By: Jonathan Goad

Alright, so my “start” players didn’t perform the way I expected. However, Crabtree had an okay day, regarding Sanu, Ridley ended up playing for Atlanta, and Chris Thompson didn’t play. I mentioned health would be a factor for Sanu and Thompson.

Sorry, not sorry.

Gif credit to Giphy

START

Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers

Cobb is finally healthy after the Pack’s bye week. He should see a healthy dose of targets also. While the Rams are good against the pass, slot receivers have managed fairly well against them. Emmanuel Sanders went for 7-115-1 on the Rams two weeks ago. Don’t be surprised if Cobb puts up something similar.

Marlon Mack, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Mack put together a real nice week against Buffalo last week (19-126-1). He added a receiving touchdown as well. We’ve already established that the Raiders are poor at best. Mack should also continue to be a workhorse for the Colts who have struggled to run the ball most of the year. That is mostly due to Mack’s injury. Since the return of the Mack, they have been better.

Trey Burton, TE, Chicago Bears

Burton had a huge game last week against the Pats (9-126-1). It’s safe to say that he and Mitch Trubisky have gained confidence in each other. The Jets are pretty stingy against tight ends, but I’d bet that Burton should see a good amount of targets. Plus, he has four touchdowns already this season. He will at least get red zone looks.

BENCH

Alshon Jeffrey, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

I know, I know. You’re not going to bench Alshon. I get it. Out of the four weeks he’s played, he’s scored at least once in three of them. The Eagles play the Jaguars this week who have only allowed two receivers to go over 100 yards and have only given up five passing touchdowns. Don’t get your hopes up too much with Jeffrey this week.

Gif credit to Giphy

Devin Funchess, WR, Carolina Panthers

Funchess has scored in back-to-back weeks. Don’t expect that with him this week. The Ravens are very good against receivers. The most yards they’ve given up to a wide out is 91. They’ve also given up just seven receiving touchdowns. I don’t like this matchup at all. Cam Newton nor Devin Funchess are good enough to start this week.

Javorius Allen, RB, Baltimore Ravens

I’m not sure what happened in Baltimore with Allen because at one point in the season, he was getting touches. He’s only had four carries in the past two weeks. He hasn’t been used in the passing game much either. Carolina is solid against the run giving up only two rushing TDs and allowing only one back to go over 100 yards. Bench him until further notice.

FLEX

Gif credit to Mixed Martial Arts

Jalen Richard, RB, Oakland Raiders

Richard only offers value in PPR formats. He only has eleven carries on the season. He does have 31 receptions but hasn’t scored yet. He’s an intriguing option since Marshawn Lynch got hurt, but I think only as a flex play. Doug Martin and DeAndre Washington are likely to get the carries. For Richard to have value, the Raiders need to be trailing, which is very possible. I think expectations should be limited, though.

Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

Ingram faces another solid rushing defense this week in the Minnesota Vikings. I’m still not sure who the lead back is in the Saints backfield. For receiving purposes, it’s Kamara, but for rushing, who knows? Some games it’s Ingram. Some games it’s Kamara. You’re likely to start Ingram this week, but don’t expect him to be the workhorse.

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Lockett has had a decent season so far. He has five touchdowns scoring in every game but one. However, he has yet to go over the century mark. He also hasn’t had more than seven targets in a game this season. Lockett is touchdown dependent.

There’s your advice for this week. Take it or leave it.