Andrew Hedglen
Staff Writer
Nick Foles (Eagles QB) – Michael Vick’s hamstring pull was serious, and he won’t be ready for this week, which means Foles is the clear starter once again. What makes him a top-rate plug this week is his match-up against the Cowboys, who have given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Brandon Jacobs (Giants RB) – Jacobs exploded for 106 yards and two touchdowns in the Thursday night game as he looked like the Brandon Jacobs from 2009. Getting an extra long week to rest will be crucial for the 0-6 Giants as they play Monday night and haven’t played since Thursday. As long as Eli Manning keeps throwing interceptions, the Giants will want to pound the ball with Jacobs, as they have no better option due to injury. He’s only owned in 26 percent of leagues, as the Vikings have given up the most fantasy points to running backs.
Andre Ellington (Cardinals RB) – Ellington has scored over five fantasy points since week one and over eight points three times. He scored 15 last week, and he’s somehow only owned in 37 percent of leagues. He’s got a tough match-up this week against Seattle, but he plays around 30 snaps per game, which equals Rashard Mendenhall’s snap count. Play him if you need him. If not, certainly pick him up, as he is a valuable fantasy asset.
Aaron Dobson (Patriots WR) – Dobson played on more snaps this week, and had some more drops while catching six passes for 63 yards. With Amendola going down again, Dobson will have plenty of balls thrown his way. Antonio Cromartie will likely play Kenbrell Thompkins, leaving Dobson with man coverage against nobody special. Thompkins is already owned in 80 percent of leagues, but he will be nearly as good of a start if you need him, and he is only owned in 15 percent of leagues.
Jordan Reed (Redskins TE) – Reed is a sleeper, but is now playing the majority of the snaps at tight end for the Redskins. He’s had five or more fantasy points in three games so far, and draws on-field comparisons to Aaron Hernandez. Former NFL scout Louis Riddick calls Reed a “special weapon,” and he’s on the TE1 fantasy radar. Washington continues to have to throw while playing from behind, as should be the case at home against Chicago. The Bears give up the 16th-most fantasy points to tight ends.