After an exciting week 12 where the Browns have a winning record since Hue Jackson getting fired, Christian McCaffrey put up nearly 50 points, and Blake Bortles is a backup QB to Cody Kessler there is a lot to talk about. Point totals done in basic ESPN PPR point scoring.

Must Start:

Case Keenum- Quarterback- Denver Broncos- Keenum and the Broncos are riding a very impressive win against the Steelers, which should set the Broncos up for a wild card spot with the easy schedule they have remaining. That easy stretch starts this week against a QB friendly Bengal team. Cincy has allowed the most total fantasy PPG to opposing QBs in the league, and are tied for second in the most passing TDs allowed by QBs as well. Keenum is also very cautious with the football and has only had two multi-turnover games this season. Keenum is really good risk reward play and has the potential to go north of 25.

Aaron Jones- Running Back- Green Bay Packers- Jones has already established himself as the feature back in Green Bay and grasped the opportunity. He has averaged 26 PPG in his last three games and is already a top 17 RB in the NFL (even with two games not played). The Packers play the Cardinals who have been super friendly to all fantasy RBs all year long. The Cardinals have allowed the 4th most total fantasy PPG to opposing RB and the most total rushing TDs this season as well. Jones should be able to carry on his freaky good form and has potential to go above 25 points.

Corey Davis- Wide Receiver- Tennessee Titans- Davis had a break away TD last week for 48 yards on prime time against the Texans who really showed well. He is riding some good form right now putting up 20+ points in his two of his last three games and now has a favorable matchup against the Jets. The Jets have allowed the the 3rd most total fantasy PPG to opposing wide-outs and the third most total YPG to WR too. Also, for what it’s worth, the Jets are one of four teams in the NFL to allow over 100 rushing yards to WR all season too, and Davis does get a decent amount of carries for a WR. Davis has a super favorable matchup against the Jets and could see a massive target spike like what he had against the Eagles where he hauled in nine receptions.

Do not start:

Tevin Coleman- Running Back- Atlanta Falcons- Coleman has been great in Devonta Freeman’s absence, but things are not looking good for him against the Ravens. The Ravens have allowed the second fewest total fantasy PPG to opposing RBs and is one of two teams in the NFL who allow under 100 total yards per game to RBs as well. RBs get points against the Ravens strictly through short yard and goal line situations which does not benefit Coleman. Coleman does not get a lot of TDs which does not make him favorable against the Ravens. He has only had two rushing TDs all season. Coleman is a risky play who could see himself below double digits this week.

Josh Gordon- Wide Receiver- New England Patriots- I have trouble benching Patriot players typically due to the fact Belichick can really coach around tough matchups, but this week is a little different. The Vikings have allowed only 113.3 receiving yards per game to wideouts since week six which really does not benefit a low target guy like Gordon. Gordon is yet to go above five receptions all season, and since he is so big play dependent it doesn’t really make him a reliable play this week. Gordon is a solid play in the future, but it doesn’t look good for him against a stout Viking pass defense.

Austin Ekeler- Running Back- Los Angeles Chargers- Melvin Gordon is out 2-4 weeks which means it’s committee time in LA. This should hurt Ekeler in my opinion as the Chargers take on the Steelers. The Steelers have been solid against RBs all year allowing the 6th fewest total fantasy PPG to opposing RBs and allowing the 3rd lowest total YPG to RBs as well. Ekeler does not get a lot of carries, but his only saving grace are is reception numbers. He has only gone above five receptions in one game one time all year which makes it look scary for Ekeler this week, especially without being hidden behind Gordon.

Waiver wire Pickups:

Lamar Jackson- Quarterback- Baltimore Ravens- Boy is he fun to watch. He already has 180 rushing yards in two starts and has totaled 16 and 20 points in those games as well. His rushing yard amount just racks up points for the freak athlete out of Louisville. His passing talent is decent enough that with a low amount turnover he can go north of 20 points every week. He is a great QB pickup if you had Andy Dalton (placed on IR for season) or any other QB not cutting it. He is only owned in 50% of ESPN leagues and he is a great option if you need another QB.

Theo Riddick- Running Back- Detroit Lions- Kerryon Johnson injury time frame is unclear, but until he comes back go ahead and pick up Riddick. He has 25 catches over his last four games and racked up seven catches for 13 yards. Riddick is the clear passing back in Detroit, and has had eight points or more in all four of his last four games. If you are in need of a FLEX he is your man. He is only owned in 37% of ESPN leagues.

Tre’Quan Smith- Wide Receiver- New Orleans Saints- The WR2 for this offense? Yes please. Behind Michael Thomas, Smith has amazing upside never being focused on by other teams CB1. Smith is only owned in 40% of ESPN leagues, and is a part of a Drew Brees led Saints offense that is putting up 40 PPG like it’s nothing. Smith has massive big play potential too which when mixed with a likely TD every game is an amazing pick up.