It is put up or shut up time for us fantasy footballers and I am feeling a big week. We had some rough spots last week, *cough* Sam Darnold *cough*. But last week was rough all around. We are turning it around in a major way this week and we will get you to the next round of the playoffs!
Kareem Hunt RB vs Cincinnati: Hunt has been coming up big for the people who stashed him all year long, and he will look to repeat his recent success this week against a Bengal defense that can’t stop a nosebleed. At home and needing a win desperately, we expect the Cleveland coaching staff to lean heavily on Hunt and his receiving skills especially to get the win. Expect high end RB2 numbers from the former All-Pro.
Derrius Guice RB vs Green Bay: We have told you to start Guice twice. He was a boom the first time, and then a bust the second. This time around we are expecting a boom! Guice is starting to come into his own as arguably the best offensive player in D.C. His multi faceted skillset is what sets him apart from everyone else on the team, and at times he looks like a young Ladanian Tomlinson. We have a long way to go until we crown him the next LT, but this week on the road against a weak Green Bay defense we are predicting strong RB2 numbers.
Devonte Freeman RB vs Carolina: Freeman is back and even though he has not totally lived up to expectations this year, we feel like he will have a great performance this week against a Carolina run defense that is a bottom feeder in the NFL. Freeman should find the end zone at least, and if the offensive line can give he and Matt Ryan just a little more time to work, the Falcon offense can have a big day.
Miles Sanders RB vs NYG: Sanders was our start of the week last week and he hit big for us against Miami. At the end of the day, with Howard out, Sanders is the best weapon the Eagles have. Not Jeffrey, but Sanders. His skillset is second to none on this team and at home against a Giants front line that has gotten much better recently, we still feel like Sanders will find the end zone possibly more than once.
Benny Snell RB vs Arizona: The rookie has earned legitimate flex startability over the past two weeks and gets a premium matchup against the Cardinals. James Conner is out again and we are looking at the Snell show for the Steelers. Snell will most likely have a monster game with the way he runs the ball, but starting him is not without risk. Jaylen Samuels is being left for dead after one week of losing the snap count to Snell, but that could change quickly. Just keep that in mind.
Zach Pascal WR vs Tampa Bay: Pascal has been the definition of Boom or Bust this year. This week, we are predicting a Boom. The Colts slogan is “Run The Damn Ball”, but in today’s NFL you need to throw the ball to win. That is something Frank Reicht and company are slowly getting back too, and that means big opportunities for Pascal. Tampa has been better on defense, but all it takes is one big play for Pascal to make your flex play a success.
Sterling Shepherd WR vs Philadelphia: Shepherd was back in a big way last week grabbing a touchdown in the snow and putting up solid WR2 numbers. Shepherd’s concussion symptoms seem to have subsided and he gets an amazing matchup against a terrible Philadelphia secondary. It looks like Eli Manning will make a return, and that could be an even better thing for Shepherd who always had a great connection with the veteran QB.
DJ Moore/Curtis Samuel WR’s vs Atlanta: With Ron Rivera and the Panther’s parting ways there is some uncertainty as to what this offense will look like on Sunday. Spoiler Alert: It is going to be the same damn thing. A lot of McCaffery, and a lot of Moore and Samuel. The Falcons defense has gotten better, but overall they are still vulnerable to the pass. Moore is a WR1 Samuel is a flex with WR2 upside.
Courtland Sutton WR vs Houston: What more does Sutton need to do to prove to us that he is a borderline WR1? This man goes into every matchup and goes and gets his! Sutton is a trustworthy start this week for your playoffs and should have been for weeks now.
Devante Parker WR vs NYJ: Are The Dolphins back? Not really, but their offense sure is potent. The yearly dose of Fitzmagic is kicking in and hopefully for fantasy owners it does not run out for the rest of the year. Parker has been the biggest beneficiary of Fitzpatrick’s resurgence and will look to continue his hot streak against a weak Jets passing defense.
Vance Mcdonald TE vs Arizona: Vance has been a disappointment overall this year, but in the playoffs trying to fill one of the weakest positions in fantasy football , you do not have time to be picky. You saw what Higbee did to this defense last week. If Mcdonald mirrors a half of Higbee’s production you will be onto the next round.
Jack Doyle TE vs Tampa Bay: We had Doyle as a must start last week, and we are ready to bring him back for a 2nd straight week. Doyle should find the end zone against Tampa in what is hopefully a shootout.
Ryan Griffin TE vs Miami: Please do not lose faith in Griffin after one down week. We are guaranteeing he gets the first touchdown for the Jets against Miami. Whether that touchdown comes in the 1st or 4th quarter remains to be seen, but when it is scored it will be in Griffins hands.
Good luck everyone and don’t forget to follow us @GrandCentralFan on twitter for guaranteed feedback to all your fantasy questions!