Who to start:
RB Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders
Murray has stepped up as the workhorse running back for Oakland, contributing in both the running and passing game. He ranks 21st among running backs in standard scoring leagues. He was crippled by injuries that led to low production in the last couple of games, but he’s coming off a much-needed bye week and now faces a Charger defense that has allowed the most points to running backs.
WR John Brown, Arizona Cardinals
Brown has quietly had a productive season, ranking 16th among wide receivers in standard league scoring. He has combined for 30 points in the last two weeks, emerging as the No. 2 option in the passing game behind Larry Fitzgerald. He faces a porous Ravens defense that has given up the second most points to wide receivers this season.
Who to sit:
WR Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles
With the Eagles parting ways with Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Lesean McCoy in the past two years, Matthews has stepped up as the No. 1 receiving target in Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offense. Despite that, his production has been limited this season, partially due to the Eagles leaning on the rushing attack and Sam Bradford still learning the offense. Additionally, he is facing a Panthers defense that ranks fifth against wide receivers led by cornerback Josh Norman.
QB Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Stafford broke out against a struggling Bears defense, throwing for over 400 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 33-point fantasy performance after being benched the week before. Stafford and the Lions have struggled all season, winning their first game last week. Now, Stafford faces the stout Vikings defense, ranking sixth against fantasy quarterbacks this season that could make him regress back to his early season struggles.
Top free agency pickup:
WR Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings receiving corps has struggled all season, but Diggs has been reliable the past two weeks. He has combined for 13 receptions and 219 receiving yards while filling in for the injured Charles Johnson. Diggs very well might have supplanted Johnson for the starting wide receiver gig opposite Mike Wallace. With that in mind, he has a favorable matchup against the Lions defense that ranks 24th against opposing wide receivers.
Who to drop:
WR Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
In previous years, White has been a reliable option in Falcons dynamic passing offense. However, Julio Jones has been heavily leaned on and Leonard Hankerson has seemingly passed White as the No. 2 option. Additionally, the emergence of running back Devonta Freeman has allowed Atlanta to lean on its running game more than it had in the past. White is now 33, and his age has visibly hurt his production, as he is no longer a reliable fantasy option.
