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It was an inconsistent Week 10 as Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers put up a decent performance, but was underwhelming overall. There were two big whiffs as Packers tight end Jimmy Graham was invisible in a great match-up against the Dolphins and the Jets defense decided not to show up against the Bills. However, Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky absolutely smashed against the Lions and was the perfect tournament option this past week. As we always do, time to turn the page and focus on the week ahead.
Quarterbacks
Cash Game Option:
Philadelphia Eagles Carson Wentz ($12,000) – Since Week 4, Wentz has not scored less than 22.70 FantasyDraft points and has thrown at least two touchdowns in every game during that span. The Eagles now take on the Saints in a game that has an over/under of 54.5 and a defense that ranks 28th in pass defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders. The Eagles are also 7.5 point underdogs so if the game goes like Vegas thinks it will, Wentz should be throwing a lot. There are a lot of ways to go at the quarterback position this week, but I think Wentz provides a stable floor that is needed in cash games at a solid price point.
Tournament Option:
Indianapolis Colts Andrew Luck ($11,000) – Luck ranks second in touchdown passes in the NFL and has thrown four touchdowns in three of the last six games yet is the 12th highest priced quarterback in Week 11. The Colts have a difficult match-up against the Titans as they rank 11th in defensive DVOA, but only 18th against the pass. The game environment is a good one as it will be played in Indy and Vegas taps this game with a healthy over/under of 49. The Colts also have an implied team total of 25. Early indications show Luck won’t have any ownership which is great news in large field tournaments. Stacking Luck with wide receiver T.Y. Hilton seems like a good route and even tight end Eric Ebron could be successful as the veteran continues to score touchdowns.
Tight Ends
Cash Game Option:
Carolina Panthers Greg Olsen ($9,400) – If not paying up for Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, Olsen is a nice fallback option. The veteran tight end has caught a touchdown pass in three of the last four games and has finished with at least 40 receiving yards in four of the last five games. The Panthers take on a Lions defense that ranks 30th against the tight end position this season and Carolina has a healthy implied team total of 27.25 which checks in as the second highest this week. Olsen should be a safe pick at a position that is extremely frustrating.
Tournament Option:
Washington Redskins Jordan Reed ($7,400) – I recommended Reed last week and despite putting up a solid stat line of four catches for 51 yards, the tight end’s price dropped $600. Reed has caught at least four passes in three straight games, but hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1. The Redskins take on a Texans defense that ranks 31st against the tight end position. In Week 9 against the Broncos, the Texans allowed 11 receptions to tight ends. There won’t be a better match-up for Reed and the Redskins. I still think Reed has elite level talent despite the sluggish season and he is primed to have a game in which he scores multiple touchdowns. This could be the week and I hope the coaching staff realizes the weakness of the Texans and exploit it.
Defenses
Arizona Cardinals ($6,000) – The Cardinals take on a Raiders team who may have already given up on the season. The Raiders are dealing with a ton of injuries and it appears they will be without two wide receivers in Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant. The offense also has the worst team implied total of the week at only 18.5 points. The Cardinals defense likes to get to the quarterback as they rank sixth in the league with 29 sacks and the Raiders like to allow sacks as they have given up the eighth most sacks. This is what we like to see when we are trying to target a defense and the price point is solid as well.