Derek Carr @ Cleveland
Carr has been a solid fantasy quarterback so-far in 2020. He sits as the overall QB19 on the year, which may seem bad, but is solid when you dig deeper. He’s already had his bye week, and has scored over 20 fantasy points in four out of his six games this season. He gets to face a Cleveland Browns secondary that just gave up three passing touchdowns (and a rushing touchdown) to rookie Joe Burrow. On average, the Browns are giving up 24.13 fantasy points to quarterbacks, which fits right where Carr is averaging on the season. The way to beat the Browns is through the air, and I believe the Raiders will use that to their advantage with guys like Josh Jacobs, Henry Ruggs, and surprising asset Nelson Agholor.
Zach Moss vs. Patriots
You’re probably reading this and thinking I’m really stretching it thinking Moss is a sleeper candidate. But hear me out on this one. Moss has slowly been taking the lead back role in Buffalo. He was more efficient with his opportunity’s last week against the Jets, and last week the Bills showed they will use Moss in the passing game, giving him three targets. But that’s not the main reason why I’m liking Moss this week. The weather in Buffalo is going to be horrible this week. Rain is forecasted, with 20-30 mph winds, with gusts reaching 40 mph. Weather might dictate how both teams need to play, and that will be with running the ball. Even though Moss is averaging nine touches per game in his four games played this season, this is the game we can see him really get the work. If he’s able to get 15-20 touches, he has the ability to be a top-20 running back for fantasy. If you’re in bye week hell, Moss is a good play.
Brandon Aiyuk @ Seattle
Aiyuk is coming off the best game of his rookie campaign, and his matchup against the Seahawks is perfect for another solid week. Deebo Samuel is set to miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury. The 49ers lost running back Jeff Wilson for a few weeks also. Even without finding the end zone last week, Aiyuk was able to finish as the WR19, after having his first career 100-yard game. Well, the volume shouldn’t go anywhere this week, as he’s facing a Seahawks defense that gives up 64.32(!) points to opposing wide receivers. Kyle Shanahan is one of the smartest offensive minds in the NFL, and he should see this game as a chance to feed Aiyuk targets, and even sprinkle in some rushes, like he does with Deebo Samuel. I’m projecting Aiyuk to be a top-10 wide receiver this week, and love him for both season-long and DFS plays.
Jimmy Graham vs. Saints
Jimmy Graham is a weird player for fantasy managers to figure out. He’s currently the TE8 on the season, with only one game with over five targets on the year. But he has four touchdowns in seven games, and Nick Foles always seems to look his way when the Bears enter the red zone. So I’ll be firing up Jimmy Graham in a great looking matchup. The Saints are giving up the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and their passing defense as a whole has been disappointing so far in 2020. This is also a revenge game for Graham against his former team. Even though Graham will need to find the end zone for fantasy managers to be happy with his day, he has a great chance to snag at least one touchdown.