Tag: fantasy redraft

One of the best feelings in fantasy football is when your team gets off to a hot start and you just keep pouring it on. A dominant win from start to finish is always better on the nerves and stress levels for fantasy football owners.

Another scenario in fantasy football that feels great is when you insert players you recently plucked off the waiver wire or have had on your bench for weeks, and they show up big on the field that week in particular. Did you happen to play Craig Reynolds (RB Lions), Sony Michel (RB Rams), or Josh Reynolds (WR Lions) this past week in your fantasy football playoffs and those guys helped you get a big win?

Lions at Falcons fantasy focus

The Detroit Lions played a great game last week from the first whistle to the final horn against the Arizona Cardinals. Will that dominant win propel them to play well again this week as they visit the Atlanta Falcons on the day after Christmas?

We will have to wait and see on that, but the offense and some of lesser-known offensive players they are putting out there continue to impress recently. Jared Goff is currently on the COVID-19 list, so we will see if he is available to build of his strong performance at quarterback that he had last week. The Lions are also hoping for the potential return of D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Tracy Walker, and others in this matchup.

The Falcons have been up and down it seems all year. Calvin Ridley (WR Falcons) has been out due to personal reasons for the majority of the season now, Kyle Pitts has had the typical rookie season for a tight end, and Matt Ryan continues to show his age at times along with other moments of brilliance at quarterback.

Expect Pitts to possibly have a big game against Detroit as they often have trouble with premier players at that position in recent memory. With this game being in a dome, it could be a fun offensive shootout and juicy fantasy matchup that no one expects this week depending on who ends up being healthy for game day.

Start

• Matthew Stafford at Vikings
• James Robinson at Jets
• Michael Gallup vs Washington
• Kyle Pitts vs Lions

Sit

• Tua Tagovailoa at Saints
• Chuba Hubbard vs Buccaneers
• Marquise Brown at Bengals
• Dalton Schultz vs Washington

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Justin Herbert at Texans
• Jalen Hurts vs Giants
• Lamar Jackson at Bengals

Running Backs

• Jonathan Taylor at Cardinals
• Austin Ekeler at Texans
• Dalvin Cook vs Rams

Wide Receivers

• Cooper Kupp at Vikings
• Davante Adams vs Browns
• Justin Jefferson vs Rams

Tight Ends

• Mark Andrews at Bengals
• Travis Kelce vs Steelers
• Rob Gronkowski at Panthers

Team Defenses

• Eagles vs Giants
• Chargers at Texans
• Buccaneers at Panthers

Kickers

• Nick Folk vs Bills
• Greg Joseph vs Rams
• Mason Crosby vs Browns

Waiver wire options

• Drew Lock (QB Broncos)
• Tim Boyle (QB Lions)
• Duke Johnson (RB Dolphins)
• Ke’Shawn Vaughn (RB Buccaneers)
• N’Keal Harry (WR Patriots)
• Brandon Zylstra (WR Panthers)
• Jimmy Graham (TE Bears)
• Anthony Firkser (TE Titans)

Intriguing games and players in Week 16

(Week 16 Bye Weeks: None) 

San Francisco at Tennessee, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• SF: George Kittle (TE), Deebo Samuel (WR)
• TEN: A.J. Brown (WR), Ryan Tannehill (QB)

Cleveland at Green Bay, Saturday 4:30 PM, EST

• CLE: Baker Mayfield (QB), Nick Chubb (RB)
• GB: Aaron Jones (RB), A.J. Dillon (RB)

Indianapolis at Arizona, Saturday 8:15 PM, EST

• IND: Carson Wentz (QB), Jonathan Taylor (RB)
• AZ: Kyler Murray (QB), Rondale Moore (WR)

Detroit at Atlanta, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• DET: Craig Reynolds (RB), Brock Wright (TE)
• ATL: Kyle Pitts (TE), Mike Davis (RB)

Baltimore at Cincinnati, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• BAL: Lamar Jackson (QB), Rashad Bateman (WR)
• CIN: Joe Burrow (QB), Tee Higgins (WR)

Buffalo at New England, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• BUF: Josh Allen (QB), Devin Singletary (RB)
• NE: Mac Jones (QB), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB)

LA Rams at Minnesota, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• LAR: Matthew Stafford (QB), Van Jefferson (WR)
• MIN: Dalvin Cook (RB), Justin Jefferson (WR)

Pittsburgh at Kansas City, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• PIT: Ben Roethlisberger (QB), Chase Claypool (WR)
• KC: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB), Demarcus Robinson (WR)

Washington at Dallas, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• WFT: Antonio Gibson (RB), Terry McLaurin (WR)
• DAL: Dak Prescott (QB), Michael Gallup (WR)

Miami at New Orleans, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• MIA: Jaylen Waddle (WR), Miles Gaskin (RB)
• NO: Taysom Hill (QB), Alvin Kamara (RB)

Bottom Line

Winning in dominant fashion is always fun, but it is never easy. If your team gets off to a hot start and builds a big lead, it is still very important that they build on that lead. This is true both in the NFL and fantasy football.

The fantasy football playoffs will be in full swing this week. Please keep your eyes and ears open for those medical updates on players in regards to COVID-19, injuries, and more. A.J. Brown (WR Titans), Lamar Jackson (QB Ravens), D’Andre Swift (RB Lions), Darren Waller (TE Raiders), Tyreek Hill (WR Chiefs), and others are all players to watch to see if they are available in this crucial fantasy football week.

The hope is no more games will be rescheduled this week and that would mean there is plenty of football on around the holidays. Unlike those socks your Aunt gets you every holiday season, NFL games are that gift we can all enjoy.

Good luck in all your matchups, it’s never over until it’s over, hoping you win in comfortable fashion so your heartbeat doesn’t raise too high with everything on the line, and if the matchup is close throughout then enjoy that as well in hopes your team comes out victorious. Merry Christmas to everyone and especially to all the fantasy football owners out there. I hope you have a fantasy football championship trophy under your tree when it’s all said and done.

There are times in fantasy football where you look at your roster, see your injuries, evaluate the lack of waiver wire options, and just know it is going to be a difficult week.

With all the COVID issues, injuries, and unexpected players out last week that was one of those weeks in the NFL and especially for the Detroit Lions.

Lions vs Cardinals fantasy focus

After a tough game last week in Denver where they were forced to play backups of the backup at many positions, the Lions need to regroup in a hurry to play a high-powered Arizona Cardinals team. The Cardinals have one of the best records in the NFC, but just got the news they will be without their star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

The Lions are still unsure if they will have some of their top fantasy players in D’Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson. Other role players like Craig Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and Brock Wright have been asked to step up and fill the void.

This game is in Ford Field, but an angry Arizona team that just lost a crucial matchup to Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams last week is coming in. Expect them to throw it all over the field against the Lions and them to put up some nice fantasy statistics in this one. The Lions will have to have some tricks up their sleeve and try to grind it out if they want to pull out a big upset win.

Start

• Tom Brady vs Saints
• Dalvin Cook at Bears
• Ja’Marr Chase at Broncos
• Zach Ertz at Lions

Sit

• Cam Newton at Bills
• James Robinson vs Texans
• D.K. Metcalf at Rams
• Tyler Higbee vs Seahawks

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Josh Allen vs Panthers
• Lamar Jackson vs Packers
• Tom Brady vs Saints

Running Backs

• Jonathan Taylor vs Patriots
• Dalvin Cook at Bears
• Nick Chubb vs Raiders

Wide Receivers

• Cooper Kupp vs Seahawks
• Davante Adams at Ravens
• Justin Jefferson at Bears

Tight Ends

• Travis Kelce at Chargers
• Mark Andrews vs Packers
• Rob Gronkowski vs Saints

Team Defenses

• Dolphins vs Jets
• Cowboys at Giants
• Cardinals at Lions

Kickers

• Nick Folk at Colts
• Justin Tucker vs Packers
• Matt Gay vs Seahawks

Waiver wire options

• PJ Walker (QB Panthers)
• Case Keenum (QB Browns)
• Craig Reynolds (RB Lions)
• Royce Freeman (RB Texans)
• Anthony Schwartz (WR Browns)
• Dee Eskridge (WR Seahawks)
• Harrison Bryant (TE Browns)
• Nick Vannett (TE Saints)

Intriguing games and players in Week 15

(Week 15 Bye Weeks: None) 

Kansas City at LA Chargers, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• KC: Travis Kelce (TE), Patrick Mahomes (QB)
• LAC: Justin Herbert (QB), Keenan Allen (WR)

Las Vegas at Cleveland, Saturday 4:30 PM, EST

• LVR: Josh Jacobs (RB), Darren Waller (TE)
• CLE: Nick Chubb (RB), Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR)

New England at Indianapolis, Saturday 8:20 PM, EST

• NE: Mac Jones (QB), Damien Harris (RB)
• IND: Michael Pittman Jr (WR), Johnathan Taylor (RB)

Arizona at Detroit, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• AZ: Kyler Murray (QB), Rondale Moore (WR)
• DET: Craig Reynolds (RB), Josh Reynolds (WR)

Cincinnati at Denver, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

• CIN: Joe Burrow (QB), Joe Mixon (RB)
• DEN: Javonte Williams (RB), Jerry Jeudy (WR)

Seattle at LA Rams, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• SEA: Russell Wilson (QB), Rashad Penny (RB)
• LAR: Matthew Stafford (QB), Sony Michel (RB)

New Orleans at Tampa Bay, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• NO: Alvin Kamara (RB), Taysom Hill (QB)
• TB: Tom Brady (QB), Ronald Jones (RB)

Minnesota at Chicago, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• MIN: Justin Jefferson (WR), Dalvin Cook (RB)
• CHI: Allen Robinson (WR), David Montgomery (RB)

Bottom Line

Even in times when you look at your roster and feel there is no path to victory – there is. You have to work hard to find it sometimes though. The Lions are trying to do that with all their key injuries and current COVID-19 cases.

Most fantasy owners are now in the fantasy playoffs or maybe have one more week to go. Even if your lineup has some question marks and the final score projections don’t look pretty to start, you still have a chance to win. Add some sneaky-depth players that might get the football or find the endzone, cover your positions where you have potential injuries where that player might not be able to play that week, and put your best lineup in before kickoff. Anything can happen in the NFL, for the Lions, and especially in fantasy football.

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Have you ever had that final player in your lineup that was going to determine if you win or lose your matchup? Maybe they only need a few points or instead, maybe they need a monster game to make your team victorious in the end. These moments can be very intense in fantasy football.

Some owners needed Tyreek Hill (WR Chiefs) to only score a few points last week to win their fantasy matchup, but in the end, he only had a couple of catches and let most of his fantasy owners down who were counting on him. These are the ups and downs that are experienced on a weekly basis in fantasy football, but that is also what makes winning at the buzzer so enthralling.

Lions at Broncos fantasy focus

Winning can cure everything. You hear that a lot, but in the NFL it can certainly be true when winning is so hard to do. The Detroit Lions won on the final play last week against the Minnesota Vikings for their first win of the season.

This week they head to Denver and you would expect the weather to be rough in mid-December, but it should actually be very nice weather for this game. Can Jared Goff build off his best game of the year, and can Amon-Ra St. Brown follow up his 10-catch performance from a fantasy perspective?

The Broncos have a quality roster, but often they don’t play top-quality football when they hit the field. They have some good fantasy players at the skill positions. Noah Fant (TE), Courtland Sutton (WR), Jerry Jeudy (WR), and Javonta Williams (RB) are the top names the Lions need to be concerned about.

This game would seem to come down to the Lions offense against the Broncos defense. If the Lions can have another offensive game like they did last week against the Vikings they have a chance, but it would appear on paper that Denver might be hard to beat at the buzzer in this matchup.

Start

• Russell Wilson at Texans
• Tony Pollard at Washington
• Terry McLaurin at Cowboys
• Noah Fant vs Lions

Sit

• Ryan Tannehill vs Jaguars
• Mike Davis at Panthers
• Marquise Brown at Browns
• Tyler Higbee at Cardinals

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Josh Allen at Buccaneers
• Taysom Hill at Jets
• Lamar Jackson at Browns

Running Backs

• Joe Mixon vs 49ers
• Alexander Mattison vs Steelers
• Austin Ekeler vs Giants

Wide Receivers

• Cooper Kupp at Cardinals
• Justin Jefferson vs Steelers
• Tyreek Hill vs Raiders

Tight Ends

• Travis Kelce vs Raiders
• Mark Andrews at Browns
• George Kittle at Bengals

Team Defenses

• Saints at Jets
• Seahawks at Texans
• Packers vs Bears

Kickers

• Greg Joseph vs Steelers
• Mason Crosby vs Bears
• Harrison Butker vs Raiders

Waiver wire options

• Gardner Minshew (QB Eagles)
• Teddy Bridgewater (QB Broncos)
• Tevin Coleman (RB Jets)
• Javonte Williams (RB Broncos)
• Laviska Shenault (WR Jaguars)
• Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR Lions)
• Ryan Griffin (TE Jets)
• Anthony Firkser (TE Titans)

Intriguing games and players in Week 14

(Week 14 Bye Weeks: Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles) 

Pittsburgh at Minnesota, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• PIT: Pat Friermuth (TE), Najee Harris (RB)
• MIN: Kirk Cousins (QB), Alexander Mattison (RB)

Baltimore at Cleveland, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• BAL: Lamar Jackson (QB), Mark Andrews (TE)
• CLE: Baker Mayfield (QB), Nick Chubb (RB)

Las Vegas at Kansas City, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• LVR: Derek Carr (QB), Josh Jacobs (RB)
• KC: Patrick Mahomes (QB), Tyreek Hill (WR)

Dallas at Washington, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• DAL: Dak Prescott (QB), CeeDee Lamb (WR)
• WFT: Terry McLaurin (WR), Antonio Gibson (RB)

Detroit at Denver, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

• DET: Jared Goff (QB), D’Andre Swift (RB)
• DEN: Javonte Williams (RB), Jerry Jeudy (WR)

Buffalo at Tampa Bay, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• BUF: Josh Allen (QB), Stefon Diggs (WR)
• TB: Tom Brady (QB), Chris Godwin (WR)

Chicago at Green Bay, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• CHI: David Montgomery (RB), Darnell Moody (WR)
• GB: Aaron Rodgers (QB), A.J. Dillon (RB)

LA Rams at Arizona, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• LAR: Matthew Stafford (QB), Van Jefferson (WR)
• AZ: Kyler Murray (QB), Deandre Hopkins (WR)

Bottom Line

Some of the most memorable sports wins are those ones that come on the final play. One play determines if you win or lose. These can also be some of the most exciting or deflating in fantasy football as well.

In the midst of a tough fantasy football season, spoiling another team’s playoff hopes can be fun. No one likes losing, but the wins or losses on the final play are always more memorable either way.

Winning cures everything. The Detroit Lions felt that last week while the Minnesota Vikings had to feel the sting of a last-second loss. Who will shock the NFL this week and who will make that final play for your fantasy team for the win? Another huge week with gigantic implications for many teams across all platforms in fantasy football.

Timeout. Timeout. Oh wait, that would be a penalty that might cost you a win in the NFL but we need a double timeout to discuss some very impactful fantasy football injuries.

Last week the following players were injured which probably cost many fantasy owners a win: Christian McCaffrey (RB Panthers), Dalvin Cook (RB Vikings), D’Andre Swift (RB Lions), and others.

The fantasy playoffs are around the corner and these injuries have created a sense of pause and panic across all fantasy leagues. The backups for those injured running backs and other depth players will determine fantasy championships these next few weeks.

Lions vs Vikings fantasy focus

Speaking of timeouts, injuries, and depth that brings up this matchup where the Minnesota Vikings are traveling to Detroit to face the Lions. No D’Andre Swift and no Dalvin Cook will be a severe blow to each team.

The Vikings seem to have the offensive firepower to make up for that loss of Cook at running back, but it doesn’t appear the Lions have those same replacement quality players on their side. Who can account for this loss best will go a long way to determining who wins this matchup.

Fantasy players to focus on in this matchup for the Lions would be Jamaal Williams (RB), T.J. Hockenson (TE), Josh Reynolds (WR), and Amon Ra St. Brown (WR). The Vikings key fantasy players will feature Justin Jefferson (WR), Alexander Mattison (RB), and Adam Thielen (WR).

Expect this one to be a potentially lopsided game in favor of the Vikings. Detroit is still searching for their first win and they would love to get that in front of the home fans at Ford Field. Jared Goff will have to play better than he ever has as quarterback for the Lions to help them find a win. These teams are familiar and the outcome might again be familiar on Sunday when this one is all said and done.

Start

• Matthew Stafford at Jaguars
• Alexander Mattison vs Lions
• Brandin Cooks vs Colts
• Noah Fant at Chiefs

Sit

• Matt Ryan vs Buccaneers
• David Montgomery vs Cardinals
• Mike Williams at Bengals
• Dalton Schultz vs Saints

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Lamar Jackson at Steelers
• Jalen Hurts at Jets
• Justin Herbert at Bengals

Running Backs

• Johnathan Taylor at Texans
• Joe Mixon vs Chargers
• James Conner at Bears

Wide Receivers

• Cooper Kupp at Jaguars
• Tyreek Hill vs Broncos
• Justin Jefferson at Lions

Tight Ends

• Travis Kelce at Broncos
• Mark Andrews at Steelers
• George Kittle at Seahawks

Team Defenses

• Cardinals at Bears
• Eagles at Jets
• Buccaneers at Falcons

Kickers

• Nick Folk at Bills
• Daniel Carlson vs Washington
• Chris Boswell vs Ravens

Waiver wire options

• Zach Wilson (QB Jets)
• Taysom Hill (QB Saints)
• Matt Breida (RB Bills)
• Ty Johnson (RB Jets)
• Laviska Shenault (WR Jaguars)
• Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR Lions)
• Logan Thomas (TE Washington)
• Jared Cook (TE Chargers)

Intriguing games and players in Week 13

(Week 13 Bye Weeks: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans) 

Dallas at New Orleans, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• DAL: Dak Prescott (QB), Tony Pollard (RB)
• NO: Taysom Hill (QB), Alvin Kamara (RB)

LA Chargers at Cincinnati, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• LAC: Justin Herbert (QB), Mike Williams (WR)
• CIN: Joe Burrow (QB), Ja’Marr Chase (WR)

Minnesota at Detroit, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• MIN: Justin Jefferson (WR), Kirk Cousins (QB)
• DET: Amon Ra St-Brown (WR), Josh Reynolds (WR)

Arizona at Chicago, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• AZ: Kyler Murray (QB), DeAndre Hopkins (WR)
• CHI: David Montgomery (RB), Darnell Mooney (WR)

Washington at Las Vegas, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

• WFT: Antonio Gibson (RB), Logan Thomas (TE)
• LVR: Derek Carr (QB), DeSean Jackson (WR)

Baltimore at Pittsburgh, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• BAL: Lamar Jackson (QB), Marquise Brown (WR)
• PIT: Najee Harris (RB), Chase Claypool (WR)

Denver at Kansas City, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• DEN: Javonte Williams (RB), Courtland Sutton (WR)
• KC: Patrick Mahomes (QB), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB)

New England at Buffalo, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• NE: Mac Jones (QB), Jakobi Meyers (WR)
• BUF: Josh Allen (QB), Stefon Diggs (WR)

Bottom Line

There are no timeouts in fantasy football. There also are no substitutions when one of your top players gets hurt early in the game. You have to fight through it in fantasy football and hope some of your other players help with that next fantasy player up type mentality.

When a top NFL player goes down for a team, they have to scramble to look for a replacement or hope that the next man on the depth chart can compensate for the loss. The Detroit Lions will have to do that by hoping Jamaal Williams can carry the load while D’Andre Swift is out.

How will you replace your top players that are hurt headed into the fantasy playoffs? First, look at your current roster and see if you have a suitable replacement on your depth chart. If not, you are going to have to scramble to try to find someone that can help you overcome. No timeouts, no way to avoid injuries, but there still are many ways to win both in the NFL and in the fantasy football playoffs.

The focus is always to win in fantasy football. We all know that you are going to take some losses at times too, but have you ever experienced that fantasy football matchup which goes down to the final play and then it ends in a tie?

Lions at Browns fantasy focus

The Detroit Lions played very hard last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but when the game clock expired in overtime and the battle ended the scoreboard reflected a tied score for both teams. The Lions don’t have the same hope that a fantasy football player might have where that tie could be broken days later due to a minor statistical correction or adjustment. The Lions didn’t win, they didn’t lose, they tied.

As odd as that feeling is to tie, they have to rebound against a beat-up Cleveland Browns team this week. D’Andre Swift was a fantasy football monster last week with 130 rushing yards. He will be needed again facing a tough Browns defense.

The fantasy issue continues to be the passing game for the Lions. T.J. Hockenson put up a goose egg in every receiving category on Sunday and only got one target his way during the entire game plus overtime. He has to find a way to be more dynamic and impactful across the board.

The big question marks on this game in regards to injuries lie with the Browns. Baker Mayfield (QB), Nick Chubb (RB), Kareem Hunt (RB), and Jarvis Landry (WR) are all dealing with injuries or COVID and their participation or lack thereof could have a tremendous impact on this game.

Two teams that are often laughed at by the rest of the NFL face off this week in Cleveland. Based on the injuries and uncertainties, put most of your fantasy players on the bench in this one and avoid this matchup as much as you can.

Start

• Tom Brady vs Giants
• Najee Harris at Chargers
• CeeDee Lamb at Chiefs
• George Kittle at Jaguars

Sit

• Justin Fields vs Ravens
• Antonio Gibson at Panthers
• Chris Godwin vs Giants
• Dallas Goedert vs Saints

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Lamar Jackson at Bears
• Josh Allen vs Colts
• Patrick Mahomes vs Cowboys

Running Backs

• Christian McCaffrey vs Washington
• Najee Harris at Chargers
• Dalvin Cook vs Packers

Wide Receivers

• Davante Adams at Vikings
• Tyreek Hill vs Cowboys
• Deebo Samuel at Jaguars

Tight Ends

• Travis Kelce vs Cowboys
• Darren Waller vs Bengals
• Mark Andrews at Bears

Team Defenses

• Dolphins at Jets
• Ravens at Bears
• Titans vs Texans

Kickers

• Greg Joseph vs Packers
• Nick Folk at Falcons
• Tyler Bass vs Colts

Waiver wire options

• Cam Newton (QB Panthers)
• Taysom Hill (QB Saints)
• Ronald Jones (RB Buccaneers)
• Adrian Peterson (RB Titans)
• Josh Reynolds (WR Lions)
• Elijah Moore (WR Jets)
• Darren Fells (TE Buccaneers)
• Hayden Hurst (TE Falcons)

Intriguing games and players in Week 11

(Week 11 Bye Weeks: Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams) 

New England at Atlanta, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• NE: Mac Jones (QB), Brandon Bolden (RB)
• ATL: Kyle Pitts (TE), Russel Gage (WR)

Indianapolis at Buffalo, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• IND: Michael Pittman (WR), Nyheim Hines (RB)
• BUF: Josh Allen (QB), Zach Moss (RB)

Detroit at Cleveland, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• DET: T.J. Hockenson (TE), Kalif Raymond (WR)
• CLE: D’Ernest Johnson (RB), Austin Hooper (TE)

Green Bay at Minnesota, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• GB: Aaron Rodgers (QB), A.J. Dillon (RB)
• MIN: Kirk Cousins (QB), Dalvin Cook (RB)

Cincinnati at Las Vegas, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

• CIN: Joe Burrow (QB), Tyler Boyd (WR)
• LVR: Derek Carr (QB), Darren Waller (TE)

Dallas at Kansas City, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• DAL: Tony Pollard (RB), Michael Gallup (WR)
• KC: Travis Kelce (TE), Mecole Hardman (WR)

Pittsburgh at LA Chargers, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• PIT: Dionte Johnson (WR), Najee Harris (RB)
• LAC: Justin Herbert (QB), Keenan Allen (WR)

NY Giants at Tampa Bay, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• NYG: Saquon Barkley (RB), Kenny Golladay (WR)
• TB: Tom Brady (QB), Chris Godwin (WR)

Bottom Line

Most trade deadlines in fantasy leagues have passed, so you have who you have as your main players on your route to a fantasy football championship. You still need to work that waiver wire until the final week though to improve depth and manage the substantial amount of injuries that happen each and every week.

Patrick Mahomes (QB Chiefs), Christian McCaffrey (RB Panthers), and Saquon Barkley (RB Giants) will all be back on the field this week after rebounding from subpar play or injury. Watching the elite players play the game they love is alway fun aspect to enjoy when it comes to fantasy football.

Oh yeah, and one more thing.

Every true competition should have a winner and a loser. We can’t have a tie at the end. It doesn’t seem right and it doesn’t feel right. That seems like something more suited for European Futbol and not the NFL Football that we all love. It is never something to be happy about when you get a tie in a crucial fantasy football matchup in your league, but the Lions will take it though based on how their season has gone and all things considered.

In all of our fantasy leagues, there is always that one team that is good every year. They have a solid core of players or their draft is always top-notch, and week after week they put up wins. They’re always in contention for the top record in the league, and consistently make deep playoff runs often ending in championships.

With that being said, there is nothing better than when one of the bottom-feeder teams in your league raises up out of nowhere to beat that top contender. In fantasy football and in the NFL it is “any given Sunday”.

Lions at Steelers fantasy focus

That pretty much describes the Detroit Lions against the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. The Steelers are always good, the model of consistency, and their teams are always built with a solid foundation. The Lions often resemble that team that loves their team after the fantasy draft in your league, but unfortunately is at the bottom of the standings when it’s all said and done.

Jared Goff will have to have his best game at quarterback for the Lions to win. D’Andre Swift, T.J. Hockenson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown will have to carry the load from a fantasy football perspective. Plus Dan Campbell will have to find a way to outcoach the legend that is Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

It would be so great if the Lions do their best impression of a fantasy football upset this week. All their players play great and the favored team just has no luck from all their top stars. When the game starts no one will give the Lions a chance, but in the end maybe they are the one standing tall over the storied franchise in Pittsburg.

Start

• Lamar Jackson at Dolphins
• Johnathan Taylor vs Jaguars
• Marquise Brown at Dolphins
• George Kittle vs Rams

Sit

• Ryan Tannehill vs Saints
• Tony Pollard vs Falcons
• Courtland Sutton at Eagles
• Jared Cook vs Vikings

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Lamar Jackson at Dolphins
• Josh Allen at Jets
• Tom Brady at Washington

Running Backs

• Najee Harris vs Lions
• Dalvin Cook at Chargers
• Jonathan Taylor vs Jaguars

Wide Receivers

• Cooper Kupp at 49ers
• Davante Adams vs Seahawks
• Chris Godwin at Washington

Tight Ends

• Travis Kelce at Raiders
• Darren Waller vs Chiefs
• Kyle Pitts at Cowboys

Team Defenses

• Bills at Jets
• Cardinals vs Panthers
• Buccaneers at Washington

Kickers

• Nick Folk vs Browns
• Chris Boswell vs Lions
• Daniel Carlson vs Chiefs

Waiver wire options

• Taylor Heinicke (QB Washington)
• Mike White (QB Jets)
• Jordan Howard (RB Eagles)
• Ty Johnson (RB Jets)
• Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR Browns)
• Tim Patrick (WR Broncos)
• Tyler Conklin (TE Vikings)
• Dan Arnold (TE Jaguars)

Intriguing games and players in Week 10

(Week 10 Bye Weeks: Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants Giants, Houston Texans) 

Baltimore at Miami, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• BAL: Lamar Jackson (QB), Mark Andrews (TE)
• MIA: Miles Gaskin (RB), Jaylen Waddle (WR)

Cleveland at New England, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• CLE: Jarvis Landry (WR), Baker Mayfield (QB)
• NE: Mac Jones (QB), Jakobi Meyers (WR)

Detroit at Pittsburgh, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• DET: Jared Goff (QB), D’Andre Swift (RB)
• PIT: Dionte Johnson (WR), Najee Harris (RB)

Tampa Bay at Washington, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• TB: Tom Brady (QB), Antonio Brown (WR)
• WFT: Terry McLaurin (WR), Antonio Gibson (RB)

Carolina at Arizona, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

• CAR: Christian McCaffery (RB), D.J. Moore (WR)
• AZ: Zach Ertz (TE), Deandre Hopkins (WR)

Seattle at Green Bay, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• SEA: Russell Wilson (QB), Tyler Lockett (WR)
• GB: Aaron Rodgers (QB), Aaron Jones (RB)

Kansas City at Las Vegas, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• KC: Patrick Mahomes (QB), Tyreek Hill (WR)
• LVR: Derek Carr (QB), Kenyan Drake (RB)

LA Rams at San Francisco, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• LAR: Matthew Stafford (QB), Darrell Henderson (RB)
• SF: Deebo Samuel (WR), George Kittle (TE)

Bottom Line

Whether you are the top team in your league or that team that is often struggling to put up wins each week in fantasy football, any team can win and any team can be defeated each week.

There is nothing better than seeing the top team, the team that always wins, the team that has won multiple championships take an unexpected loss from a team no one thought had a chance to be victorious.

Maybe that will happen in your fantasy league this week and maybe it will happen when the Lions visit the Steelers in their matchup on the gridiron too.

Often in fantasy football leagues, you are in a league with your good friends who you have known for years. You know their tendencies and strategies inside and out.

You have fun with those friends during the off-season and even during the draft, but then it turns to fierce competition when the real games start to be played and even ratchets up more when you play head to head.

Lions at Rams fantasy focus

The Detroit Lions find themselves in a bit of a fantasy matchup this week when they travel out to Los Angeles to play their former quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The current Lions quarterback Jared Goff is also in fantasy land as he is traveling back to play against the team he called for years in the Rams.

It feels similar to that matchup you often see in your fantasy league where two really good friends are playing each other, you know they both want to win badly, but on paper you can tell one has a distinct advantage over the other when it comes to the talent on their team which often is reflected in the final score.

Expect this one to be lopsided and for all of the Rams offensive players to be starting options in your fantasy lineup. Stafford should play well to help your fantasy team if he’s your starting quarterback, but will also probably show his former team some respect in the end by not running up the score too much.

Start

• Matthew Stafford vs. Lions
• Damien Harris vs. Jets
• D.J. Moore at Giants
• Jonnu Smith vs. Jets

Sit

• Justin Fields at Buccaneers
• Latavius Murray vs. Bengals
• Henry Ruggs vs. Eagles
• Robert Tonyan vs Washington

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Patrick Mahomes at Titans
• Kyler Murray vs. Texans
• Lamar Jackson vs. Bengals

Running Backs

• Derrick Henry vs. Chiefs
• Alvin Kamara at Seahawks
• Darrell Henderson vs. Lions

Wide Receivers

• Davante Adams vs. Washington
• Cooper Kupp vs. Lions
• Tyreek Hill at Titans

Tight Ends

• Travis Kelce at Titans
• Darren Waller vs. Eagles
• Mark Andrews vs. Bengals

Team Defenses

• Cardinals vs. Texans
• Buccaneers vs. Bears
• Patriots vs. Jets

Kickers

• Justin Tucker vs. Bengals
• Matt Prater vs. Texans
• Daniel Carlson vs. Eagles

Waiver wire options

• Jameis Winston (QB Saints)
• Tyrod Taylor (QB Texans)
• D’Ernest Johnson (RB Browns)
• Rashaad Penny (RB Seahawks)
• Sterling Shepard (WR Giants)
• Rashod Bateman (WR Ravens)
• Pat Freiermuth (TE Steelers)
• O.J. Howard (TE Buccaneers)

Intriguing games and players in Week 7

(Week 7 Bye Weeks: Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers) 

Denver at Cleveland, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• DEN: Courtland Sutton (WR), Melvin Gordon (RB)
• CLE: Austin Hooper (TE), Odell Beckham Jr (WR)

Cincinnati at Baltimore, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• CIN: Joe Burrow (QB), Tee Higgins (WR)
• BAL: Marquise Brown (WR), Mark Andrews (TE)

Kansas City at Tennessee, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• KC: Tyreek Hill (WR), Patrick Mahomes (QB)
• TEN: A.J. Brown (WR), Anthony Firkser (TE)

Atlanta at Miami, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• ATL: Calvin Ridley (WR), Kyle Pitts (TE)
• MIA: Myles Gaskin (RB), Jaylen Waddle (WR)

Detroit at LA Rams, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

• DET: D’Andre Swift (RB), Jamaal Wiliams (RB)
• LAR: Matthew Stafford (QB), Darrell Henderson (RB)

Chicago at Tampa Bay, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• CHI: Justin Fields (QB), Allen Robinson (WR)
• TB: Tom Brady (QB), Mike Evans (WR)

Indianapolis at San Francisco, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• IND: Carson Wentz (QB), Michael Pittman Jr (WR)
• SF: Brandon Aiyuk (WR), Deebo Samuel (WR)

New Orleans at Seattle, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• NO: Alvin Kamara (RB), Adam Trautman (TE)
• SEA: Tyler Lockett (WR), Gerald Everett (TE)

Bottom Line

Having a great fantasy football league with your friends is an awesome way to compete and enjoy football together, but at times it can also be complicated.

Trades are made, high stakes are on the line between friends when they play against each other, and at the end of the day you both just really want to win.

Lions safety Tracy Walker said it best during a recent press conference, “When I’m on that field you aren’t my teammate, you aren’t my friend but after the game, it is all love.”

The interesting matchup for the Lions this week will be one to remember or maybe one to forget when it’s all said and done. Enjoy your fantasy leagues with good friends, but when it’s time to play them there is only one objective and that is to win.

This past Sunday the Detroit Lions just didn’t do the simple things needed to win. Is that same thing true for your fantasy football team?

Don’t tell me you decided to not play a top star and that player put up big points on your bench. Did you let an injured player sit on your roster too long and not replace them using your waiver wire privileges?

This past week we saw stars such as Tyreek Hill (WR Chiefs), Saquon Barkley (RB Giants), and Ezekiel Elliott (RB Cowboys) all put up those game-changing statistics you need to win in fantasy football. Please promise you did the basics and played those guys leading to fantasy success – right?

Lions at Vikings fantasy focus

One of the basic things the Lions didn’t do well was featuring their top offensive weapons. Their top fantasy targets, T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift, didn’t see many targets. They will need to be the focal point this week in a rowdy dome in Minnesota when they face the Vikings.

Sleeper wide receiver options for the Lions appear to be Kalif Raymond and Quintez Cephus. Other than those options though, it will be tough for the Lions to be potent on offense from a fantasy football perspective.

The Minnesota Vikings got Dalvin Cook back on the field last week and he always gives the Lions issues when they face-off. Kirk Cousins the Vikings quarterback is another player that always plays well against Detroit.

With injuries across the board, the Lions are in a tough spot this week. They have to find a way to score points in a tough stadium to play in with offensive line issues at multiple spots. While doing all that, they also have to prevent the Vikings from stressing their young defense in a multitude of ways. Expect to play most of your Vikings fantasy players and sit many Lions in this one.

Start

• Matt Ryan (QB Falcons)
• Zach Moss (RB Bills)
• Allen Robinson (WR Bears)
• Jonnu Smith (TE Patriots)

Sit

• Ben Roethlisberger (QB Steelers)
• Darrell Henderson (RB Rams)
• Courtland Sutton (WR Broncos)
• Eric Ebron (TE Steelers)

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks

• Josh Allen (QB Bills)
• Tom Brady (QB Buccaneers)
• Kyler Murray (QB Cardinals)

Running Backs

• Dalvin Cook (RB Vikings)
• Derrick Henry (RB Titans)
• Alvin Kamara (RB Saints)

Wide Receivers

• Cooper Kupp (WR Rams)
• Davante Adams (WR Packers)
• DK Metcalf (WR Seahawks)

Tight Ends

• Travis Kelce (TE Chiefs)
• Darren Waller (TE Raiders)
• George Kittle (TE 49ers)

Team Defenses

• Raiders
• Patriots
• Buccaneers

Kickers

• Justin Tucker (K Ravens)
• Harrison Butker (K Chiefs)
• Daniel Carlson (K Raiders)

Waiver wire options

• Mac Jones (QB Bengals)
• Taylor Heineke (QB Washington)
• Jamaal Williams (RB Lions)
• Damien Williams (RB Bears)
• Josh Gordon (WR Chiefs)
• Donavon Peoples-Jones (WR Browns)
• Zach Ertz (TE Eagles)
• Anthony Firkser (TE Titans)

Intriguing games and players in Week 5

(Week 5 Bye Weeks: None) 

LA Rams at Seattle, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• LAR: Matthew Stafford (QB), Robert Woods (WR)
• SEA: Russell Wilson (QB), Tyler Lockett (WR)

Detroit at Minnesota, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• DET: D’Andre Swift (RB), Trinity Benson (WR)
• MIN: Dalvin Cook (RB), Adam Thielen (WR)

Miami at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• MIA: Jaylen Waddle (WR), DeVante Parker (WR)
• TB: Mike Evans (WR), O.J. Howard (TE)

Denver at Pittsburgh, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• DEN: Melvin Gordon (RB), Noah Fant (TE)
• PIT: Ben Roethlisberger (QB), James Washington (WR)

New Orleans at Washington, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• NO: Alvin Kamara (RB), Adam Trautman (TE)
• WFT: Antonio Gibson (RB), Terry McLaurin (WR)

Cleveland at LA Chargers, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

• CLE: Nick Chubb (RB), Baker Mayfield (QB)
• LAC: Mike Williams (WR), Kennan Allen (WR)

San Francisco at Arizona, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• SF: Trey Lance (QB), Brandon Aiyuk (WR)
• AZ: DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Christian Kirk (WR)

Buffalo at Kansas City, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• BUF: Josh Allen (QB), Stefon Diggs (WR)
• KC: Travis Kelce (TE), Mecole Hardman (WR)

Indianapolis at Baltimore, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• IND: Michael Pittman Jr (WR), Johnathan Taylor (RB)
• BAL: Mark Andrews (TE), Rashad Bateman (WR)

Bottom Line

Don’t hurt yourself this week in fantasy football. Those mistakes of starting the wrong players, forgetting to substitute out an injured player, or playing a top player with a horrible matchup can cost you.

Often you hear NFL players say we have to focus on the fundamentals. Those basic essentials in fantasy football would be paying attention to the weekly projections, matchups, and managing injuries with timely waiver claims. Focus on the fundamentals and give your fantasy team the best chance to win in Week 5 of the National Football League.

As the fantasy football season progresses the depth of your roster is key as injuries pile up. Bye weeks will be here before you know it too. Don’t hesitate to look ahead at a player’s schedule to be ahead of the game before his bye week hits you.

Future opponents are also vital. If you look two or three weeks ahead on some of your fringe starters, that might tell you whether it is best to keep them on your roster or make a move before they have a difficult stretch of opponents to play.

The idea is to be ahead of the trends and prevent your team from being derailed by things such as injuries, bye weeks, or multiple tough opponents ahead. Don’t be the fantasy owner that fails to prepare and therefore prepares to fail.

Lions at Bears fantasy focus

Speaking of preparation, the Detroit Lions will have to prepare for numerous quarterback combinations this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Could all three quarterbacks play? No, that couldn’t happen or could it?

Justin Fields, the Bears dynamic rookie quarterback, had a very rough outing last week to say the least. Chicago couldn’t wait to see Fields. but after only one week, they did not like what they saw. Andy Dalton is the veteran and appears he might be healthy enough to start again if head coach Matt Nagy turns it back over to him. Nick Foles has also been said to be a possible option this week.

The Lions have been making nice progress with some of their fantasy football stars such as D’Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson, but teams are also starting to focus on them. Will they be able to get production from others to free up the top players to shine?

Lots of questions in this matchup and not many answers right now. Both teams will prepare and do what they feel gives them the best chance to win. If Fields (QB Bears) is the starting quarterback, look for him to have a bounce-back performance and feel confident playing David Montgomery (RB Bears) and Allen Robinson (WR Bears). The spotlight for the Lions will be on Jared Goff and can he get it done with his lackluster fantasy worthy wide receivers.

Start
Joe Burrow (QB Bengals)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB Chiefs)
Odell Beckham Jr (WR Browns)
Dallas Goedert (TE Eagles)

Sit
Derek Carr (QB Raiders)
Tony Pollard (RB Cowboys)
Sammy Watkins (WR Ravens)
Dawson Knox (TE Bills)

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks
Josh Allen, Bills
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Jalen Hurts, Eagles

Running Backs
Derrick Henry, Titans
Dalvin Cook, Vikings
Joe Mixon, Bengals

Wide Receivers
Davante Adams, Packers
Cooper Kupp, Rams
D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks

Tight Ends
Travis Kelce, Chiefs
Darren Waller, Raiders
George Kittle, 49ers

Team Defenses
Bills
Bengals
Saints

Kickers
Brandon McManus, Broncos
Matt Gay, Rams
Greg Joseph, Vikings

Waiver wire options

Jacoby Brissett (QB Dolphins)
Taysom Hill (QB Saints)
Chuba Hubbard (RB Panthers)
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB Patriots)
Elijah Moore (WR Jets)
Jakobi Meyers (WR Patriots)
Pat Freiermuth (TE Steelers)
Tyler Conklin (TE Vikings)

Intriguing games and players in Week 3

(Week 4 Bye Weeks: None) 

Jaguars at Bengals, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

• JAX: Trevor Lawrence (QB), Marvin Jones Jr (WR)
• CIN: Joe Mixon (RB), Joe Burrow (QB)

Lions at Bears, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• DET: D’Andre Swift (RB), Quintez Cephus (WR)
• CHI: David Montgomery (RB), Justin Fields (QB)

Panthers at Cowboys, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• CAR: Terrace Marshall (WR), Sam Darnold (QB)
• DAL: Dak Prescott (QB), CeeDee Lamb (WR)

Browns at Vikings, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

• CLE: Kareem Hunt (RB), Nick Chubb (RB)
• MIN: Alexander Mattison (RB), Justin Jefferson (WR)

Cardinals at Rams, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• AZ: Chase Edmonds (RB), Christian Kirk (WR)
• LAR: Matthew Stafford (QB), Robert Woods (WR)

Seahawks at 49ers, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• SEA: Russell Wilson (QB), D.K. Metcalf (WR)
• SF: Brandon Aiyuk (WR), Deebo Samuel (WR)

Steelers at Packers, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

• PIT: Ben Roethlisberger (QB), Chase Claypool (WR)
• GB: A.J. Dillon (RB), Marquez Valdez-Scantling (WR)

Buccaneers at Patriots, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

• TB: Tom Brady (QB), Rob Gronkowski (TE)
• NE: Mac Jones (QB), Damien Harris (RB)

Raiders at Chargers, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

• LVR: Derek Carr (QB), Henry Ruggs (WR)
• LAC: Austin Ekeler (RB), Keenan Allen (WR)

Bottom Line

NFL teams often view their seasons in quarters. After this week the first quarter will basically be complete and fantasy owners can do the same. This is when you honestly look at your team and start to determine what you have and also what you don’t have.

It is a perfect time to seek out trade options and make some aggressive moves if your team needs it. If you are winning, protect yourself against injuries and look ahead at those bye weeks. It’s a marathon and not a sprint more than ever in the NFL and in fantasy football in the biggest season of all-time here in 2021.