I had the pleasure of meeting Josh Meyers, the sports editor at The Daily Targum, Rutgers University’s student newspaper. A talented Journalism major, I’ve read some of his work and the kid’s got guts and gumption. He doesn’t sugarcoat that the Scarlet Knights padded their early football schedule with the likes of Akron and Howard, going 4-0 in the process. But a defense that “couldn’t stop a nosebleed” has been “ripped to shreds” since by the big boys of Nebraska, Wisconsin, UCLA and USC. Rutgers now sits at 4-4. Josh plans to be the beat writer for a major professional sports franchise. A Jersey guy, and I was surprised to learn he’s a Philadelphia sports fan. I guess that explains his gumption. Best of luck down the road, Josh. I’m sure we will all be reading your stuff in the very near future.
GIDDY UP!
QB Joe Burrow (vs. Ravens) — Death, taxes and start your QBs against the Ravens’ league-worst pass defense, who give up over 300 passing yards per game. Pick up TE Gesicki and start him too.
QB Russell Wilson (at Commanders) — Wilson has been very sharp in his short stint for the Steelers. If Daniel Jones can drop 30 fantasy points on the Commanders, Wilson can get 25.
RB De’Von Achane (at Rams) — With Tua Tagovailoa back at QB, defenses must honor both the run and the pass, opening lanes for the speedy Achane. Look for a lot of his damage through the air.
RB Breece Hall (at Cards) — The ultimate trap game awaits the Jets in the desert. Best to hand off 20 times to Hall, who’s averaging almost five yards per carry, and let Rodgers pick his spots.
WR Amari Cooper (at Colts) — Rookie WR Keon Coleman (wrist, check status) might miss the game, putting the emphasis on Cooper to prove the Bills were right to trade for him.
WR Mason Tipton (vs. Falcons) — A long shot? Most definitely. But if Chris Olave (concussion, check status) is out, Yale graduate Tipton stands to benefit in PPR formats. A 7/65 day nets you 13.5 points.
TE T.J. Hockenson (at Jaguars) — QB Sam Darnold will get the recently activated Hockenson more involved this week against the inferior Jaguars secondary. Expect a TD for T.J. as well.
WHOA DOWN!
QB Joe Flacco (vs. Bills) — Minnesota punished Jersey Joe last week with constant blitzing (3 sacks, 1 INT). The Bills rarely if ever blitz, but to get to the leaden feet of Flacco they won’t have to.
QB C.J. Stroud (vs. Lions) — Stroud has been awful without his stud wideouts. Stefon Diggs is done for the year, and Nico Collins (hamstring, IR) might not return just yet. If you have other QB options, go for it.
RB Christian McCaffrey (at Buccaneers) — Whether marriage, business or fantasy football, the first rule of success is patience. Start CMC (check status) next week. Achilles injuries are not to be trifled with.
RB Tony Pollard (at Chargers) — Pollard has been red-hot (271 total yards the last two games) but the Chargers allow just 80 rushing yards per game and just one TD run all year.
WR CeeDee Lamb (vs. Eagles) — Backup QB Cooper Rush’s last meaningful game was in 2022 against these Eagles. He threw for 181 yards, three INTs and one TD. Sounds about right. Expect little from Lamb.
WR Quentin Johnston (vs. Titans) — Fantasy owners vacillate with Johnston like dogs at a whistle convention. When he’s not scoring 22-25 points, Q-Tip has three games of six points or less. This is one of those “less” weeks.
TE Sam LaPorta (at Texans) — You’re not sitting Sammy, but the Texans have yet to yield more than 41 yards to any TE, and they’ve faced some good ones in Kincaid, Kmet, Henry and Tucker.
Thursday Night Special: Will Burrow be able to keep pace with Lamar? Even with Baltimore’s leaky secondary, that’s a tall order. As bad as the Ravens’ defense has been, the Bengals’ has been worse. Baltimore covered the spread in five straight games against Cincy. Take the Ravens and the over. Ravens 34, Bengals 24
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com. Catch Bill every Thursday night at 6:45 on “This Week in Pro Football” on YouTube TV.
