Stanley Holditch
If you are looking for advice on QBs please see our in-depth weekly column here. This is exclusively dedicated to the other skill position players.
Week 4 dispelled some myths and confirmed some trends. Myths dispelled were that the Bengals can only support one receiver, Barkley is washed up, and the Rams are a surefire bet for the Superbowl. Trends that held up are that Derrick Henry can literally carry a team by himself, Ryan’s deep ball is gone, and that Kyler Murray is going to keep spreading the ball around because it works.
Running Back Starts
Obviously start Henry, Cook against the Lions, and McCaffrey if he plays.
Darrel Henderson vs Seahawks
Henderson had a great game in a losing effort last week and should be able to feast in this game against the Seahawks who are allowing 4.6 ypc through four weeks. The Rams desperately need to get back on track after a disastrous combo of bad coaching and poor QB play from Stafford.
Antonio Gibson vs Saints
The Saints appear to have a good game in them every other week. They flubbed it against the Giants in week 4 so this should be their week to stiffen against the pass, meaning more focus on the run for WFT. I like Gibson to break 100 and get at least one score. They gave up 4.2 ypc to Barkley, I think Gibson should get at least that.
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt vs Chargers
The Chargers are shutting down QBs on the regular. Dak in week 2, Mahomes in week 3, and Carr in week 4, all under 270 yards. Chances are Baker will be handing the ball off about 40 times this game. Fire both both up as RB2s.
Saquon Barkley vs Cowboys
Dallas is in the bottom ten allowing 4.7 ypc, Barkley should be feasting again as the defense focuses on generating turnovers from Daniel Jones.
Trey Sermon vs the Cardinals
About the only thing that worked against the Cardinals for the Rams last week was Darrel Henderson. With Lance likely making his first start under center, Shanahan will look to protect him for a Fields-type debut by running the ball often, I think Sermon has a big day, potentially over 120 and 2 touchdowns.
Cordarelle Patterson vs Jets (UK)
Patterson SZN is in full effect. Ridley is missing the game, but honestly I don’t think he was cutting into Patterson’s targets anyway. I don’t know how it’s happening…oh wait yeah I do: Ryan’s arm is chewed bubble gum and he’s afraid to throw more than 10 yards downfield.
Running Back Sits
Obviously sit any back for the Texans, Dolphins, or Ravens.
DeAndre Swift vs Vikings
There is no stability in Swift and not really any for Jamal Williams either. Neither back can be trusted until the Lions rushing volume increases (22nd in attempts per game).
Damien Harris vs Texans
Someone is going to be getting more running back snaps for the Patriots who are 30th in the league in attempts, but do you really want to guess who? Would you be surprised if it was Branden Bolden, or Rhamondre Stevenson, only to see them disappear next week? Me neither. Pass.
Austin Ekeler vs Browns
The Browns defense deserves more credit than they are getting right now. I think they clamp down hard on Herbert and Larry Rountree ends up with a better stat-line, albeit not a good one.
Wide Receiver Starts
Obviously start guys like Kupp, Metcalf, Samuel, and Adams.
Laviska Shenault vs Titans
This is a blow up spot for Viska and his QB. Chark is out of the picture meaning more downfield routes, and Viska responded in a big way agains the Bengals.
Adam Thielen vs Lions
I expect both Vikings receivers to have big days against the worst pass defense in the league, but I especially think Thielen is in for a big day. I’m thinking only about 75 yards but two scores. Just call it a feelin.
Jamaar Chase vs Packers
The Packers are delivering one of the lowest YPA rates in the league. But Jair Alexander is injured and I don’t necessarily expect a shootout, but think this will be a higher passing volume game than Cincinnati is used to. I could see 40 attempts for Burrow without a healthy Mixon, and Chase should be the beneficiary.
Stefon Diggs vs Chiefs
Diggs’s breakout has not happened yet but it will happen this week against the Chiefs porous secondary. Buffalo will try to control the game with the run which will bring up safeties and free Diggs for multiple deepshots downfield. 120+ yards and at least a score.
Kadarius Toney vs Cowboys
The Cowboys are going to put Diggs on Golladay after his big week last week and focus on harassing Jones. Toney should be able to get open underneath and provide a good safety valve for Jones. I think 85+ yards and a score are in the cards.
Wide Receiver Sits
AJ Brown vs Jaguars
Remember, Brown wasn’t playing well before he got injured. If he plays this feels like a blow-up game, but I’d rather risk that on my bench than a 4-45 effort or an early exit.
Mike Evans vs Dolphins
The Bucs won’t need much other than Fournette to win this one. This feels like an odd one out game for Mike, as Xavien Howard focuses on him.
DK Metcalf vs Rams
There’s one thing on the Rams defense that still seems to work, and that’s blanket coverage from Jalen Ramsey. He’ll be jonesing for a challenge like Metcalf, and I think he wins more than he loses. I’m thinking Wilson takes the easy answer and this is a Lockett game.
Tight End Starts
You’re starting Kelce, Waller, and… ok that’s it.
Mike Gesicki vs Bucs
The Bucs absolutely suck against the pass, as shown by the Cardinals easily shutting down the Rams passing attack that basically raped them two weeks ago. They also gave up 19 straight completions to Mac Jones in the driving rain. Even with Brissett, Gesicki should be in line for at least 85 yards and a score.
Dawson Knox vs Chiefs
Knox is rolling and there is no reason to think that stops against the Chiefs terrible defense. Start with confidence, expect a TD and 45 yards.
Dalton Schultz vs Giants
Schultz is real this season. He had 58 and a touch last week in a run-heavy game script and saw 79% of the snaps. Right now Dak is relying on Schultz more than Lamb or Cooper. Weird, but true.
Tight End Sits
Tyler Higbee vs Seahawks
The Hawks are bad against the pass but this is a Rams team looking to recover its identity following a devastating loss, and Higbee is not the way to do that. I think Kupp, Woods, and Jackson feast and Higbee gets scraps.
Mark Andrews vs Colts
When Lamar Jackson throws for 300+ and you don’t have a good game, something is off on the connection. Getting LeVeon Bell involved in the passing game as well as Bateman make Andrews a risky play.
