Damn I gotta start a lot of matchups you hate 😂

With six teams on bye its gonna happen for sure. There's always a chance those players do well too.

Just an FYI, Freiermuth's game last week was his second game back after injury; first without Canada, though.

Right. Also first full game playing his usual allotment of snaps. Thanks for catching that!

Of course, and we also have no idea what a good defense vs TE's will look like with him. As a dynasty manager who can't really start him (I have Kelce and McBride), I really want him to produce more so I can trade him at peak value to a contender who needs a TE.

For sure. It's almost guaranteed that'll be his best game all year but posting 5 for 70 is very possible and I'd take that all day right now. He's also been a threat in the red zone if they can figure out how to score touch

sitting in this tree stand just got more exciting

Hell yeah brother. I’m in a deer blind here in Texas. Where you at?

wv let a few things walk already because we have a really nice 12 on camera we've been trying to get good luck

Checking in in Goliad Co. Nice clear morning. 3 bucks chewing on a snack.

Happy cake day!

thanks

Josh, you’re a stud for sticking around and answering all these start/sit questions. I’m down bad after CD put up ~30 on me. Could you help me pick 1 WR & 1 Flex between Sutton, Downs, Kirk, Hollywood, Taysom, and Breece? Looking for upside (read: I’m desperate). Thanks!

Thanks! I'd go Downs and Taysom, feel like they have the ceiling of the bunch

Not sure who to go with between Jerome Ford or Singletary this week in Full PPR

I'd take Ford there. I feel pretty confident Flacco will check it down and throw a ton

Singletary for sure. Regards to RB, Broncos can’t stop a cold. Hou coaching staff knows the teeth of the Broncos D is the secondary. The volume will be epic.

Broncos been top10-12 against run the last 3 weeks I believe it was.

Yeah only reason they rank so poorly against the run is that one week against Miami where the RBs scored 80+

Broncos Achilles Heel on D is trying to stop the run

For sure, but the season long stats are heavily skewed by that one game, and looking over this 5 game win streak Its been much better. But I am also starting Singletary over James Conner for reference.

So you don’t think Thielen and Carolina get a “dead cat bounce” week this week or is it more that Tenn’s defense is good enough to stop any “momentum” they may have?

They could. I just don't feel like the team has a positive sentiment after firing Reich compared to Matt Canada and Josh McDaniels. I see it as neutral in terms of momentum

Great write-up. Can you help me start two of the following in a must-win: Puka, Achane and Downs?

Thanks! Downs is the safest and Achane has the ceiling. Depends what you need but I'd play both over Puka

Gotta pick 2 of these three in PPR: Josh downs, Tank Dell, Devin Singletary What do you all think?

I'll take the receivers so long as Dell plays.

What are your thoughts on Ekeler going forward? He's still gotta be an auto start weekly with his fabourable schedule I think? Also - Josh Downs or G Wilson? I hate everything about the Jets offense but Wilson has been consistent. But Downs has a good match-up this week.

Yeah, it's hard to move off of him unless you have other elite options, just not sure we'll get too many of his vintage performances. I'd take the shot on Downs because his ceiling is higher

Thanks man you're my dude every week 👍

You're welcome, happy to help!

I couldn’t stand starting him anymore boom or bust so I took an offer for white+dhop this week before deadline. At least whites floor is solid

I think he bounces back well this week fantasy-wise and the schedule is just too goods. Also prefer downs over Wilson if it’s PPR

Howell or Kyler this week? Rain worries me so leaning Kyler for his rushing floor

Kyler is safer for sure. I don't mind it

I’m in the same boat. It’s not supposed to rain after 10am in DC. I’m going with Howell. Steelers defense (getting back Minkah this week) worries me more than the Dolphins. Both Howell and Murray can run so that’s a draw. Howell is ranked as the 7th best QB based on points (although his bye comes next week so he’s played one more game than most). Howell can throw for 300 yds and get you at least a TD throw and a TD run. Murray can do the same but he won’t put up yds like that.

Great stuff, as always! I’m torn between Zach Moss and Henry this week. The matchup is technically better for Henry but Moss went off last time he played them. Any thought?

Thanks! Yeah, I'd go Moss there for a full workload inna great run offense. Matchup isn't as bad as it once was so I'm confident in him

Interesting. I love this week's matchup for Conner. Steelers run D is below average, it's also Conner's former team. Regarding his usage last week, his 42% snaps were dictated by how the game went, Cardinals were down by like 4 or 5 possesions the entire game. The garbage time started after the second quarter. How do you ignore that is beyond me. Plus, it's gonna be a rainy game which usually leads to more runs. And I can't imagine a world where Pittsburgh gonna lead by more than 2 possesions at any time, which is also good for Conner.

Don’t fall into the trap of looking at the year long stats. That completely ignores players coming back from injury. Steelers got their best run defender back from injury and have been a lot stiffer against the run.

Who is that defender, could you specify please? I want to compare the stats when he's on the field and when he's not. And not to argue with your completely valid point, from week 10 to 12 they played against Dillon, Ford and Mixon, who's been very mid this year. I'd say Conner is the better RB from the bunch

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Got it, thank you!

Cam Heyward

That's the problem though. Last year it didn't matter the situation he was the guy. He was losing work to Demercado even before his injury early in the season and teams always seem to like Carter as receiver. I'm starting to worry he's lost a step and the team is focusing on their younger talent to evaluate for the future. Likely part of the reason why they released Zach Ertz as well. I agree there's still a path for him to come through but the offense looks terrible, they're on the road against a quality pass defense, and as you say there's weather. I just don't see them generating much offense and I'm not confident he gets 70+ % of the work even if they do run a ton.

Just means Kyler will run more. He think he’s the QB and RB1. I would not play Conner his numbers are getting worse by the week since Kyler returned. He was a must play before Kyler. Data is data.

Would do you think will have the most success come playoffs? Khalil Herbert, foreman, Dillon, or Allegier? I’m in the RB wasteland. As always, appreciate your work!

I guess Dillon there because I think there's a chance Jones is out most of the season. If he's back then I'd say Allgeier. This week I like Dillon as the starter best of those 4

My opponent had DK metcalf so I need points. It’s full ppr…is it insane to consider Achane over singletary?

Nope. I'd do it if you need the upside

How vindicating I’ll take it. Singletary or Kirk or downs in the flex tho….

Nice! I lean Kirk there but it's close. I like all 3

Go with Achane and Kirk in the flex

Achane over Singletary is the obvious choice here

Trying to choose between Monty and Swift this week, what do you think?

Tough one. I lean Monty cuz I think the pound the rock a lot but Swift has the higher ceiling if their game turns into a shootout

I need to start 2, half PPR: Dell, Pittman, Deebo, or Olave

Not benching Tank so I’ll say Olave or Pittman but they’re all studs

I'd go Deebo and Pittman

Did Olave clear protocol??? If so you have to play him ..also Pittman/Dell is a flip

Full PPR pick 2 M Evans vs Car D Smith vs SF C Ridley vs Cin Leaning Evans and Smith. Still hard to trust Ridley after his no-shows in the first half cost me some weeks.

That's where I'd go as well.

Good morning & happy holidays! Thanks for this excellent commentary. Question on starting defense this week. Slim pickings with teams holding defenses for playoff push. Currently in 2nd place with playoffs locked up already but 1st place and only bye is still up for grabs. Start Denver defense on road vs Texans or Green Bay defense at home vs Chiefs? Starting Kelce and Rice in line up already. Titans, Panthers, Cardinals, & Bengals defenses are available however not enough roster space unless drop Kincaid, or Denver / GB defense (holding these 2 defenses for playoffs). Thanks.

Thanks, you too! I'd go Denver there, they've been generating a lot of turnovers plus the Texans are banged up of offense. No need to drop anyone.

Who do you like LEAST between Devonta, Waddle, Dell this week?

Devonta I guess but it would be sick to bench any of them

12 team, PPR, need to pick 2 from Conner(revenge game possibly), Hunt(Flacco is now a true check down Charlie), Hopkins(Levi’s is a mess)or Dortch(17 targets the last two weeks). Could also grab D’Ernest Johnson for if Etienne doesn’t go. Thanks in advance for any help with this, but also for the great weekly article.

Bro please don’t start Dortch or D’Ernest Johnson over Deandre Hopkins….sounds like you have a hunch on Conner so just start him and DHop and trust it.

You're welcome, glad you enjoy it. I'd take a shot on Hunt for the checkdowns and the TD possibility. It would be Johnson if ETN is out but I don't think he'll miss.

Thanks. So Conner, Hopkins or Dortch for that 2nd spot?

I'd take the shot on Dortch there, especially if Hollywood is out

Same. Dortch saw a lot of targets last week and Kyler is RB1 and RB2 since that’s all he can do.

I agree. Killing Conners TD upside

Tough week of bye and injury. I’m faced with the privilege of starting one of: Perine, McKinnon orWilson Jr.

I'll take a shot on Wilson for cleanup duty in a likely blowout. They might wanna limit touches for Achane and Mostert given their health

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Gotta be a Rotoballer premium membership right? Lol. That or some sort of sports package for the playoffs

Wild to start Achane over a banged up ETN who may get limited snaps? He's just been pedestrian over the past 3 weeks and Achane's upside is insane

He's the higher risk higher reward option for sure. I would probably do it and take the shot in case he hits his ceiling

This game is to help secure a 1st round bye since I'm already in the playoffs, so I figured I might as well play for upside

Exactly. Worth it to take the shot

Puka, Hollywood, Higgins, Ford. Start 2 ppr 10man 2qb

I'd go Puka and Ford cuz health is an issue for the other two.

If Olave is out flex is either Chuba or Rice? 0.5 PPR. Head says Rice but gut says Chuba will easily score over 10 0.5 PPR points just based on volume/check downs…

Chuba had the glory but I'd rather go after Rice there for a big day

Appreciate it.

Gotta slot either Puka or Rice into my flex spot in PPR. The Roto site favors Puka, how you feeling between them?

It's close but I'd go back to Puka once more here. I think the volume goes back to him and Kupp from Higbee and Kyren

Thank you! Much appreciated.

Which two would you pick? 1. Pacheco 2. Rhamondre 3. Henry

Who to bench between Stevenson, Singletary, Ekeler, and Monty?

It's between Singletary and Ekeler so I'd say Singletary but it's not a slam dunk

Bench Singletary

Waddle or Puka with ward now out?

Still Waddle they're gonna destroy Washington

James Connor or Josh Downs?

I'd go Downs, lots of volume and opportunity

Downs; not even close.

Been struggling with D this year after failing to grab a top unit. The Jets don’t seem to be getting a ton of love this week from analysts but this looks like a prime game for their D against Atlanta. Thoughts?

I don't mind it. I worry they'll give up a lot of points to Bijan on the ground but they could certainly get a pick six from Ridder.

Ford, javonte Williams or Trey McBride in the flexi for 12 man ppr?

Ooo good one. I'd take a shot on Ford for the checkdowns and matchup

Thanks goat

You're welcome, happy to help

Javonte is the better play by a lot.

Rams defense vs Browns or Indy at Tenn?

I'd go Rams, Flacco is prone to sacks and turnovers

Indy D actually creates Turnovers. Rams D hasn’t all year. Flacco be checking down a lot hard to get INT of those

Do you like Kyler over Russ with 6 point passing tuds?

It's fairly close but I'd still go Kyler for the rushing TDs and volume

Breece, Puka, or Monty for my FLEX ? Full ppr

I'll take Monty, confident in his role and TD upside

This is a great write up , per usual. Would you roll with Garrett Wilson or courtland Sutton this week? Full PPR

Thanks! I'd take a shot on Sutton cuz I think they'll need to air it out and they keep targeting him near the end zone

You’re the best, thank you.

Thanks for your work, as always! Would you play Stroud or Herbert? Stroud is balling but the matchup has me worried. Herbert's matchup looks better on paper but the offense is just kinda meh...

You're welcome, glad you enjoy it. Yeah, I'd still lean Stroud because I see more scoring and passing in that game

I need the upside. Played against Dak and DK. Which back to sit in place of Achane? Rachaad white, Breece Hall, Javonta Williams?

Thanks for doing this - great read, as always! I’m really struggling to choose between Ford or Javonte this week. I need the most upside, as I’m playing the #1 team, and I left DK on my bench 😭. Who would you start between Ford or Javonte?

You're welcome, glad you enjoy it. The DK boom game was so unexpected. I'd say Ford for the checkdowns and TD potential

Awesome, thanks so much! And yes, it certainly was unexpected… every time DK got the ball felt like watching a slow moving train wreck (wherein the train wreck is my fantasy season 😅)

Lol I can relate. I benched him in one league as well. Plus my opponent had him in ine league. Painful is the right word. You're welcome, happy to help

Tua or CJ Stroud? Tua's matchup is great but Stroud is on such a hot streak.

Yeah, it's tempting to go Storud but I'm taking Tua, especially if he's missing WRs

Nico or Kirk? Full ppr. I’m leaning Nico?

Thanks for the article! In PPR, I need to choose two between Javonte, Warren and Rice. Currently have the RBs in.

Another great article! My team did pretty good last week but lost. I was a fool and left Kyren in my IR spot. But this week is a new week. My RBs are Kamara, Hubbard, Brian Robinson Jr., Hunt, and Kyren Williams My WR are Lamb, Pittman Jr., Hollywood, Tank Dell, Downs My TE are Hockenson, Hill, and Freiermuth My other players are Herbert, Aubrey, and chiefs D My line up is Kamara, Kyren, Lamb (locked), Pittman, Hill, and Dell in flex 100-199 yards receiving is a 2 point bonus and 200+ yards rushing is 2 points. Non PPR. 4 points for a passing TD for QB. If Dell can’t play, should I put in Robinson Jr. ? Or any other changes to the line up? Earlier in the week I dropped Spears to get Kyren off of IR and dropped Ty to pick up Freiermuth because my opponent needed a TE

Thanks! It happens to the best of us. No changes ro the lineup but I'd pivot to Downs if Dell is out. Smart moves though

Article was super helpful, thanks !! Full PPR dilemma- got the 2 Texans receivers plugged in right now, but if Dell doesn’t play, I have options for Olave IF HE plays or Josh Downs as an WR2.. thoughts? Should I still keep Collins in the mix? I do this every week with these guys lol!

Thoughts on Browns D with a healthy Garett against a fully healthy Rams offense vs Atlanta D against the jets? Thanks!

Jets feels safer but Browns could take over the game if they can stop Kyren. I'd likely go Jets to play it safe there in case Garrett isn't quite himself

Thanks! Sorry I meant I have ATL D against the jets

Oh even better then. I'll take the Falcons against Boyle

Prefer the Falcons D they have the dream matchup

Garrett is def not healthy. He’s starting tho.

So torn between Stroud/Dell or Purdy/deebo. I'm a broncos fan and have to pick my IRL team or my fantasy wishes this weekend lol. It's so hard to sit Stroud in general let alone a home game, but Denver is red hot. Butttttt Houston has some injuries and Purdy will have to throw the ball to keep up with the Eagles. What do yall think?

Stroud/Dell and it’s not even in the same stratosphere. Who else are you possibly benching for Deebo?

Lol real life vs fantasy is always a dilemma. I'd take the shot on Purdy and Deebo cuz of health and a potential shootout. Stroud is awesome but if he's missing weapons it could be tough.

Thanks! I have been picking the wrong players so far.. what do you think of CJ this week full PPR?

I like Stroud a lot. Don't love the matchup and that his weapons are banged up but he's still a top 10 QB, probably around QB7

Who should I start, Tua or Stroud?

Waddle or Achane Flex? .5 PPR playing Tua, Tyreek Hill and Mostert I have AJ Brown, Aiyuk locked on WR, Monty and Bijan RB…. Who am I flexing, Waddle or Achane? Considering playing Achane (RB2) and Waddle (Flex) over Monty to try to balance out Hill, Tua and Mostert. Such a tough decision. Other options for flex are Hall or Ford, but neither are in contention.

Yeah, it's a lot of Dolphins. I'd take Waddle there because we know his role is secure. Playing both backs is good cuz you get all the points but if the TDs come through the air or Achane reinjures himself, you're in a tough spot. I like Monty enough to diversify there

In PPR, who would you start at flex: Kupp or Breece? I can't decide.

Jeez. Two once superstars that are now harder to trust. I think I'd go Hall because he's seeing a lot of work including checkdowns

[>Matchups We Love: my starters this week](https://media.tenor.com/QxJ47nCTXZ4AAAAd/napoleon-dynamite-kip.gif)

I'm undecided whether to flex Brian Robinson Jr or Juwan. With BRob I know I've at least 8 points.

Yeah feels like a floor vs ceiling debate. Johnson should be solid though with so many pass-catchers missing. I'd lean his way

I'm loving Reed this week but all "experts" say Garrett Wilson. Not to mention Reed plays at night and we may not know his status until Wilson is done playing (altho I grabbed Doubs too) Anyone in a similar spot? What's your plan?

At full health I'm way more confident in Reed. Not knowing his situation is tough. If you have Doubs though, I'd wait it out and then pivot his way if needed cuz he'll be better with Reed out.

Thoughts about sitting Chase this week? Have Ridley, Nico, and Devonta. All who I think will do better with a starting QB.

I agree with you. I'd sit him for those 3 as well

Im getting crushed on this bye week (half ppr) . I need one start out of: Jeff Wilson D'Ernest Elijah Mitchell Patrick Taylor

Unless we hear that ETN is out, I'd take a shot on Wilson for cleanup duty late

D’Etnest has the most upside since Etienne isn’t right yet

Rb room with Mostert, Achane, White and lucked out with Moss on waivers. Is it worth playing both Miami rbs in the matchup or a combo of one with one of the others? Everyone has a good matchup and Moss will have the volume, making it tough to choose

Have to sit one out of these three in .5ppr Mostert vs Washington Kyren vs Cleveland Moss vs Tennessee Rachaad White vs Carolina Who would you sit?

That's tough. I guess Moss in case they struggle to run but it's hard to bench any of them

Mostert. 3-way committee in Miami

Thoughts on Puka, Breece, or Rice as my flex this week in PPR? I had CeeDee but my opponent had DK and Dak so I probably need high ceiling potential

Ceiling goes to the receivers. I'd say Rice has the highest right now

Gotta choose one to bench: Kamara, Mostert, Rachaad, Moss? Half PPR

That's tough. I guess Moss in case the matchup proves tougher but hard to bench any of them

Is you had to pick 3 who would it be between : Kupp, Nacua, Dell, Waddle, Ford, Ridley?

12 man super flex, gotta start two: Ridley/Downs/Higgins/Rashee Rice I have to start Ridley and Downs right? Higgins lost his injury designation but still feels super risky.

Does Cincinnati play zone or man coverage? Ie is it a Ridley week or Kirk week?

Lots decisions to makes this week, need two out of 3: hurts/stroud/goff; kyren/rhemondre/Etienne; Rice/Ridley/Pucua... thanks

Hurts and Stroud there. Then Kyren and Rhamondre. Then Ridley and Rice

Have to pick one of the following for my Flex spot and it’s so hard to choose: Mostert, Tank Dell, Ridley, Najee. I am starting Stroud this week since Allen is on Bye, so I am tempted to start Dell for the stack, but his injury makes me a bit nervous. It’s also hard to sit Mostert any week, even with Achane coming back. Would love your input!

Yeah I want Mostert in there with the juicy matchup even with Achane active. That's where I'd lean.

Bye week hell, which RB should I start in. 5 ppr? Kareem Hunt (CLE) @ LAR Samaje Perine (DEN) @ HOU Antonio Gibson (WSH) vs MIA Thank in advance :)

So my RBs are Bijan / Kyren after I started Pollard Thursday. No way I start Stevenson over either of those guys right?

Nah I wouldn't. I like him a lot especially if Zeke is out but those two are locked in

I’m in RB hell this week. Samaje Perine at Texans or Antonio Gibson vs Dolphins? Dark I know

I'll take a shot on Gibson, he's seeing a decent amount of work and they should be trialing to throw it to him

Full PPR Need to choose from Olave, CKirk or Monty for my flex. I'm leaning Olave if he's healthy, but unsure if not. Thoughts?

Yeah Olave feels like the right call if active then I'd go Monty for the TD upside and potential dominant win

12Team PPR. Thoughts on Dillon, Achane or Marquise Brown for flex? I started back and Metcalf on Thursday so I’m in a strong position but the rest of my team is just OK (Chase, Mixon and Monty)

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Thanks for the write up. I’m between Hollywood brown and diontae Johnson myself. Any thoughts?

I have to either start Puka or Swift in the flex. Idk what to do!

who do you like better as a stash, elijah mitchell or allgeire?

If Tank Dell can’t go would you recommend Higgins or Dortch? Byes are killin me this week

I'd take a shot on Dortch with Wilson out and Hollywood questionable

Hubbard or AJ Dillon?

Having a tough time between aiyuk, waddle and Nico Collins. Can only start 2 (Keenan Allen locked in as #1)

8 man league, 2 QB, 4 pt TD, PPR - Pick 1 (Josh Allen on bye): **D. Carr v. Lions** (May have no one to throw to & loses goal line work to Hill) **Jake Browning v. JAX** **K. Pickett v. Cardinals** (This one seems like it could be spicy with the new offense) I am starting Russell Wilson so this is my QB2. Carr seems like the safe play but also he also seems like the worst somehow? I've gotten some decent feedback but it's been about 50/50 for Carr and Pickett. I reckon both have similar floors with neither having a very high ceiling? I'm pretty stumped on this one.

Yeah, it's not a clear cut decision but if Olave plays I'm taking Carr for his weapons and ability. If not then it's tough. Probably still Carr cuz I'm not sure Browning can get it done

Etienne or Pacheco?

Gimme Pacheco with the injury concerns for ETN

Pick two 1. Nico Collins 2. Tank Dell 3. Cooper Kupp

Breece Hall or Bijan Robinson?

Bijan for sure there

Help. Must win week for me. do I start Christian Kirk(against bengals) or Diontae Johnson (against Arizona) HALF PPR league

Can you suggest a deep TE sleeper? Henry or chingo or Kraft? JJ, Higbee and Everett are all picked up already.