Normally I tell a story or have a clever intro that is the appetizer to a fantasy meal, but it’s been a weird and busy week and I didn’t have a personal or fun story to tell so this is what you get. Sometimes we come home for dinner and have a delicious steak and unfortunately sometimes we’re stuck with a box of Kraft mac and cheese, which for the record still hits more often than not. We don’t always get what we want, but sometimes we don’t need much, we just need something to get us through the day. And, really that’s all this article is about at the end of the day. I might not always win you your week with my lineup suggestions, but if I can help make your lineup decisions a little easier and get a much needed laugh after a long day or week. That’s a win in my book.
Inside/ Outside Picks
QB Lamar Jackson (BAL)
Current Ranking 3rd
Lamar and the Ravens offense has been humming lately and even though they lost in Week 8 to a Jameis Winston led Browns team, Lamar still finished the week as the QB8. But, now they face a tougher test and defense in the Denver Broncos and while I don’t anticipate anyone sitting Lamar, him finishing as a top 3 QB seems…..optimistic at best. The only QB to have a top 12 week against the Broncos is Geno Smith and that was all the way back in Week 1! Yes, Lamar is better in fantasy and real life than Geno Smith, but the Broncos defense is also really good. In addition to being elite when facing quarterbacks, the Broncos defense is also top 10 against running backs. With Derrick Henry being a major focal point in the Ravens success this season, if you can stop the Ravens rushing attack, that could be the key to stopping the Ravens offense.
Who I like More
QB Justin Herbert (LAC)
Week ranking 24th
It took a little while but Justin Herbert looks to be fully healthy and the Chargers offense is starting to take shape because of it. With 30 or more pass attempts in two of his last three games and 10 total touchdowns in the last 5 weeks. The Chargers offense is starting to rely less on the run and more on their star quarterback. Facing a Browns defense that has regressed mightily in 2024, but gets the boost on offense from Jameis Winston. The point total of 45.5 might be too low for this game when it’s all said and done.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)
Current Ranking 9th
Finishing inside the top 10 in 3 of his last 4 games, Jahmyr Gibbs looks to be heating up and he has sneakily been the biggest beneficiary of Jameson Williams absence. Yet, his ceiling is capped by backfield mate David Montgomery and as electric as Jahmyr Gibbs is, he’s been touchdown dependent throughout his career and 2024 is no different. He has ZERO RB1 weeks when he doesn’t score a touchdown. And, with a tough division matchup against division rival Green Bay Packers, this matchup could be the game of the week. But, with Jordan Love potentially missing this game, the Packers could go to a run based offense with Malik Willis at the helm and this game could turn into a slog! Not to mention the Packers defense has given up just 6 total touchdowns to running backs all year. You start Jahmyr if you have him, but plug your nose when you do.
Who I like More
RB Chase Brown (CIN)
Week ranking 20th
With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins the Bengals offense is one of the best in the NFL. Brown has started to carve out a role and become a factor in the Bengals success and with three top 20 finishes in his last 5 games he’s started to become a factor in fantasy lineups too. One thing that “hurting” Brown is playing with two elite wide receivers who are good at catching the ball. Brown should get his chance to add that missing piece to his game in Week 9 when he faces a Raiders defense that’s given up 40 receptions to running backs this season and is tied for the third most receiving touchdowns with 3. I like Brown as an upside RB2 this week.
WR Tyreek Hill (MIA)
Current Ranking 7th
We haven’t seen Tyreek do Tyreek things in a while and he showed signs of life last week with the return of Tua. My main concern this week is Hill being on the injury report again for the second week in a row with the same foot injury. He’s not expected to miss the game, but how much is it affecting his game? The injury plus the matchup with the stingy Bills defense that held Seattle’s Jaxson Smith – Njgba and Tyler Lockett to less than 15 points combined in Week 8 and a top 7 finish seems pretty generous for Tyreek this week.
Who I like More
WR Ladd McConkey (LAC)
Week Ranking 21st
There’s an unspoken rule in fantasy that if you’re high on a team’s quarterback, you’ve got to like one of their wide receivers too. Well, I like Herbert this week after his breakout game last week and wouldn’t you know it…McConkey had his first career breakout week last week too! Averaging 7 targets per game over the last 5 weeks (including a bye) McConkey is the clear cut WR1 for a Chargers team that has started passing more and their quarterback returning to full health. Playing a Browns team that has given up the third most receiving touchdowns (6) the last 4 weeks, you can start McConkey with confidence.
TE Cade Otton (TB)
Current Ranking 6th
Otton has been AWESOME and not just because Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are out, he had three top 15 fantasy weeks prior to them getting injured. On paper this looks like a great fantasy matchup for all players involved, but these Chiefs aren’t your grand daddy’s Chiefs that used to score lots of fantasy points. Nope, these Chiefs play good defense and have only allowed one touchdown to tight ends all season.
Who I like More
TE Zach Ertz (WAS)
Week Ranking 14th
You know who is sixth in receptions among tight ends this year, Zach Ertz. You know who is sixth in receiving yards among tight ends this year, Zach Ertz. You know who is sixth in targets among tight ends this year, Emilion Estevaz! Just kidding, it’s Zach Ertz you silly goose. Yeah, Zach Ertz has been pretty good this year and when you have a quarterback like Jayden Daniels, chances are you’re gonna score fantasy points. Oddly enough they are DOMINATE when facing tight ends this year, I’ll be honest this is more of a gut feeling pick. The math isn’t mathing, but the vibes are immaculate.
That’s gonna do it for this week’s piece. I hope you found the info useful and actionable. For all my new readers, I am an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. If you like the Cowboys or just enjoy football in general, I know you’d enjoy this podcast.
There you have it! Any questions, or want some more specific help for your league on who to drop, just reach out. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server. And checkout out rankings for each Week.
