We’ve got six teams on byes this week, so a lot of you are going to be starting some scrubs out of necessity. Hopefully my rankings will enable you to parse through the scrubs to determine which one is actually a reasonable fantasy option for the week. As always, I’ll break down four players that I differ on quite a bit from the expert consensus. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to let me know on Twitter.
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Ameer Abdullah (RB #15): DET vs PIT
This season, the Lions’ head-dog has only found his way into the end-zone one time. While he isn’t the primary goal-line back, he has been getting enough work that you can expect his touchdown rate to regress up toward the mean. Keep in mind, too, that he has big-play ability. Just because we haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean he won’t eventually post a few 50+ yard runs. This week against Pittsburgh, coming off the bye, is his easiest matchup so far this season. His schedule has been an absolute gauntlet so don’t lose hope. Rather, just keep plugging him in and we will start to see better results with the 15+ touches per game he will continue to see.
Tarik Cohen (RB #29): CHI @ NO
The Bears ran half as many offensive plays last week as usual because their defense was so dominant, so no wonder Cohen took a major dip in touches. It isn’t like he played poorly either, as he went for over 70 yards once again. We know the electric rookie has big play ability, and with an expected double-digit touches in New Orleans this week, where we could see a shootout, he’s got to be considered a flex play, especially in PPR leagues.
Will Fuller (WR #38): HOU @ SEA
Jordy Nelson is the ultimate touchdown machine. He is big, strong, plays with Aaron Rodgers, and as a result, has a touchdown in a whopping 13% of his NFL receptions. Meanwhile, there is this skinny little kid playing with a rookie quarterback who has a touchdown in SIXTY THREE percent of his receptions this year. That is going to change. He is hardly getting any looks, and this week could be 100% shutout, as he lines up on Richard Sherman’s side of the field. Don’t buy into the hype. I’m avoiding him at all costs this week.
Josh Doctson (WR #33): WAS vs DAL
In the past three weeks, the Redskins’ talented receiver has played 17 snaps, 19 snaps, then all of a sudden 54 snaps last week. Jay Gruden has been raving about his abilities and there is a reason he was drafted this high. They expected him to be their #1 receiver, and that is exactly what he will be the remainder of the season. This isn’t like a Kenny Britt situation where he is the top target for a Shaun Hill led offense. We are talking about Kirk Cousins, who is a near-lock to throw for 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. Doctson will be a start virtually every game from this point forward for years to come.
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