Do you have your roster figured out for the weekend’s daily fantasy football action? If not, we are here to help. Before you finalize your lineup, check out our recommendations on a couple of the big names in each position. This “sit or start” advice will point you to the right plays for fantasy NFL play on Sunday.
Quarterbacks on a Tear
Tom Brady: In most leagues, Tom Brady is either ranked #1 or #2 when it comes to the average fantasy points per game totaled. Unless he is out of the top ten when it comes to most expensive QBs this week, you should pass on him this weekend, though. The Patriots are going up against the Denver Broncos this weekend, and they have the top ranked team in the NFL when it comes to prohibiting the QB from scoring fantasy points. Despite his 22 touchdowns and 319.6 yards per game, Brady should be avoided in most instances.
Matt Ryan: Ryan is going to be expensive in most leagues this weekend, and for good reason. He had a strong game this past weekend, and he’s in a spot where he has the potential to repeat with another strong game. Ryan is averaging 311.5 yards per game and has 30 TDs so far this season, and with the Falcons playing the San Francisco 49ers this weekend, he’s in a position where these averages could be pretty low compared to what he actually puts up.
Wide Receivers Who Can Fly
Antonio Brown: A lot of people are likely unsure of what to do with Antonio Brown this week. Last week, it was an easy decision to sit Brown and go with someone else. The Bills have one of the strongest defenses in the NFL against the pass, and they had continuously limited QBs to fewer yards than average all season. This week, the Steelers are going against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a strong passing defense, but who have not limited QB fantasy points well. Brown has performed decently against similar defenses this season, but not always. We like to err on the side of caution here because of Brown’s price. He is likely the most expensive WR in your league, but because there’s a chance of a poor showing, we are sitting him again.
Mike Evans: If you’re intent on an expensive WR on your lineup, Evans is the way to go this weekend. He is averaging 84.6 yards per game, has 10 TDs, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going against a weaker passing defense than they usually see on Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys are ranked #26 in the NFL against the pass when it comes to WR fantasy points. Against QBs, they fare better at #14, but this is a better combination than you see with Antonio Brown. And because Evans is cheaper and close in terms of fantasy point production, this is the better value move.
Running Backs Can Make Moves
Ezekiel Elliott: Elliott is averaging more than 107 yards per game so far this season and has 13 TDs. He is having one of the best rookie year performances in recent history, and has been a consistent top fantasy choice this season. However, this is a week that you can pass on him. He’s expensive, and doesn’t have the same point potential that some cheaper RBs have this weekend. Plus, the Cowboys will likely rely more on the pass this week as the Bucs have shown themselves to be strong against the run. While there’s no doubt that he’s a great player and has a ton of potential, this week isn’t the best place to use him.
Carlos Hyde: Hyde is in a place where he can have a great game. He’s already averaging 79.9 yards per game, but he is more than likely to have an above average performance here. The 49ers need to rely more on their running game than normal this week thanks to QB issues, and the Atlanta Falcons have a subpar rushing defense. Hyde is in a place to have his best showing of the year this week. Plus, he’s priced low enough in many leagues that you can draft him as a mid-tier player. This will ensure a high value pick for your roster.
