In most leagues we're down to five more weeks before the playoffs. Many of you need to go at least 3-2. With bye weeks and injuries and what-not, a 15-point producer plugged from the trash heap could mean the difference. So as always, here are my bargains and busts for the coming slate of contests.
At quarterback, does anyone remember Kirk Cousins' seven-game stretch last year when he had 18 TDs and only one interception? Available in many leagues thanks to his frequent game-manager role, Cousins is a nothing-to-lose streamer at his consensus QB-18 Week 9 ranking. Worst case you get a back-end QB2 in a plus matchup against the Lions. Best case it's his turn--not Dalvin Cook's--to collect multiple scores. My money's on a good Cousins output. On the flip side, Ryan Tannehill (QB-12) is a tougher sell against the Bears.
At RB, give me the Buffalo backfield stack: Devin Singletary (RB-30) and Zack Moss (RB-28). Seattle can score in buckets, meaning game flow might be an issue. But both of these backs are decent in the passing game, so I see one or both getting used well into the fourth quarter regardless of the score. On the flip side, Antonio Gibson (RB-8) is too aggressive facing a Giants defense yielding only 3.7 YPC and only three rushing scores.
At wideout, default #1 Patriot receiver Jakobi Meyers is a near-lock to outperform his WR-42 projection against the Jets. Meyers should be viewed as a top-30 option. And is there any less appreciated receiver than Christian Kirk (WR-34)? Not sure why the experts keep overlooking him. On the flip side, Will Fuller has a TD in five straights games. That doesn't mean he deserves a WR-12 ranking.
At tight end, might as well roll with Evan Engram (TE-12) given his high volume. The reality is, he shouldn't be any worse than a top-16 performer, and his upside remains top-6. On the flip side, hope you sold high on Rob Gronkowski (TE-4). As I cautioned about a week ago, Tampa Bay's receiving corps is as crowded as that family in that house in the 1980's Madness video "Our House." (It's after midnight, and I'm digging deep.) Gronk is "back," but that doesn't mean he's a TE1 lock with 5-6 other strong weapons surrounding him.