We old fantasy football duffers were the original spreadsheet warriors, crunching numbers with pencil and paper while today’s kids are drafting from smartwatches on the school bus. But I tip my hat to the new generation of fantasy players, like my 13-year-old nephew, Chip. He and his father Charlie are faithful readers of this column and even gave me a little bit of credit for helping Chip win his league two years ago with a perfectly named team, the Yangicks. What’s a Yangick you ask? It’s a New York trifecta of Yankees, Giants and Knicks. That’s one clever kid. This year he’s rolling with the name Chippers, and the inspiration is obvious. But no matter what name he’s flying under, Chip’s a gamer, and a champ in my book!
GIDDY UP!
QB Bo Nix at Bengals — The Bengals’ D is as fierce as a declawed housecat. They gave up three TD passes to Trevor Lawrence and two to the ancient Carson Wentz (who’s now eligible for AARP) the last couple of games. Nix is better than both those guys and should enjoy a multiple TD output at home.
QB Caleb Williams at Raiders — There’s “hot” and then there’s Caleb Williams “hot.” He hasn’t had a bad game yet (26, 23, 37 fantasy points) and his momentum won’t stop against a Raiders secondary giving up a 70% completion rate with just one interception. Expect another high-octane showing from Caleb the Conqueror.
RB James Cook vs. Saints — New Orleans brings the flavor with their gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish étouffée, but Cook brings the heat with old fashioned Buffalo wings, celery and bleu cheese (never ranch — we’re not heathens). James will feast on Nawlins like the po’boys they are.
RB Chuba Hubbard at Patriots — Carolina beat up on the Falcons last week, 30-0, but they barely put up 200 yards in the process. For the offensively challenged Panthers, it’s time to feed the not-flashy-but-functional Hubbard to grind out a win in New England.
WR Brian Thomas Jr. at 49ers — Thomas has stunk up the joint with just seven receptions in three games. But the 49ers have little to no pass rush with Nick Bosa out for the year. Bounce back on the Bay for Thomas.
WR Tyreek Hill vs. Jets — Race ya to the basement! In the battle for last in the AFC East, the winless Jets and ‘Fins risk ostracizing their fan base for the rest of 2025. Hill is not the problem for the Dolphins. He’s the lone big fish (uh, mammal) in Miami’s tank.
TE Jake Ferguson vs. Packers — With CeeDee Lamb out, target magnet Ferguson will grate the Cheese in Wisconsin. It’s gonna be gouda.
WHOA DOWN!
QB Daniel Jones at Rams — Danny Dimes’ TD totals have gone down every game (3, 2, 1). Does he zero out this week? Los Angeles is a long way from the comforts of Lucas Oil Stadium’s dome.
QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Vikings (in Dublin) — The 41-year-old Rodgers should be vacationing in Ireland, not being chased around the Emerald Isle by the Pillage People (aka the Vikings). If you start him, have a shot of Jameson whiskey and a pint of Guinness close at hand. You’ll need it.
RB Chase Brown at Broncos — The Broncos can be run on. Jonathan Taylor put up 165 yards in Week 2. But the Bengals fall so far behind they abandon the run. Chase had just 10 carries last week.
RB Jeremy McNichols at Falcons — McNichol’s tackle-busting 60-yard TD run was reminiscent of Earl Campbell in his prime. But don’t let one highlight reel cloud your reality. He’s still third on the Commanders depth chart. Not enough volume to start him against a very solid Falcons D.
WR Calvin Ridley at Texans — Woulda, coulda, shoulda. That’s Ridley’s story. He woulda had 21 receptions this season if he coulda caught balls that sailed five feet over his head. Cam Ward shoulda passed better because Ridley has but eight catches all year.
WR Ladd McConkey at Giants — The wunderkind last year, Ladd has struggled with just 163 yards and no TDs as the third wheel in the Chargers arsenal. Unless he scores a TD (the G-Men have allowed just three), I see no spark in this Charger.
TE Travis Kelce vs. Ravens — Too much canoodling with Taylor Swift? As Mickey from the Rocky movies would say, “Women weaken legs!” Averaging just 44 yards per game, I think Mickey nailed it.
Thursday Night Special: Sam Darnold has the Seahawks soaring, while the Cardinals will have to navigate how to fly without James Conner. In a battle of bird brains, give me the predator over the pecker. Seahawks 24, Cardinals 17
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com. Catch Bill every Wednesday night at 6:15 on “This Week in Pro Football” on YouTube TV.
