Each week, the Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet will combine analysis, data and game predictions with a confidence scale to help owners get a definitive answer on who to start in their leagues.
Say, what do all those snazzy numbers mean? That's our confidence scale. It slides from 10.0 for a legendary start to 5.0 for an average rating to a 1.0 for a pathetic rating.
Is the confidence scale based on a specific scoring system? It is based on standard leagues but is (mostly) applicable to PPR leagues. You should probably
Who is listed below? Everyone that matters, but anyone already starting in 90 percent or more of CBSSports.com leagues is considered an obvious must-start. We're not going to waste your time trying to convince you to start Rob Gronkowski.
What if someone isn't listed below? If someone's missing, it's not an accident. Anyone missing is a definitive must sit, if not a must-cut player. Or they're on bye.
What's the best way to find a specific player on this page? Use your personal search function -- CTRL-F on PCs and Command-F on MACs. If neither of those are options, or if you're on a mobile device, you can search by game. Games are listed by starting times.
What if I am still unsure who to start or sit after reading this? Ask me! Shoot me a note on
On to victory!
Saints at Redskins, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Drew Brees (8.9): Obvious must-start.
Kirk Cousins (7.1): The matchup is perfect for Cousins;
Running backs
Mark Ingram (8.7): Obvious must-start.
C.J. Spiller (3.8): Spiller's touches over the last three weeks: 10, 6, 3. If we follow the pattern SAT-style then he'll have one whole touch. There is no good reason to go with Spiller other than the juicy matchup, but what good is a matchup when you're barely touching the ball?
Alfred Morris (5.2) & Matt Jones (4.7): For the first time in a while, the Redskins have a matchup where their run game has a chance to get going. Jay Gruden has spoken about getting Morris rolling and Jones had a drop and a fumble last week. The hunch is that Morris gets a decent amount of work against a Saints run defense that has given up 4.7 yards per carry to running backs this season. Ideally, no one will start either Redskins running back unless they're out of choices.
Chris Thompson (4.3): The Redskins pass catching back had 38 percent of the snaps last week and two catches to show for it. He has seven Fantasy points or less in each of his last four (10 or less in PPR).
Wide receivers
Brandin Cooks (7.8): This is a mini-test for Cooks in that he'll play outdoors on grass. That shouldn't sway anyone, though. He's posted at least eight Fantasy points in three straight and the Redskins have given up at least nine Fantasy points to each of the last three No. 1 receivers they've faced. Nine points should be considered the bare minimum for Cooks, with 15-plus the maximum.
Willie Snead (6.2): Targets and catches continue to come at Snead at a modest pace, though his Fantasy totals aren't always amazing. He's a quality No. 3 Fantasy receiver but a little shaky as a No. 2 option. No. 2 receivers have either scored or topped 100 yards against Washington in three straight.
DeSean Jackson (7.6): The hope is Jackson knocked off the rust last week and gets targeted on some deep passes against New Orleans. The Saints rank 30th against the pass, have allowed a league-most 11 pass plays of 40-plus yards and have given up an average of 211.0 pass yards just to wide receivers over their last three games. If Jackson can't ball out this week, he can't be trusted again.
Pierre Garcon (4.6): There used to be some upside in playing Garcon, but those days appear over. Even with a steady diet of eight-target games he can't pass the 10-point threshold often enough (just once this year in standard leagues). The matchup is pleasant this week -- the Saints have allowed nine touchdowns in their last three games to receivers and non-No. 1 receivers have caught four of them. As bye-week receivers go, Garcon's just OK.
Jamison Crowder (3.6): You'd think his numbers would tank with Jackson back, but he led Washington in catches last week with six, adding 50 yards. If you're looking for a guy who might get you 10 or 12 points in a PPR league, Crowder's a candidate. In seasonal leagues, he's boring with no proven upside.
Tight ends
Benjamin Watson (6.3): Last week Watson didn't get many targets against the Titans, so he couldn't do much. Maybe something similar happens here as
Jordan Reed (8.3): A late touchdown salvaged an otherwise brutal game for Reed last week, but that's where the bad news ends. The Saints gave up three touchdowns to tight ends last week and
Defense/Special teams
Saints (2.4): Expect a few sacks for the Saints against a Redskins defense battling O-line issues and maybe a turnover as well, but don't expect New Orleans to pin down the Redskins to under 21 points.
Redskins (3.6): In their last three games the Redskins have allowed at least 27 points per opponent with one sack combined. Need I go on?
Cowboys at Buccaneers, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Matt Cassel (4.9): For the most part, Cassel didn't embarrass himself like he did the week before against the Seahawks. Three touchdowns will do that for you. Now he'll go for two in a row. The Bucs have allowed two-plus passing scores in five straight and over 300 yards in three of their last four. With Dez Bryant healthy, Cassel has a shot at landing somewhere close to 18 Fantasy points. He's worth a look as a last-ditch bye-week option.
Jameis Winston (4.3): Turnovers or a bunch of poor throws aren't the problem for Winston anymore. Now he's learning that to hack it in the pros he needs help from his receiving corps. Evans' drops haven't been snazzy for Winston and a lack of reputable targets put a tight cap on Winston's upside. In three games since their bye the Cowboys have held every passer they've faced to 17 points or less. You can do better than Winston.
Running backs
Darren McFadden (7.8): In his past three games, McFadden has at least 26 touches and 10 Fantasy points per game. The Bucs' run defense has improved since the start of the year but five of six running backs with at least 14 touches against them have found 10-plus Fantasy points. McFadden should fall into good production and finish as at least a Top 15 running back, if not a Top 10.
Doug Martin (7.0): Fumbling got Martin benched for part of last week's game, which contributed to his nine Fantasy points total over his last two outings. No one's happy with that, but he might end up running against a Dallas defense missing linebackers Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens. That'll help, but not knowing just how much Martin will play puts a dent in his upside. He played a smidge less than half of the snaps in Week 9.
Charles Sims (4.5): We might start seeing Sims get more work after Martin underwhelmed two weeks ago and fumbled last week. Sims capitalized last week, bringing home 78 rush yards on eight carries against a bad Giants run defense. He might top out at 10 touches, which is right around where he's been all season. He's a decent No. 3 rusher.
Wide receivers
Dez Bryant (8.1): Obvious must-start.
Terrance Williams (3.1) & Cole Beasley (2.9): The good news is that the Bucs secondary isn't very good, allowing at least one touchdown to a receiver in every game this season. Non-No. 1 receivers have scored against the Bucs in three of their last four. The bad news is that Williams and Beasley share the field with Dez. Williams particularly has been a bust with Cassel under center and Beasley isn't considered a consistent receiver and isn't worth starting after last week unless you're totally desperate.
Mike Evans (7.1): Over his last two games Evans has turned 28 targets into 11 catches, 200 yards, a fumble and a bunch of drops. It's been a disappointing season for Evans, who will continue to see double-teams until the Bucs establish another dominant threat in the passing game. Expecting a good game, not a great one, is probably for the best.
Tight ends
Jason Witten (4.9): What's the motivation for starting Witten? He's had no more than 73 yards with no touchdowns in seven straight games. Maybe the Cowboys see how tight ends have scored on the Bucs in two of their last three games, but chances are it won't matter much. Use Witten as a last-ditch decent option only.
Defense/Special teams
Cowboys (4.4): Three of the last four DSTs to play the Bucs left with six Fantasy points or less. The one that didn't? The Giants, who registered a touchdown and three fumble recoveries while holding the Bucs to 18 points on the scoreboard. The Dallas DST has posted eight Fantasy points or fewer in all but one game this season. This isn't a week to love the Cowboys DST.
Buccaneers (4.8): This will be an interesting matchup as the Cowboys have allowed four straight DSTs to land 11-plus Fantasy points against them. Touchdowns have been a factor but so have sacks and turnovers. It's almost enough to call the Buccaneers DST a low-end sleeper.
Browns at Steelers, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Johnny Manziel (2.0): For the second straight week Manziel will have to play on the road in a divisional matchup. That alone makes him impossible to trust but his weak track record makes him a very, very easy quarterback to pass on.
Landry Jones (4.2): The Browns have given up seven passing touchdowns in their last two games, but they came at the hands of capable passers. Jones is capable of playing conservatively and not being the reason why the Steelers offense stinks. If that reads like a "quarterback unlikely to put up big numbers," then you got the message. It helps that the Browns will play without cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner.
Running backs
Duke Johnson (5.1) & Isaiah Crowell (4.0): Expectations should remain low for both Browns running backs, particularly since neither back has totaled 10-plus Fantasy points since Week 5. As usual, Johnson is the safer pick and a decent choice in PPR leagues. Having McCown back will help.
DeAngelo Williams (8.8): On the season the Browns have allowed 4.9 yards per carry and 11.0 yards per catch to running backs. Williams should clean up given the amount of work he'll get -- provided that his sore foot doesn't slow him down. If you're counting on Williams for the rest of the season, you might want to handcuff Jordan Todman to him -- just in case.
Wide receivers
Travis Benjamin (4.45): Three straight bad weeks sent Benjamin to the waiver wire in a bunch of leagues but the Steelers' brutal defense last week opens up a kernel of optimism. Benjamin did struggle against tough defenses in those last three games and all of his stats suffered, including his targets. If you're desperate, he's decent.
Antonio Brown (7.0): You'll start him no matter what, but expectations have to be held in check with Jones playing instead of Roethlisberger. I would expect 120 yards, which is just about what he had at Kansas City in Jones' last start.
Martavis Bryant (6.8): You'd think the Browns secondary gives up gobs of numbers but receivers have had just three touchdowns in their last five against the Browns. Bryant's potential drops with Jones under center, but not to the point where Fantasy owners should flat-out bench him. He's still scored in three of four games this season and has averaged a score every four receptions. Last week was proof that one play can make him worth using.
Tight ends
Gary Barnidge (5.0): We learned last week that with Manziel, Barnidge wasn't a trustworthy Fantasy tight end. Provided Manziel starts again, Barnidge isn't worth trusting unless you're thin on tight ends and don't want to trust a waiver-wire guy like Richard Rodgers or Kyle Rudolph.
Heath Miller (3.5): Without Roethlisberger there's concern Miller will get lost in the shuffle. Yeah, the Browns allowed three touchdowns to Tyler Eifert last week, but Miller isn't as good or as targeted.
Defense/Special teams
Browns (3.0): 4, 2, 1, 14, 6, 9, 2. That's been the Fantasy point production from the Browns defense since Week 3. Bank on an interception by the Browns with a couple of sacks, but otherwise the Steelers should fine enough success to make this DST a bust.
Steelers (6.6): Last week was the first time all season the Steelers didn't record a sack. That's gonna change -- the Browns have allowed at least three sacks in all but two games this season. Couple that with some potential turnovers from Cleveland and the Steelers DST should have a shot at being helpful.
Lions at Packers, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford (6.05): It's true that the Packers have allowed two quarterbacks to hit over 30 Fantasy points against them over their last three games, but one of them threw 65 times and the other ran for 56 yards and a touchdown to help get there. There's a pretty consistent track record of Stafford struggling in his first meeting with the Packers every year of his career -- he's never had more than one touchdown, never had more than 276 yards and only once not had two or more interceptions in such a situation. Often, he's rebounded in the second meeting, so he should be okay in Week 13. But for Week 10 there's not a lot to love.
Aaron Rodgers (9.4): Obvious must-start. Running backs
Joique Bell (4.9), Theo Riddick (4.6) & Ameer Abdullah (3.9): This backfield is a colossal mess compounded by a bad offensive line and a change in playcaller that hasn't changed anything so far. As much as we'd love to see Abdullah regain the main rushing job, expect Bell to land a good amount of work after somehow averaging 8.0 yards per carry against the Chiefs. Riddick is a safe bet to work passing downs and thus carry good PPR value. Avoid the backfield if you can.
James Starks (7.6): The Packers have realized Starks is the better back for their offense at this point. He's quicker than Lacy and has just as much versatility. This doesn't mean that he's a great player, but he should have a really good opportunity to knock around a Lions run defense that has allowed a starting running back to land 10-plus Fantasy points in four straight games. Double digits in Fantasy points should be easily attainable for Starks, even with Lacy playing.
Eddie Lacy (4.4): The Packers are still going to use Lacy but he's definitely not their No. 1 back at this point. It feels like he's only worth using if you can't find a better running back. Ten touches against the Lions could result in 40 or 50 total yards -- that might be his ceiling.
Wide receivers
Calvin Johnson (8.5): While Stafford typically struggles in the first go-round with the Packers, Calvin Johnson manages good numbers. He's delivered over 100 yards or a touchdown in six of his last seven against Green Bay. His only bad game at Green Bay came in his rookie season, 2007. Start him.
Golden Tate (4.3): Is Calvin Johnson healthy? Yes? Then sit Tate unless desperate.
Randall Cobb (8.0): Even though his track record against the Lions is spotty (29 yards in one game against them last year, 80 yards and two touchdowns against them in the other), everyone almost feels obligated to start him after he broke out for a big game last week. It is weird to see that he's caught just 40 of 68 targets this season.
James Jones (6.6): Jones deserves a pass for the last two weeks as he's had really stiff coverage. That changes this week as the Lions have given up at least one touchdown to a receiver in all but one game this season. His playing time hasn't dipped at all and seems like a safe bet to score.
Davante Adams (5.6): It's a great matchup for Adams, who had 11 targets and seven grabs last week for 93 yards and a two-point conversion. If that kind of involvement keeps up then he'll be a cinch for weekly lineup use. Already four times this season the Lions have allowed well over 200 yards to receivers in the same game. That should be the case this week, opening the door for Adams to bring home 80 yards or more.
Tight ends
Eric Ebron (6.9): Tight ends have become a problem for the Packers. In their last three games the position has accounted for an average of 13.3 yards per catch and 7.7 catches per game. Three tight ends have posted at least nine Fantasy points in that span. That's a pretty good expectation for Ebron, who could see a jump in targets as the Lions continue to tinker with their offense.
Richard Rodgers (5.9): The Lions pass defense against tight ends is brutal -- they've allowed a touchdown to the position in six of eight games. Rodgers, who scored twice last week, could sneak in another score to help those Fantasy owners dealing with bye-week issues.
Defense/Special teams
Lions (1.5): The last time the Lions held the Packers to under 21 points at Green Bay? That would be 2006, when Brett Favre threw three interceptions. The Lions have held only one team under 21 points this year -- the Seahawks. I probably didn't need to spend 40 words to tell you to skip the Lions DST, did I?
Packers (6.2): Since Week 2, every DST to play the Lions has posted at least eight Fantasy points. Of those seven, five had 11 or more points. The Packers haven't had a big game defensively in a while, but they've played some strong offenses. This one should be a hit.
Panthers at Titans, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Cam Newton (8.4): If the Titans play without cornerback Jason McCourty then Newton is a cinch for success. In every game McCourty has missed the Titans have allowed multiple passing touchdowns. Newton figures to keep tinkering with his receiving corps and running for good numbers, making him a quality starter.
Marcus Mariota (5.5): Last week's game was fantastic but Mariota truly benefitted from playing the Saints. The Panthers pass defense was scalded for four touchdowns by Aaron Rodgers last week, making him the very first quarterback to exceed 20 Fantasy points against the Panthers this year. It would be a surprise to see Mariota come down with another big game against this quality defense.
Running backs
Jonathan Stewart (7.3): Last week's results might temper expectations for Stewart, but the fact remains since the bye he's been getting over 20 touches per game. Tough to go against a running back with that kind of workload, even against a Titans run defense that all of a sudden has held opposing rushers to 2.6 yards per carry over the last two weeks.
Antonio Andrews (5.8): The matchup isn't so good but we've seen Andrews land 19 or 20 touches over the past two games. That's a nice workload, albeit with a limited stat ceiling (10 Fantasy points last week might be too much to expect). Maybe Andrews can punch one in -- the Panthers have allowed a score to a running back in five of their last six.
Wide receivers
Devin Funchess (5.2): It looks like the Panthers will try spreading the ball around to their receivers, including Funchess and Jerricho Cotchery. That's how the team responded to the dropsies Ted Ginn had two games ago. Funchess showed some unique size and power on a deep catch against the Packers and came up with a touchdown as well. Against Tennessee's smallish corners, Funchess could have a shot at a red-zone touchdown. His playing time -- 27 percent of the snaps last week -- is a concern. Ultimately no Panthers receiver should be trusted this week, even with a tempting matchup.
Dorial Green-Beckham (3.8): Against the Saints we saw DGB land career highs across the board in targets (10), catches (five) and yards (77). Those will be broken in time but for this week those would represent the ceiling for him as he'll match up against the Panthers' tough cornerbacks. Keep him benched.
Tight ends
Greg Olsen (8.9): Obvious must-start.
Delanie Walker (7.4): I'm always worried about chasing the Fantasy points with Walker, who really lucked out against an awful Saints defense last week. He's still going to be in for a bunch of targets against the Panthers. That should be enough reason to keep him in lineups as a starting tight end or a flex -- he does have potential for 10 Fantasy points in standard and 16 in PPR, especially since
Defense/Special teams
Panthers (7.6): Last week the Titans posted 34 points and in Week 1 they scored 42 points. In every other game this season they've averaged 13.8 points per game and allowed opposing DSTs to get 12 or more Fantasy points per game. Carolina's worth starting.
Titans (2.8): For the last seven weeks the most any DST has posted against the Panthers has been nine points. Though Tennessee's defense is improving, they shouldn't be counted on for anything more than three or four sacks.
Jaguars at Ravens, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Blake Bortles (7.5): Expect a common game script for Bortles: the Ravens slow down the Jags run game and force Bortles to throw. It helps that the Ravens have let up 23-plus Fantasy points to every quarterback not named Michael Vick over the last seven weeks.
Joe Flacco (6.9): Normally, Flacco would be a slam dunk to have a big game here. Playing at home against a Jaguars defense that struggles against the pass is just the matchup that leads to big stats, especially with his O-line getting healthier. But Flacco's receiving corps is down to Kamar Aiken, Chris Givens, Marlon Brown, Jeremy Ross and Crockett Gillmore. Even with that limitation, Flacco should find two touchdowns and well over 250 yards
Running backs
T.J. Yeldon (5.9): The Ravens run defense is no joke, giving up 3.8 yards per carry, 8.9 yards per catch and four total touchdowns on the season to running backs. That will limit expectations for Yeldon, who has averaged 9.3 Fantasy points this season (12.0 in PPR). That could be right about what he ends up delivering against a rested and pestering Ravens run defense.
Justin Forsett (6.8): Not sure if you know this or not but the Jaguars have turned into one of the league's top run defenses. On the year they're averaging 3.4 yards per carry -- and that average is even better when linebacker Paul Posluszny has played (he will on Sunday). Workload favors Forsett, who has had 18-plus touches in four of his last five games, but he'll need to score in order to really help your Fantasy lineups.
Wide receivers
Allen Robinson (9.2): There have only been three games this year where the Ravens have allowed fewer than one touchdown to opposing receivers, and none since Week 5 against the Browns. Robinson has 12-plus Fantasy points in four straight games and should be considered a must start even if he plays without teammate Allen Hurns.
Allen Hurns (7.4): If his foot allows him to play, Hurns will take on a Ravens pass defense that has given up nine or more Fantasy points to multiple receivers in three straight games and five of their last seven games.
Kamar Aiken (6.65) & Chris Givens (4.1): What an opportunity for both of these guys (and Brown and Ross) to play a lot and establish themselves as capable NFL receivers. Smart money is on Aiken being the best of the bunch and Givens working in an expanded role. There's big opportunity here -- the Jaguars have allowed multiple touchdowns and 204.0 yards per game to receivers over their last three games.
Tight ends
Julius Thomas (4.7):
Crockett Gillmore (5.5): Theoretically, Gillmore should land more targets with the Ravens receiving corps basically down to a group of inexperienced noobs, but since his big breakout game at Oakland he's had 13 catches on 19 targets for 131 yards and no scores in four games. He's tough to trust.
Defense/Special teams
Jaguars (4.0): Three of the last four DSTs to take on the Ravens have posted eight Fantasy points or less. Maybe you think the Ravens offense will sputter without Steve Smith, but they did moderately well without him earlier this season. The Jaguars are a risky play.
Ravens (5.2): Each of the last four DSTs to play the Jaguars have posted at least 12 Fantasy points. They've all allowed a good amount of yardage and points but they've also sacked and picked off Bortles a bunch. The Ravens are a legit bye-week sleeper unit on the hope they can rack up four-plus sacks and a couple of interceptions, maybe even a touchdown.
Dolphins at Eagles, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill (3.9): The matchup isn't bad for Tannehill's receivers but it's bad for his offensive line. Expect Tannehill to be on the move quite a bit and potentially get turned over a couple of times. Philly's pass defense has been especially good at home.
Sam Bradford (5.9): No one will want to start Bradford but there's a shot he'll have a good week. Miami's pass defense has taken a big step back over the last three weeks, allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw eight touchdowns. Two of them had well over 20 Fantasy points and a third, Tyrod Taylor, had more Fantasy points (17) than passes attempted! Fun with stats: the Dolphins have allowed 0.82 Fantasy points per pass attempt in those three games. Bradford is averaging 36 pass attempts per game. He's a risk but clearly the matchup is good.
Running backs
Lamar Miller (7.4): It doesn't look great -- there's talk of Jay Ajayi getting more touches (handcuff him to Miller, people!) and that Eagles run defense is really good. But Miller's been excellent and the Eagles have let up 11 or more Fantasy points to three running backs in their last two games. It's hard to sit Miller.
DeMarco Murray (9.6): Obvious must-start.
Ryan Mathews (6.5): In their last two games the Dolphins have allowed a preposterous 6.3 yards per carry with three rushing touchdowns allowed last week. There's no doubt the Eagles will attack that run defense with both Murray and Mathews. In his last four games Mathews has scored and delivered at least 12 Fantasy points on just 9, 10 or 11 touches in three of them. He's good enough to be a No. 2 running back this week.
Wide receivers
Rishard Matthews (5.3) & Jarvis Landry (4.9): There are two problems with starting either receiver in Week 10: their quarterback is playing very inconsistent and the defense they're going up against has practiced against a similar offense since Chip Kelly came to town. However, No. 1 receivers have done well against Philadelphia (which helps Matthews) and last week slot receiver Cole Beasley ate up the Eagles in the red zone (which is Landry's role). Neither guy is really trustworthy but if the Dolphins are playing from behind then the matchup is especially good for Matthews.
Jordan Matthews (6.7): While it's true that Matthews' stats were great because of his long touchdown catch-and-run in overtime last week, the reality is that he played really well in his first game after the bye. This could end up being a sign of things to come -- he caught 8 of 11 targets for 92 yards before the score. Hopefully he's back in the swing of things and should let it rip against a meandering Dolphins pass defense.
Tight ends
Jordan Cameron (3.9): Tight ends have struggled against the Eagles, though that could change if Malcolm Jenkins is inactive. Dolphins interim coach Dan Campbell said this week he wants to get his tight ends more involved (spoken like a true former tight end), but Cameron apparently has a hamstring injury slowing him down.
Zach Ertz (4.3):
Defense/Special teams
Dolphins (3.2): DSTs against the Eagles have played well most weeks, but the Dolphins defense has lost its post-bye swagger with Cameron Wake out for the year. Their only good games have come against the Redskins, Titans and Texans -- less-than-stellar offenses. Philadelphia isn't a bunch of world beaters but it should be good enough to ramp up some numbers on the Fish.
Eagles (6.8): Only three defenses to play Miami -- the Jaguars, Titans and Texans -- have failed to post at least 10 Fantasy points. This should be a cool week for the Eagles defense.
Bears at Rams, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Jay Cutler (4.4): Cutty's Fantasy point totals over his last five games: 21, 21, 21, 21 and 21. No joke. He's been playing well but
Nick Foles (3.7): And we're starting Foles because ...?
Running backs
Jeremy Langford (6.0): This is among the toughest matchups for a running back, especially one who is just now getting his feet wet. It is worth noticing that four of five running backs to amass 20-plus touches against the Rams have gone for double digits in Fantasy points and Langford should be in the mix for 20 touches with many of them coming on receptions.
Todd Gurley (9.8): Gurley will take on a Bears defense playing its second consecutive road game in seven days. They'll be ripe for a beat down. Expect a monster game from Gurley.
Wide receivers
Alshon Jeffery (7.7): It's a tough matchup as
Tavon Austin (6.3): He's got a shot to be a boom and not a bust. He's playing at home, where he has three touchdowns in four games, and the Bears defense is going to be tired after playing at San Diego on Monday. Since the bye Austin has had at least 60 total yards per game.
Tight ends
Martellus Bennett (5.1): Bennett came through against the Chargers on Monday but
Defense/Special teams
Bears (3.8): John Fox's unit has delivered some decent stats this season including multiple sacks in five of its last six games. They're just not contributing much else. Four of the last five DSTs to play the Rams scored six Fantasy points or less.
Rams (8.2): Catching the Bears after a Monday night road game is a stroke of good fortune. Only two DSTs all season have failed to score 11-plus Fantasy points against the Bears. Also: three of the last four DSTs to play the Bears have scored a touchdown. St. Louis should rack up a big game.
Vikings at Raiders, Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater (6.0): Bridgewater looks like he'll play after taking a nasty hit last week against the Rams. That's a good thing -- the Raiders have allowed every quarterback not named Peyton Manning to score at least 21 Fantasy points against them. Bridgewater's good games are few and far between but he should get close to 20 or 21 points this week. He's a not bad bye-week quarterback.
Derek Carr (7.7): Carr's been on a roll, delivering at least 275 yards and three touchdowns in each of his last three games.
Running backs
Adrian Peterson (9.0): Obvious must-start.
Latavius Murray (7.5): This is a tough matchup for Murray, who should play despite suffering a concussion last week. Furthermore, the Vikings defensive line will improve with Sharrif Floyd coming back and Murray's own O-line takes a hit with center Rodney Hudson missing the game. Anything beyond 100 total yards for Murray would have to be considered a bonus.
Wide receivers
Stefon Diggs (7.2): Diggs should go off against a Raiders secondary that's allowing 210.9 yards per game to receivers. Oakland has given up four touchdowns to receivers all year, but two came in their last two games. Antonio Brown, who Diggs has drawn comparisons to, just had 284 yards on 17 catches against Oakland. Diggs should be back in lineups.
Amari Cooper (8.2): The rookie is too good to sit in a matchup against a good but not suffocating secondary. No. 1 receivers have gone for 14-plus Fantasy points in two of the last three against Minnesota.
Michael Crabtree (7.3): Crab's on some kind of roll, landing 12, 16 and 22 Fantasy points in consecutive games. The Vikings haven't allowed 10-plus Fantasy points to receivers on the same team this season, but the targets and production Crabtree has earned keep him firmly in the No. 2 receiver conversation.
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph (5.7): Rudolph should be the next benefactor of being a tight end against the Raiders, though the last two weeks it's been backup tight ends finding the end zone, not No. 1 guys. Take a chance on Rudolph if only because of the matchup.
Defense/Special teams
Vikings (4.2): This is a tough spot for the Vikings DST as the Raiders have posted well over 30 points in three straight games and have averaged 23.5 points per game at home. There's an injury on the Oakland O-line that could help the Vikings generate an extra sack or two, but Carr has only been taken down 10 times all year. This isn't a great week to rely on the Vikings DST.
Raiders (5.4): Only two DSTs all season have found more than 10 Fantasy points against the Vikings this season. Expect the Raiders entire defense to get tested by Peterson and Bridgewater, likely resulting in plenty of points. Minnesota has averaged 22.0 points per game since its bye.
Chiefs at Broncos, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Alex Smith (3.5): Even though the Broncos will play without cornerback Aqib Talib and pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, Smith can't be considered a reliable Fantasy option. He's not playing the Lions like he did the last time he took the field.
Peyton Manning (6.1): Manning had his best game of the season at Kansas City in Week 2, notching three touchdowns. Soon after that game the Chiefs started to settle down against opposing quarterbacks -- only one of the last five they've faced has posted 20-plus Fantasy points. Also, the Chiefs have multiple interceptions in three straight. After Manning had a good game at Indianapolis and still walked away with less than 20 Fantasy points, it's tough to trust him.
Running backs
Charcandrick West (5.7): It would make sense for the Chiefs to lean on West against the Broncos, who have allowed rushing scores in consecutive games. But they're also holding opposing rushers to 3.3 yards per game and have held all but three running backs to 10 Fantasy points or less. West shouldn't be considered anything more than a low-end No. 2 running back.
Ronnie Hillman (5.5) & C.J. Anderson (5.0): No one's really talking about the Chiefs run defense as a solid unit but they've done a nice job. They'll likely play without D-lineman Allen Bailey, which helps the matchup for the Broncos a little, but it's usually been top-shelf backs who get a lot of work and land good numbers. Neither Hillman nor Anderson are expected to get a lot of touches, so there's no Broncos running back Fantasy owners should feel real good about.
Wide receivers
Jeremy Maclin (4.5): Maclin should end up with a 60-minute date with Broncos cornerback Chris Harris. That should limit him to numbers similar to what we saw back in Week 2 -- 57 yards on four catches. Find another receiver if you can.
Demaryius Thomas (8.6): Obvious must-start.
Emmanuel Sanders (6.95): If he plays he should contribute just as he normally would, but there is some worry he'll miss the game after not practicing all week. Even a less-than-100 percent Sanders should end up being effective against a struggling Chiefs pass defense.
Tight ends
Travis Kelce (6.1): Kelce had five Fantasy points in his first meeting with the Broncos. All season, only one tight end (Gary Barnidge) has posted 10 or more Fantasy points on Denver. Keep expectations light.
Vernon Davis (3.1): Davis saw all of nine snaps last week. That number will rise but the expectations are still minimal for Davis, especially since
Defense/Special teams
Chiefs (5.0): Thanks to a defensive score, the Chiefs were one of four teams this season to produce over 10 Fantasy points against the Broncos offense. No one's done it since the Broncos' bye, though.
Broncos (7.2): DSTs have not done very well against the Chiefs this year ... except for the Broncos. In Week 2 they sacked Smith five times, picked him off twice, forced and recovered three fumbles and scored a touchdown. It's unlikely the Broncos will be that good in Week 10 but they should still deliver at least 10 Fantasy points and help owners out.
Patriots at Giants, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady (9.5): Obvious must-start.
Eli Manning (8.1): New England's defense has made inferior quarterbacks look mostly silly and good quarterbacks look pretty sharp. Manning seemingly would qualify as a good quarterback, one who has done well against Belichick's Patriots in three of four career meetings including two Super Bowls. Manning has multiple scores in six of his last eight games (23-plus Fantasy points in five). He seems like a safe start, especially since the Giants run game remains useless.
Running backs
LeGarrette Blount (8.4): The Giants run defense isn't as good as the Bucs made it look last week and Blount could be in line for as many as 20 touches per week with Dion Lewis on the shelf. The Giants are allowing 5.1 yards per carry over their last four games and will play this one without big defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, who is out for the year with a torn pectoral.
James White (3.6): Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said this week White would get a chance to play in place of Dion Lewis, but that doesn't mean he'll be as good. White isn't considered as quick and shifty as Lewis, nor does he have Lewis' experience. Could he total 40 yards on four catches? Sure. Anything else isn't realistic.
Shane Vereen (5.3): The best of the Giants' running backs, Vereen will take on his former team for the first time ever. Maybe the familiarity will help him continue his touchdown streak (one in each of his last two games). He's a safe bet for at least four catches and 10 touches, just as he's had in each of his last two games.
Wide receivers
Julian Edelman (9.3): Obvious must-start.
Danny Amendola (5.5): Amendola picked up the slack for Lewis in the short-area passing game when Lewis was hurt earlier this year. Perhaps that happens again this week, especially since Amendola figures to be a tough matchup for the Giants when the Patriots opt to spread out their pass catchers.
Brandon LaFell (5.4): Brady isn't shying away from using LaFell as he's amassed 11 catches on 24 targets for 174 yards, but more importantly had 102 of those yards on five grabs last week. The Giants were burned to a crisp by receivers in New Orleans but at home with two healthy cornerbacks and a slightly improved pass rush should make things a little tougher on LaFell. He shouldn't be counted on for 80 yards.
Odell Beckham (8.3): Obvious must-start.
Rueben Randle (5.9): This is a huge game for Randle. If he doesn't come through he'll impact how Manning does and potentially how the Giants do. It's going to be tough -- the Patriots have allowed multiple touchdowns to receivers twice this season (at Buffalo, at Indianapolis). Last week's touchdown was his first in five games and he's not known for his consistency.
Tight ends
Rob Gronkowski (9.1): Obvious must-start.
Scott Chandler (4.4): Chandler is a sneaky sleeper if you're looking for a tight end who might score and do little else.
Defense/Special teams
Patriots (4.6): In nine Giants games only one DST -- Philadelphia -- walked away with a big game. In every other game the Giants have allowed three sacks or fewer and averaged 30.0 points per game. The Patriots aren't a great choice.
Giants (3.4): The Patriots are averaging 34.5 points and 420.3 total yards per game. You sure you want to start the Giants DST against them?!
Cardinals at Seahawks, Sun., 8:30 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Carson Palmer (6.7): Palmer has only faced the Seahawks twice as a Cardinal, having miserable games both times (one touchdown, multiple interceptions per game). Between that and the reputation of the Seahawks defense, the matchup looks bleak. But when good quarterbacks with very good offensive lines have taken on Seattle, they've done well -- Aaron Rodgers and Andy Dalton succeeded against this secondary. Those games were away from Seattle, though. Palmer has yet to post worse than 18 Fantasy points this year, which makes for a fair expectation.
Russell Wilson (5.8): It's easy to consider sitting Wilson as he has two games this season with 20 or more Fantasy points. Every other game he's had -- in Seattle or otherwise -- has been 17 points or less. The Cardinals pass defense has started to get soft as four of their last five opposing quarterbacks have racked up multiple touchdowns and at least 19 Fantasy points. Wilson isn't a great starter but coming off a bye week at home against a defense that should be a little vulnerable, could make him a decent option if you're stuck.
Running backs
Chris Johnson (5.4): The only Cardinals running back worth starting, Johnson will slam into a Seahawks run defense that has yet to allow a touchdown to a running back when Bobby Wagner has been on the field. The only conceivable way Johnson helps Fantasy owners is if he totals over 100 yards, which only four running backs have accomplished against Seattle this season.
Marshawn Lynch (8.1): The expectation is that the Seahawks give their run game another jolt coming out of the bye. The Seahawks have tinkered with their offensive line and Lynch should be able to exceed 85 total yards for the first time in three home games against the Cardinals (for whatever reason he's run better against the Cardinals in Arizona).
Wide receivers
John Brown (6.0): Brown's speed and ability to line up anywhere makes him a threat against the Seahawks secondary. He's also going to be the reason why the Seahawks safeties don't stack the box and why other Cardinals receivers make plays closer to the line of scrimmage. Here's the thing -- only one receiver (James Jones) has scored on the Seahawks all season. One other has posted more than 80 yards (Randall Cobb had 116). Expectations should be kept in check on Brown.
Michael Floyd (5.1) & Larry Fitzgerald (5.0): Floyd and Fitzgerald figure to split the most snaps against Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (unless Sherman decides to shadow one of them, which he's not known for doing). Fitzgerald has gone six straight against Seattle without a touchdown and five straight without 100-plus yards. Floyd has one career touchdown and zero career games with even 60 yards against the Seahawks. Poor quarterback play has figured into that but there's still only mild hopes for even a fair game (90 yards?).
Doug Baldwin (3.3): Baldwin remains bench material, especially if he winds up being facemask-to-facemask with Patrick Peterson. He has as many career touchdowns as you do against the Cardinals.
Tight ends
Jimmy Graham (6.5): If Seattle's offense is going to change anything coming out of the bye, it's getting this guy more involved. This isn't the matchup to really try over and over again to get Graham going, though Gary Barnidge did score on the Cardinals. He's still worth starting but by now you should know what to expect.
Defense/Special teams
Cardinals (5.6): Everyone expects a low-scoring game but the Seahawks have been hit or miss against opposing DSTs. On the year they're averaging 20.9 points and 353.1 total yards per game while the Cardinals are giving up 19.1 points and 312.8 total yards per game. The Cards are worth starting because they have potential to have a good game and because it's not worth it to carry two DSTs this week when you don't have to.
Seahawks (6.4): Many times Seattle has had Arizona's number but injured Cardinals quarterbacks were part of the reason why. This will be a challenge for the Seahawks secondary but playing at home off a bye should give them an edge.
Texans at Bengals, Mon., 8:30 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Brian Hoyer (6.3): Thanks to a poor defense, a useless running game and an amazing young receiver, Hoyer has posted 21-plus Fantasy points in five straight. The Bengals have allowed two quarterbacks to post over 20 Fantasy points all year and haven't allowed multiple passing scores in five straight. It's not a great matchup for Hoyer but he should have enough pass attempts to find two touchdowns and well past 250 yards.
Andy Dalton (9.3): Only three quarterbacks have not found 20 or more Fantasy points against the Texans this season -- Jameis Winston, Matt Ryan and Zach Mettenberger. Dalton should have a field day against that brutal Houston secondary.
Running backs
Alfred Blue (4.8): The Bengals run defense hasn't really been all that great, allowing 4.9 yards per carry to running backs this season. But then again, neither has Blue. He'll need a lot of yardage to do well for Fantasy owners because the Bengals have been stingy about giving out rushing touchdowns (two allowed to running backs this season).
Giovani Bernard (6.9) & Jeremy Hill (5.6): For now, Bernard is the better back in the Bengals backfield. Hill is touchdown dependent and his game log proves it. There's a chance the Bengals turn this one into a blowout and Hill finds the end zone along the way but the Texans have allowed rushing scores to running backs in just three of eight games (four in one game to the Falcons back in Week 4). The Texans are giving up 4.4 yards per carry and 9.7 yards per catch, which is good news for Bernard, who is capable of having over 100 total yards.
Wide receivers
DeAndre Hopkins (9.4): Obvious must-start.
Nate Washington (4.8): Cecil Shorts' return hurts Washington's outlook since he'll lose some targets. The matchup against the Bengals defensive backs will further hurt Washington since they've been torched mostly by No. 1 receivers and big-play guys. Washington is neither of those things.
A.J. Green (8.8): Obvious must-start.
Marvin Jones (6.1): With the way the Texans secondary has played this season there should be ample room for Jones to make plays and put up one of his better stat lines of the season. Houston has allowed multiple touchdowns to receivers in three of its last four games.
Tight ends
Tyler Eifert (8.5): The Texans haven't exactly had an easy time with highly-targeted tight ends, which is what Eifert certainly has to be considered. He's practically a must start regardless of matchup.
Defense/Special teams
Texans (2.6): It's hard to envision the Texans defense marching into Cincinnati and knocking Dalton around. The Bengals are averaging 28.6 points per game and shouldn't have too much trouble exceeding that total on Monday.
Bengals (7.5): Expect several sacks and a turnover or two to help pace the Bengals DST, which has earned 13 or more Fantasy points in both games since its bye.
Bills at Jets, Thu., 8:25 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Tyrod Taylor (6.5): For three straight weeks, quarterbacks have riddled the Jets for well over 20 Fantasy points per game. A glut of pass yardage allowed has really helped, and that's a stat Taylor doesn't particularly shine in (he's averaging 213.0 pass yards per game). For Taylor to hit the 20-point mark he'll need to run a lot -- probably more than the 38.5 yards per game he's averaging.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (6.6): The bearded wonder has been awesome for Fantasy owners (22-plus Fantasy points in the last three games he didn't get hurt in). What especially helps him in Week 10 is the Bills' messy secondary, which has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in six of eight games this season. Getting another game with 22-plus points could be asking too much on a short week but getting darn near close to 20 isn't a bad expectation.
Running backs
LeSean McCoy (6.7) & Karlos Williams (6.6): It looks like McCoy will play, which means he should be in line for close to a typical workload of 16 to 18 touches, leaving around 10 for Williams. There's only been one game this season when both had 10-plus Fantasy points, but they've both managed at least eight Fantasy points in every game they've played in, whether it's together or individually. The quick turnaround and obviously
Chris Ivory (8.3): Defenses have learned to really bottle up Ivory -- in his last three games he's averaged 1.5 yards per carry. That's not a typo. Also not a typo: the Bills have allowed 4.7 yards per carry and five total touchdowns to running backs over their last three games with defensive tackle Kyle Williams out. Bank on Ivory showing up and having a big game to help pace the Jets.
Wide receivers
Sammy Watkins (5.7): So is Watkins suddenly a must-start because he whipped the Dolphins? Nope, especially with a matchup against Darrelle Revis in his future. While his speed could give him an edge against Revis, the short week and likelihood that the Jets will do everything they can to cover Watkins up in obvious passing situations make him more of a No. 3 receiver.
Robert Woods (4.4): There's intrigue with Woods given how non-No. 1 receivers have done against the Jets lately (six touchdowns by them in their last three games). If Watkins is going to draw a lot of attention, things should surely open up for Woods, especially if Antonio Cromartie isn't on the field. He's a decent sleeper for Week 10.
Brandon Marshall (7.9): The track record of No. 1 receivers against the Bills isn't good -- the only one to recently pop against them was Allen Robinson. But Marshall has 10-plus Fantasy points in all but one game this season and should be at least a good low-end No. 1 Fantasy receiver.
Eric Decker (6.9): No one will sit Decker since he's had at least nine Fantasy points in every single game this season (11 in PPR). But the track record of non-No. 1 receivers against the Bills is also a bonus.
Tight ends
Charles Clay (4.1): When Taylor has needed to throw, Clay's been involved. We just haven't seen it lately. A banged up Jets secondary theoretically favors Clay to be a target but the guy has six targets in his last two games and hasn't been helpful to Fantasy owners since Week 4. It's tough to trust him.
Defense/Special teams
Bills (5.8): The Jets are scoring 25.0 points per game with 365.9 yards per game. On the road on a short week, the Bills defense figures to give up some numbers. Expect a handful of sacks, maybe an interception, that's about it.
Jets (6.0): Buffalo's offense has posted some great numbers lately, but it's been against weak competition. The Jets are banged up but should have enough up front and in half of the secondary to keep things tight. The Jets are good enough to start.
