We are over halfway through the NFL season, and the biggest thing we have learned is there are very few fantasy football options we can trust each week.
Some of the most consistent players are ones who were picked outside of the first couple of rounds like Tom Brady, Todd Gurley and DeAndre Hopkins. Otherwise, there has been a lot of up-and-down play to go with injuries and changing roles. This means you have to keep adjusting your lineup every single week to play the matchups.
Although that often means you have to bench more high-profile players, you could be better off going with the sleepers for one week. Here is a look at a few cases of stars to sit and lesser-known competitors to put in your lineup.
Sit ‘Em
Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
There is consistency with Russell Wilson this season, but there hasn’t been the upside many fantasy owners were expecting in 2015. The quarterback has only one game this year with more than a single touchdown.
Even after a bye, that’s unlikely to change against an Arizona Cardinals defense that has been tough against opposing quarterbacks. Thanks to 13 forced interceptions, the squad ranks third in the NFL with a 74.9 opposing passer rating.
All of the mistakes Wilson has made this year will be multiplied against a playmaking defense.
There is still a chance for a breakout, but it is unlikely to come this week.
Chris Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Unlike many running backs in the NFL, Chris Johnson actually gets consistent carries, including a season high of 30 in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. One of the problems in fantasy, however, is his inability to get into the end zone.
Over the last five games, Johnson has more fumbles (two) than touchdowns (one), and that is hindering his fantasy stats. The Cardinals pass the ball a lot in the red zone, and David Johnson has vultured some scores in this stretch.
That means you will have to rely on a lot of rushing yards to have a productive day—not likely against the Seattle Seahawks. The defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, according to ESPN, which could lead to a quiet day for Johnson in Week 10.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Denver Broncos will be without Aqib Talib on Sunday due to suspension, but they will still be just fine in the secondary with Chris Harris and Bradley Roby at cornerback. Harris might have had a down performance covering T.Y. Hilton last week, but he acknowledged that and is ready to move on:
Considering Pro Football Focus rates Harris as the No. 4 cover cornerback in the NFL this season, it’s clear he has the talent to shut down anyone.
That includes Jeremy Maclin, who hasn’t caught more than three passes in a game since Week 5. Even as the top receiving option on the Kansas City Chiefs, Alex Smith isn’t going to force the ball to a covered receiver. This is simply a tough matchup for a talented receiver, and it will lead to a rough game.
Start ‘Em
Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
While he’s had some good games this season, Kirk Cousins now has a chance to be a much more consistent fantasy threat with a full complement of weapons around him. Jordan Reed is healthy, as is DeSean Jackson to create both a safety net and a big-play threat.
Cousins explained how he should only get better with Jackson with more practice, per ESPN’s John Keim:
DeSean is a different guy to throw to. He’s got a different tempo and a different speed when the ball is in the air. That doesn’t come from practicing on Wednesday and Thursday and then playing on Sunday. So we’ve got to really continue to work those two to take some shots with them and Pierre [Garcon] and everybody else also down the field. But it’ll come.
Those downfield shots are going to be useful against the New Orleans Saints, a defense that has allowed 10 passing touchdowns in the last two games. The secondary has looked lost on the field, and opposing receivers have had tons of space around them.
If Cousins can locate his targets, he could have a huge game.
James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers
After a few weeks of ambiguity in the Green Bay Packers backfield, James Starks was officially named the starter, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:
Considering Starks totaled 17 fantasy points in standard leagues in Week 9 despite seeing just 10 carries, there is a lot of upside.
Green Bay has been limited by strong defenses over the past two weeks, and the squad has been forced to pass more than usual. That should change in Week 10 with a favorable matchup against the 1-7 Detroit Lions. The squad is likely to be playing with a lead and, in turn, rely on the run game a lot more. Add in more scoring chances, and Starks has a chance for a productive day.
Rishard Matthews, WR, Miami Dolphins
One of the early surprises of the season, Rishard Matthews has certainly slowed down a bit lately. After being targeted just four times in Week 9, it is understandable for fantasy owners to lose faith.
However, Matthews remains the starter in the Dolphins lineup opposite Jarvis Landry and played in 97 percent of the team’s snaps last week, per PFF. Kenny Stills has made an impact, but he is still behind Matthews on the depth chart, while Greg Jennings is nothing more than an afterthought.
With the Philadelphia Eagles allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season, Matthews could bounce back with a strong effort.
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