This recurring pseudo-start/sit article focuses on some of the players I feel are the safest or riskiest starts in fantasy football each week, especially relative to their ranking in the PPR Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR). It will mainly include more of the under-the-radar players. Always start your studs, as the elite names will be omitted each week except in extreme circumstances. You can ask me start/sit questions on Twitter.
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Safest Starts
Travis Etienne (RB – JAC) vs DEN
It’s (officially) Travis Etienne SZN. With former starter RB James Robinson traded to the Jets, the door is open for a three-down role for Etienne. After seeing his snaps gradually increase over the prior three weeks, Etienne took over the backfield against the Giants. He hit career marks with 114 rushing yards on 14 attempts and scored his first NFL touchdown. He is also eclipsing six yards per carry. Since the best way to move the ball against Denver is through the ground game, the second-year back could be pretty busy as the team will look to keep QB Trevor Lawrence upright. Now that Robinson is out of the picture, Etienne could be an RB1 moving forward.
Raheem Mostert (RB – MIA) at DET
Nine times out of 10, the answer to close start/sit questions will be the running back facing the Detroit Lions. The Lions allow the second most touchdowns, rushing yards, and the third most fantasy points to running backs. Raheem Mostert is coming off his best game of the season, where he carried the ball 16 times for 79 yards and caught four passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. He has also scored 19+ points in two of his last three games. Insert Mostert in lineups as an RB2 in what could be a shootout.
DeVonta Smith (WR – PHI) vs PIT
Outside of Week 1, DeVonta Smith has been a solid fantasy producer. He’s quietly generated 15+ fantasy points in four of his last five games and currently ranks as the WR15 in fantasy. Smith’s recent play renders him a worthy weekly starter as part of the league’s fourth-highest-scoring offense. Although the Steelers’ defense is getting healthier, they are ranked 31st in PPR points allowed to opposing wide receivers.
Riskiest Starts
James Robinson (RB – NYJ) vs NE
While his trade to the New York Jets may help his long-term fantasy value, James Robinson is a risky start against the Patriots. Since Michael Carter already knows the playbook, he will likely absorb most of the snaps this week. There is also the question of whether Robinson’s recent ineffectiveness was a product of the Jacksonville Jaguars team or himself. Robinson dealt with some knee soreness last week, but he was already losing work in favor of the more dynamic Etienne. Avoiding both of the Jets’ backs against Bill Belichick and company on Sunday is advisable.
Aaron Rodgers (QB – GB) at BUF
At this point, Aaron Rodgers is no more than a name on the back of a jersey. The future Hall of Fame QB may need to throw a lot to keep pace with the Bills this week, but their defense has been stifling quarterbacks, and they allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game. Rodgers is having a disappointing season and is currently the fantasy QB15. He’s had a limited time to throw, and his accuracy has been off. Combine that with the expected absence of WR Allen Lazard, and Rodgers is no more than a QB2 this week.
Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT) at PHI
Diontae Johnson’s involvement in the passing game usually gives him a solid fantasy floor. However, he hasn’t had more than five catches or 60 yards despite averaging eight targets per game over the last four weeks. He also doesn’t have a TD this season. Rookie QB Kenny Pickett and the offense have been struggling against some strong defenses lately in the Jets, Bills, Buccaneers and Dolphins. That makes the current matchup against Philadelphia’s elite cornerbacks, Darius Slay and James Bradberry, even more formidable. With the Steelers expected to score the fewest points on this week’s slate, another underwhelming game for Johnson is likely in store.
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Bonnie Robinson is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Bonnie, check out her profile and find her on Twitter @FantasyQueenB.
