When Walker Kelly reached out and said to the chat that they needed to take care of stuff and couldn’t deliver their Start/Sit article this week, I gladly jumped in and volunteered to cover it (holding for applause). How hard can it be to tell people to start Nico Collins? was my first thought. Then, I remembered that Walker is one smart motherfucker and runs a tight ship for this series, and I realized I had my work cut out for me. So, following the same format that made Walker famous, let’s see who we’re rolling with this week.
Quarterback Start of the Week: Jordan Love vs MIN (ECR: 19)
Is this cheating? Am I culpable, on this, my first day? Jordan Love is back, and if there’s one person that Brian Flores doesn’t want to see, it’s Love. Love shredded his defense last year, as the multiple fronts and pressure packages he runs don’t seem to bother Love as they do for some of the slower processors in the league. Matt LaFleur is one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, and in an Aaron Jones revenge game, I expect fireworks this week for both offenses.
Other QB Starts: Caleb Wiliams vs LAR (ECR: 17)
Quarterback Sit of the Week: Justin Fields vs IND (ECR: 10)
Lost amidst Justin Fields’ 3-0 start is the lack of explosiveness in the ground game, which made him a dynamic fantasy asset. He’s rushing at a 3.2 YPC clip so far this year, more than two yards below his career yards per carry average. Indy is a terrible run defense, this game should be a slow, low-scoring nightmare fest, and I think Justin will return mid-QB2 results this week. You can do better.
Other QB Sits: Patrick Mahomes vs LAC (ECR: 9)
RB Start of the Week: Justice Hill vs BUF (ECR: 43)
Derrick Henry is a beast, and Derrick Henrywillo score and carry the rock 12-15 times this week. With that said, he’s one of the most game-script-dependent backs in the NFL, and if the Buffalo offense continues their streak of ripping through opposing defenses, Baltimore is going to be forced to pass. With injuries being the way they are this season, Justice Hill becomes an intriguing flex start this week.
Other RB Starts: Jerome Ford vs LV (ECR: 25)
Running Back Sit of the Week: Alvin Kamara vs ATL (ECR: 4)
The Saints had the wheels fall off last week against the Eagles, and the real domination took place up front. Stopping this Saints offense is predicated on pressure up the middle. The Saints missing multiple linemen going into this matchup against the Falcons worries me. Look, you aren’t benching Kamara this week, I know that. However, it should be said that I think he underperforms relative to his ranking this week.
Other RB Sits: Travis Etienne vs HOU (ECR: 17)
Wide Receiver Start of the Week: George Pickens vs IND (ECR: 25)
You’re thinking I’m crazy for sitting Fields but starting Pickens? Well, I am. They can’t fire me, so I can speak my truth. The George Pickens eruption game is happening soon, the question is simply knowing when that’s going to be. He’s had a ton of production called back via penalty and has shown the ability to beat the top CBs in the league, none of which are on the Colts. They’re gonna sit back in Cover 3, and Pickens is going to continue his tear against that coverage scheme. Here comes the boom week.
Other WR Starts: Khalil Shakir vs BUF (ECR: 29)
Wide Receiver Sit of the Week: DJ Moore vs LAR (ECR: 16)
DJ Moore has shown a pretty respectable 5/50 floor with Caleb Williams at QB, and that should continue here. The Rams also have one of the worst secondaries in the league, so this seems like a Moore smash spot, and maybe it is. However, the Rams rookies generating solid pressure on the defensive line, in addition to the Bears line being terrible, means Caleb is going to be rolling out to avoid pressure a lot this week. When Caleb rolls out and WRs make adjustments to move downfield, Caleb has shown a tendency to look for Rome Odunze. I’d gladly roll with him instead because I want the big play guy in my lineups.
Other WR Sits: Amari Cooper vs LV (ECR: 19)
Tight End Start of the Week: Tyler Conklin (ECR: 16)
The Broncos blitz on half their defensive snaps this season, and when blitzed, Aaron Rodgers can summon an astral projecting monk to help him see the field better. His third eye should help decalcify the pineal gland that has kept Tyler Conklin from blowing up. At this time next week, we’ll be seeing pics of Conklin and Shanin Blake on TikTok talking about reptilians while guests on the Talk Tuah podcast. I’ll be listening.
Other TE Starts: Brenton Strange vs HOU (ECR: 22)
Tight End Sit of the Week: Kyle Pitts vs NO (ECR: 6)
Kyle Pitts has a separation score of 0.000 this year, via Fantasy Points. He hasn’t had more than three catches in a game since Week 13 of last season. His first read target share is non-existent, and he is getting less usage this season than he was last year under Arthur Smith. Pitts being TE6 on the week is making me feel like I’m missing something, like maybe he’s getting TE premium scoring in all formats this week, as a treat?
