Kyler Murray, Cardinals ($8,400) vs. Seattle
Murray’s play as a passer hasn’t inspired confidence. He’s just 20th in Pro Football Focus’ passing grades. He’s 19th in adjusted completion rate; 14th in on-target % (per Pro Football Reference).
Of course, he’s dominated with his legs. Murray leads all QBs with 51 carries, 370 yards and 6 scores. And that’s what makes me confident spending up here. Oh — and so does a matchup with the Seahawks. They’ve surrendered the 2nd most fantasy points to enemy QBs and seem likely to remain without S Jamal Adams.
Also consider: Deshaun Watson
Alvin Kamara, Saints ($9,300) vs. Carolina
Kamara’s not cheap, but we’ll find savings later at TE. You have to love his upside this week — fresh off a bye — against a Carolina run D that’s already allowed 3 RBs to reach 90 rushing yards.
With Michael Thomas looking doubtful, this offense should again flow through Kamara.
Kareem Hunt, Browns ($7,100) at Cincinnati
Hunt and Nick Chubb combined for 32 carries, 210 yards and 3 scores against the Bengals back in Week 2. With Chubb out, Hunt could feasibly reach 25 touches in a game that should stay close. (The Browns are installed as 3-point favorites.)
Especially with Austin Hooper out and Jarvis Landry banged up, look for Cleveland to ride the run with Hunt.
Also consider: Josh Kelley (if Justin Jackson sits), Gio Bernard
Julio Jones, Falcons ($8,300) vs. Detroit
Last week, Jones returned from a hamstring injury with a bang: 8 catches, 137 yards and 2 scores. It’s the 2nd time in 4 appearances he’s reached 130 yards.
That came in a sweet matchup against Minnesota. But he gets another favorable draw this week against a Lions D missing CB Desmond Trufant. Rookie top pick Jeffrey Okudah brings name value, but he’s struggled mightily early on. Per Pro Football Focus, he’s allowed 2.35 yards per route covered — 3rd most among CBs.
It’s another eruption spot for Jones.
Keenan Allen, Chargers ($7,000) vs. Jacksonville
Allen battled back spasms the last time we saw him, but he looks to be over the issue. Coming off a bye, he didn’t miss any practice time this week.
He draws an excellent Week 7 matchup against the Jags and Tre Herndon, one of PFF’s lowest graded slot CBs. Also enticing: In 3 healthy games alongside Justin Herbert, Allen’s tallied 7 catches, 13 catches and 8 catches.
Brandin Cooks, Texans ($5,900) at Green Bay
Cooks’ last 2 games have produced 21 targets, 17 catches, 229 yards and 2 scores. Now comes a likely shootout against Green Bay. The Packers are solid in the secondary, but they’re expected to be without CB Kevin King and S Darnell Savage due to injuries.
If fed another 8+ targets, Cooks will be positioned to deliver at his $5.9K price tag.
Also consider: Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Tyler Lockett, Jamison Crowder
Darren Fells, Texans ($5,300) at Green Bay
Fells is in play for me, assuming Jordan Akins remains out. You know about the high game total in Texans-Packers (57). As 3.5-point underdogs, I expect high pass volume out of Deshaun Watson once again.
Fells has capitalized recently with lines of 2-57-1 and 6-85-1. Over the past 2 weeks, only 9 TEs have run more routes than the Texan. That type of activity will give him a solid shot at paying off a cheap salary.
Also consider: Hunter Henry (if you don't want to stomach Fells' more volitile outlook)
Washington ($3,800) vs. Dallas
LA Chargers ($4,500) vs. Jacksonville