Value pick here. A week off and a good matchup for Levis has me optimistic.
Running Backs
Rachaad White vs. Saints – $7,900
White has scored double-digit fantasy points in 10 straight games and the Saints are 25th in the league in rushing defense.
James Cook vs. Patriots – $7,600
Despite a juicy matchup, Cook is affordable, likely because his poor performance last week. New OC Joe Brady has done wonders for the dynamic young RB.
Zamir White @ Colts – $6,100
Jacobs is currently doubtful for the game and White is coming off a 145 yard rushing game.
Wide Receivers
Stefon Diggs vs. Patriots – $7,600
In 8 career games against New England he has 7 TD’s and he has to bust out of this slump at some point.
Brandon Aiyuk @ Commanders – $7,500
Washington is 31st in passing defense and Purdy will be looking to make everyone forget about last week.
Zay Flowers vs. Dolphins – $6,300
He’s scored at least 17 fantasy points in 3 out of his last 4 games and is Lamar’s #1 option.
Tight Ends
Trey McBride @ Eagles – $6,800
Philadelphia is 27th in passing defense and McBride’s target share is massive.
Dalton Schultz vs. Titans – $6,200
11 targets last week and Stroud is back.
Isaiah Likely vs. Dolphins – $6,000
Despite a subpar matchup, he’s been a major factor in the Ravens offense the past three weeks.
Defense
Bills vs. Patriots – $4,900
The second priciest defense this week but the difference between the others is minimal. Plus you know they’ll be going all out for a playoff spot in front of their home crowd.
Colts vs. Raiders – $4,000
Las Vegas is the 29th ranked offense and the Colts had strung together some nice games before last week’s loss to Atlanta.
Raiders @ Colts – $3,900
4 defensive touchdowns in the past two weeks. Interim coach Antonio Pierce has this team inspired.
What a way to start the week! 84 points scored in a battle of back up QB’s, raise your hand if you saw that coming. Now put your hand down because we all know you’re lying.
Is Austin Ekeler near the end or does he just need a change of scenery?
Zamir White filled in admirably for the injured Josh Jacobs.
Vikings vs. Bengals
And down goes Chase. Will the clock strike midnight on Jake Browning’s Cinderella story without his dynamic WR?
Chase Brown is the future at RB in Cinci, I’m avoiding Mixon next year unless he’s moved.
Ty Chandler had a strong game filling in for the injured Alexander Mattison.
Steelers vs. Colts
The Mitchell Trubisky experience is over in Pittsburgh, how will Mason Rudolph fare? Not much better if you ask me, but at least his name is more festive.
What will George Pickens’ value be next season? He burned me this year so I’m staying away.
Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson stepped up big time for the injured Zack Moss.
Lions vs. Broncos
Jahmyr Gibbs is electric. He reminds me of prime Kamara. Detroit’s offense is young and dangerous.
Goff rebounded in a big way from last week with 5 touchdown passes.
Jerry Jeudy and Javonte Williams have been major disappointments this year.
Bears vs. Browns
Chicago’s backfield is a mess, avoid at all costs
Njoku is one of the hottest players in the league right now.
The Browns defense played great again and face a Texans team that may be without Stroud this week.
Buccaneers vs. Packers
This will be a great trivia question, who is the only visiting QB to have a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field? Baker Mayfield!
Mike Evans rebounded nicely and Godwin dominated.
Jordan Love has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.
Texans vs. Titans
Derrick Henry laid an absolute egg in the fantasy playoffs. Will a change of scenery breath some life into him or is there just too much tread on the tires?
Devin Singletary had 26 carries to Dameon Pierce’s 1. WYD DeMeco!?
In the midst of a playoff push, the Texans offense has lost Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and C.J. Stroud. Ouch.
Dolphins vs. Jets
Jaylen Waddle finally got to shine with Tyreek missing his first game this year.
Zach Wilson got benched, again. Stay home Rodgers, it’s a mess.
I still like Breece Hall’s talent. I’m thinking I can draft him at a discount next year.
Chiefs vs. Patriots
Rashee Rice is officially a WR1.
Patrick Mahomes threw for over 300 yards, it’s about time.
Zappe was unable to build off his prime time win over the Steelers last week.
Giants vs. Saints
Saquan Barkley might have very well lost you your playoff matchup.
The Giants sure could use a dynamic receiver.
No Chris Olave and Taysom Hill does nothing.
Falcons vs. Panthers
Arthur Smith is the bane of my existence. #FREEBIJAN
The Panthers really need to get Bryce some weapons.
16 total points. Who took the under?
Commanders vs. Rams
Gunslinger Sam Howell got benched.
Scary Terry lived up to his name with 141 and a TD.
Kyren and Cooper got theirs again. Is Kyren a top 3 pick next year?
49ers vs. Cardinals
Deebo Samuel is red hot.
3 more TD’s from CMC, talk about a league-winner.
I’m targeting Trey McBride next year, he’s been so consistent.
Cowboys vs. Bills
Well, looks like Dak’s MVP campaign is over. What an embarrassment for Dallas.
James Cook’s huge day would not have been possible if the Bills didn’t fire Ken Dorsey.
I think there’s beef between Josh and Diggs. I see a trade on the horizon.
Jaguars vs. Ravens
It’s between Lamar and Purdy for MVP at this point. Lamar continued his impressive and consistent fantasy streak.
Travis Etienne has really fallen off in the second half of the season.
Isaiah Likely has filled in admirably for the injured Mark Andrews.
Eagles vs Seahawks
Definitely not the flu game Philly was hoping for. 3 straight losses for the birds.
Last second substitution Drew Lock led the Seahawks on a game-winning drive.
Metcalf, Lockett, and JSN are the leagues best trio if you ask me.
Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Christian McCaffery, Cooper Kupp, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Nick Chubb, Saquon Barkley or Davante Adams
Austin Ekeler’s usage over the past few years has me nervous about his injury risk.
I’m passing up Bijan Robinson this year despite his upside because I’m skeptical of how the Atlanta offense will perform.
2nd Round Targets
Derrick Henry, Stefon Diggs, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, or Garrett Wilson
If it’s a PPR league I’m probably taking the receivers listed over Henry, depending on how the draft is shaping up.
I love Garrett Wilson’s upside but for this year at least I’m going with the more proven, veteran receivers until I see the Jets offense with Aaron Rodgers in action.
Jonathan Taylor is still a top 5 overall talent in my opinion but until the trade request situation is resolved, he’s too difficult to project to draft this early.
3rd Round Targets
Travis Etienne Jr., Chris Olave, Jahmyr Gibbs, Najee Harris, or Deebo Samuel
I’m a big believer in Etienne’s development in addition to the entire Jacksonville offense.
Najee Harris was a flat out disappointment last year but I’m banking on quarterback Kenny Pickett improving and elevating the entire Pittsburgh offense with him, giving Harris more opportunities and more room to run.
4th Round Targets
Mark Andrews, Calvin Ridley, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Breece Hall
This is when I like to target an elite tight end or quarterback, again depending on how the draft is shaping up.
There are plenty of high upside quarterbacks available later in this year’s draft so unless Mahomes or Allen fall in my lap at the right spot, I’m waiting on the position until later.
Breece Hall will be a top 5 overall fantasy pick for years to come. What he showed last year was incredible but this year I’m a bit nervous with him coming off injury, the team signing Dalvin Cook, and what the Jets offense will look like.
I would definitely target Hall if I was in a dynasty league.
5th Round Targets
Jerry Jeudy, T.J. Hockenson, Amari Cooper, Kenneth Walker III, or D.J. Moore
I was a fan of receiver Jerry Jeudy coming out of Alabama and he put up a nice stat line last year despite quarterback Russell Wilson floundering. I don’t think there’s any way Wilson plays that poorly again and with head coach Sean Payton in town I think Jeudy finishes 2023 as a WR1.
D.J. Moore has always had the talent but many believe his quarterbacks have been holding him back. I’m buying into the hype surrounding Bears quarterback Justin Fields’ improvement this offseason and I’m intrigued as to what Moore can do this year.
6th Round Targets
Justin Fields, Justin Herbert, Alvin Kamara, Darren Waller, or James Connor
There’s a good chance that Fields is gone at this point in your draft but if he’s around I’m taking him without hesitation.
Coaching is holding back the Chargers and Justin Herbert. He has all the talent and weapons galore on offense. I think this is great value at this spot and Herbert reminds everyone he’s still among the league’s best at his position when it’s all said and done.
Alvin Kamara is a risky pick here because of his decline in production last year combined with his age and 3-game suspension. With that being said, I wouldn’t be shocked if he looked more like the Kamara from years prior with Derek Carr as his new quarterback.
One of my biggest sleepers this season; I think the move to New York does Darren Waller wonders and he finishes 2023 as a top-5 tight end.
7th Round Targets
James Cook, J.K. Dobbins, Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Pitts, or Javonte Williams
I love J.K. Dobbins’ talent, but his health and the threat of Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards eating into his touches have me wary.
Most people are steering clear of Kyle Pitts because of his failure to live up to expectations in his first two seasons in the league. He is too talented to stay down long and I’m gambling on a breakout year.
8th Round Targets
San Francisco 49ers’ Defense, George Pickens, A.J. Dillon, Michael Pittman Jr., D’Andre Swift, or Pat Freiermuth
This is about the earliest I ever take a team defense and only one of the top 3 projected ones at that. The 49er’s have done it a few years in a row now so they’re my top pick this season.
Steelers receiver George Pickens’ chemistry with Kenny Pickett is undeniable and I see a breakout season on the horizon.
D’Andre Smith never saw as many touches as we all anticipated in Detroit. Now in a crowded running back group in Philadelphia that risk still remains. But the upside is tantalizing so I’m taking a risk on him.
9th Round Targets
Philadelphia Eagles Team Defense, Buffalo Bills Team Defense, or Dallas Cowboys Team Defense
This is a good time to start thinking about your starting defense.
One of my favorite draft strategies is to take a solid backup defense early since I like to swap them in when my primary defense has a tough matchup.
10th Round Targets
Jamaal Williams, Khalil Herbert, Evan Engram, or New England Patriots Team Defense
If you haven’t drafted a tight end by this point in the draft, the drop off after Engram here is significant.
Barring a last minute signing, it looks like Jamaal Williams will fill in for Alvin Kamara for the first three games of the season while Kamara serves his suspension. He’ll return to a backup role after that but the added value during those first three weeks have me sold.
11th Round Targets
Jahan Dotson, Rashaad Penny, David Njoku, or Cole Kmet
Who knows how the running back position will play out in Philadelphia, but Rashaad Penny is capable of putting up RB1 numbers when healthy and given the opportunity.
If you waited to take a tight end and ended up drafting a fringe starter, I like to invest in a solid backup like David Njoku or Cole Kmet.
12th Round Targets
Tua Tagovailoa, Treylon Burks, Jordan Addison, or Zay Flowers
At this point in the draft I take my biggest risks, taking fliers on young players with upside.
I’m not big on drafting a backup quarterback, but if that’s your style, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is being drafted as a backup but has starter talent and opportunity.
13th Round Targets
Justin Tucker, Ezekiel Elliott, Elijah Moore, or Elijah Mitchell
This is the earliest I would ever take a kicker and only for Justin Tucker, but he’s probably already gone at this point.
Running backs Ezekiel Elliott with the Patriots and Elijah Mitchell with the 49ers are solid depth pieces. They become valuable if Rhamondre Stevenson or Christian McCaffery get hurt, which is entirely possible if not likely at some point this season.
14th Round Targets
Evan McPherson, Daniel Carlson, Younghoe Koo, Tyler Bass, or Harrison Butker
This is a nice spot to take a top-tier kicker since most people wait until the final round.
15th Round Targets
Miami Dolphins Team Defense, Quentin Johnston, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jeff Wilson Jr., or Jameson Williams
Lions receiver Jameson Williams is a luxury to keep on your bench for the first 6 weeks of the season due to his suspension but if your wide receivers are shaky, he’s an excellent draft and stash option.
Jeff Wilson Jr. is slated as the starter in Miami but rumor has it they’re interested in Jonathan Taylor after losing out on Dalvin Cook.
StraightSports 