By Jacob Johnson
@JacobJ_7
Love:
Phillip Lindsay– Denver has employed a duel back system to start the year between Royce Freeman and Lindsay, and to this point Lindsay has once again proven to be the more efficient back. He ran for his second 100+ yard rushing performance of the year and is averaging a healthy 4.7 YPC on the year. Lindsay will face a decent Titans run defense that ranks 14th in the league in yards given up on the ground per game, but Tennessee is giving up 4.55 YPC to running backs this year. Lindsay checks in as a solid RB2 for me this week with RB1 upside.
Lamar Jackson– No need to panic Jackson owners; it’s just one bad division rivalry game. Lamar Jackson was held in check on Sunday against the Steelers with three interceptions and one touchdown. But people forget Jackson is in just his 2nd year and faced a harsh road environment in Pittsburgh. This week the ravens will host the Bengals, who have been dreadful on both sides of the ball. Cincy is second to last in rushing yards given up per game, and 17th in passing yards. Dual threat quarterback Kyler Murray had his best rushing performance of the year last week against the Bengals, rushing 10 times for 93 yards and one touchdown, a good sign for the speedy Jackson. Biggest advice to Jackson owners: R-E-L-A-X and start Jackson this week.
Hate:
Odell Beckham Jr– The browns were dominated in every facet of Monday nights game against the Niners defense. While Beckham is still a generational talent, something is clearly wrong with this browns offense which is certainly leading to Beckham’s lack of production. Two straight weeks of single digit performances combined with one week scoring more than double digits in non ppr leagues on the year (week 2 vs the Jets) is not a good sign with the rolling Seattle Seahawks coming to Cleveland. Beckham’s production relies extremely heavily on how Baker Mayfield performs (duh), and to this point in the season Baker has not met expectations and it’s hurting Beckhams fantasy value. I wouldn’t go as far as outright benching Beckham because of the obvious upside he has, but he’s a flex with upside for me this week. If you have other starting options, benching Beckham may not be a bad idea.
Daniel Jones– The Danny dimes hype train was full steam after his big 34 point outing against the buccaneers a few weeks ago, but after that fantastic starting debut Jones hasn’t had an outstanding performance. Now, the rookie will head to New England for Thursday Night Football, likely without most of his top weapons in Evan Engram (sprained mcl) Sterling Shepard (concussion) and Wayne gallman (concussion). I don’t really need to go into more detail about a rookie quarterback without his first stringers playing Tom Brady and Bill Belichick at home on a short week, just find another quarterback for this week.
Photo courtesy of Jack Margaros