foster, running backs have been held in check yardage wise. This game has all the signs of an easy win for San Diego, but I have a hunch we'll see a close battle. Branden Oliver looked great last week collecting two touchdowns and 180 total yards. Ryan Mathews is coming back, but not this week. If you have an oportunity to acquire Oliver, do so and start him this week. I don't foresee another big game, but he'll be a capable back with the opportunity to reach 20+ touches with scoring opportunities. He also is an excellent receiving option for the Chargers who no longer have Danny Woodhead. Even when Mathews returns, the new #43 should still yield positive results going forward.
Seattle
I won a league last year with Russell Wilson as my quarterback and I'm seriously considering trading for him in other leagues hoping for the same results. Not only is he a good competitor, but the plays that Seattle runs for him is perfect for his skill set and abilities. During weeks 14-16, Seattle plays at PHI, home for SF and at Arizona. It's not exactly a great championship schedule, but I still have interest in Wilson, who looks like a better quarterback everytime I see him play. Marshawn Lynch has been out of our heads recently, but he is definitely someone to talk about as a Top 5 running back this year. He is getting plenty of scoring chances in the Seahawks offense, plus he is seeing more looks as a receiving option, scoring three receiving touchdowns already.
San Francisco
The 49ers play at St. Louis this week who have allowed big yardage to running backs this year, including two 100-yard games to DeMarco Murray and Bobby Rainey, not to mention a combine 130+ yards rushing from the Eagles backs last week. This is a good match up for Frank Gore and a not-so good match up for Colin Kaepernick. The Rams have allowed only two quarterbacks to pass over 200 yards this year and Kaepernick, which is already Kaepernick's weakness. He's not a 300-yard passer. Unless special teams comes into play, which it could I don't see a high scoring game here, especially with the Rams hosting this game on Monday Night Football. I'm thinking along the lines of a 20-14 type of game.
St. Louis
The Rams are starting to develop an identity. Austin Davis is looking like a decent fantasy quarterback to consider, especially in daily leagues, although I'm not thrille about his match up this week vs. the 49ers. It will be good for the nation to see what Austin Davis is all about. I'm excited to see what he can do on this stage in front of a national audience. Brian Quick is looking like a nice fantasy surprise early on in the season, but again, this is isn't the best match up for him this week. Zac Stacy (calf) is looking like he'll be able to play this week. I expect the Rams to feed him the ball often, especially if they keep the score close.
Tampa Bay
The Bucs host the Ravens this week who have given up only four passing touchdowns this year, including only one to Andrew Luck last week. I like what Mike Glennon is doing on offense, but I am not a fan of him this week. Vincent Jackson is the only player I have interest in this week and even he is a slight risk. There is no clarity in the running game for Tampa Bay. Doug Martin is getting most of the looks, but Bobby Rainey is getting better results. I don't see Rainey getting enough touches to be fantasy relevant right now, not as long as Martin is healthy. It's a big uncertainty right now that I don't want any part of.
Tennessee
The Titans lost a heartbreaker last week against Celveland, but perhaps meltdown is a better word. Jake Locker (thumb) is not ruled out for the game this week vs. Jacksonville, so there is still a chance he gets the nod. Monitor his practice schedule this week to see if he can go Sunday in what would be a strong match up for him and the rest of the team. Jacksonville held Pittsburgh to 17 points last week, but prior to that every team scored over 30 points and sometimes 40. If Locker can't go, Charlie Whitehurst will get the start. Kendall Wright is having a strong season so far with three early season touchdowns. Delanie Walker is a player to target this week. The Jaguars have allowed 12 passing touchdowns this year and five have gone to the tight end - all five different players.
Washington
Kirk Cousins has been an inconsistent quarterback this year and the receiving corps has been up and down as a result. Both Pierre Garcon And DeSean Jackson have been on both ends of the spectrum. It's hard to be optimistic about any one receiver any given week. I don't expect this trend to continue with a schedule that gets a bit more friendly going forward, especially against the pass. The return of Robert Griffin is looming, but he's not back yet. As of right now, I don't see Cousins keeping the job when Griffin is healthy, but that could change any given week. Until then, be cautiously optimistic that Cousins and the Washington offense can produce big numbers going forward.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com