We are getting closer and closer to playoff time but with some key players on bye weeks like Dalvin Cook, Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill, I have some other players that may be available on your waiver wire (or players that may be on your bench) that you should start in order to secure a win this week.
Quarterbacks
Jeff Driskel– Driskel has a great matchup this week with Washington, and their defense just allowed 5 touchdowns to one of the worst offenses in the league. Driskel just had 31 points against the Cowboys and 18 against the Bears. The Redskins cornerbacks are far from great, so he should have a better day throwing the ball, but he can also beat teams on the ground, which is a big advantage for quarterback. With Stafford likely to miss this week, you should feel confident starting Driskel.
Baker Mayfield– With Baker’s underwhelming season so far, he is likely left on your waiver wire, but he has a dream matchup this week with the Dolphins. Mayfield is starting to heat up, scoring at least 21 points against the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, two tough defenses. The Dolphins defense has been terrible. allowing 20 plus fantasy points to 7 quarterbacks this year. On the year, quarterbacks have averaged 25.8 points and with Bakers plethora of weapons, he should be in for a big game.
Jameis Winston– Winston has thrown 6 interceptions in his past two games, which may be a cause for concern, but his track record against the Falcons is great. He averages 316.2 passing yards and has thrown for 18 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The Vegas line for this game is 51.5 points, meaning it should be high scoring. Winston is due for a big game and he should have one.
Other Streaming Options: Sam Darnold, Ryan Tannehill and Derek Carr
Running Backs
David Montgomery– Montgomery has had two straight clunkers, but has a great chance to bounce back against the Giants. The Giants defense has allowed a 100 yard rusher in 5 of their past 6 games. Even with the quarterback situation up in the air, he’s gotten at least 17 touches in the past 4 games. He’s a talented runner and should be started as a RB2 with upside.
Jaylen Samuels– With Conner most likely missing this weeks game, Samuels is a great start. The Bengals have allowed the 5th most points to running backs this season. Last time these two teams met, Samuels had 10 carries for 26 yards with a touchdown along with 8 catches for 56 yards. With JuJu and Diontae Johnson missing this week, look for Samuels to be involved even more in the passing game.
Joe Mixon– The Bengals have been feeding Mixon the past two games as he’s got a combined 45 touches. Even though this Steelers defense is tough, this game appears to be a slug fest with both offenses not at full strength. With Mixon starting to heat up, scoring 17+ ppr points in the past three weeks, he should have another big week against their division rival
Other Options: Kareem Hunt, Phillip Lindsay, Miles Sanders
Wide Receivers
Jamison Crowder– Crowder has been Darnold’s favorite target. He’s scored 18+ fantasy points in three straight weeks, as Sam Darnold targets the slot on 30% of his throws. The Raiders defense has allowed the 7th most fantasy points to slot receivers and Crowder should continue his hot streak.
Devante Parker– Parker’s been on fire the past couple of weeks. He just had 7 receptions for 135 yards. He has scored 11+ ppr points in 7 straight games. Cleveland’s defense has allowed at least 1 wide receiver each week to score 10+ ppr points in the past 5 games but they will take a hit as they will be without Myles Garrett. With Fitzpatrick at the helm, you can continue to start Parker with confidence.
James Washington– With JuJu and Diontae Johnson trending to being out this week, James Washington takes over the lead role in the Steelers offense. While the matchup may not seem pretty, the Bengals defense has allowed 4 touchdowns to receivers in the past 4 games. You can start Washington on the basis that he will be seeing a ton of volume and should get a lot of opportunities in a big game for the Steelers.
Other Starts: Allen Robinson, Calvin Ridley, OBJ/Jarvis Landry