nDFS Position Coaches: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
Top Tier
Justin Herbert, LAC - Herbert gets the premium matchup this weekend as the Chargers face off against the Houston Texans. In Week 15 we saw Herbert finish with three total touchdowns against the Chiefs and while it wasn't his most efficient outing he still came through for his fantasy managers. Adding to the potential value for Herbert this week is actually the current Covid-19 status of Austin Ekeler. Though Ekeler is a major part of the team's passing attack, his possible absence may change the team's game plan when it comes to running the football against Houston and instead opt to lean more towards the teams passing offense while Justin Jackson and the running back depth works in some carries as a change of pace.
Patrick Mahomes, KC - So this recommendation obviously comes with some risk because as it stands right now BOTH Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill are in the leagues Covid-19 protocols. Pending on whether or not either player is vaccinated would dictate how soon they could return to the field. Now, this is an elite matchup for Mahomes who is starting to string together some strong performances but obviously if he is without his top two targets that makes things a bit more interesting. On the plus side, should both players be unable to go this weekend it does make stacking Mahomes with the likes of a Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Byron Pringle or Josh Gordon much more feasible given the salary costs of the receivers.
Mid Tier
Matthew Stafford, LAR - The Vikings pass defense has been brutal of late and now they have to work on stopping Stafford and the likes of Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr. and Van Jefferson? Stafford is the cover of this week's QB Coach for a reason as he is my top overall play at the position. There is enough value on the slate this week that stacking Stafford with Kupp is pretty easily accomplished in what should be a pretty high scoring affair.
Jalen Hurts, PHI - Hurts lit up the Washington Football Team in Week 15, completing nearly 77% of his passes for 296 yards and one touchdown while adding 38 yards rushing and two more scores. He has five rushing touchdowns over the last three weeks and has four games of 2+ rushing touchdowns this season. The Giants are just playing the season out at this point and while his passing can be frustrating at times this does feel like another good spot to use him and stack with someone like Dallas Goedert.
Tyler Huntley, BAL - Boasting a similar skillset to Lamar Jackson isn't a bad thing as we are finding out with Huntley as the Ravens current QB with Jackson out of the lineup has impressed in recent weeks after nearly pulling off victories against the Browns and Packers over the past two weeks with some solid come from behind play. Week 15 against the Packers was truly a showcase as he completed 70% of his throws for 215 yards and two touchdowns while adding 13 carries for 73 yards and two more scores. Huntley has completed 70+% of his passes in each of the last three games he has started which is something that Jackson had only achieved twice this season over 12 games.
Value Tier
Joe Burrow, CIN - Speaking of frustrating QB play, Joe Burrow has entered the chat. In Week 15 he managed just 157 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos despite completing 68.2% of his pass attempts. He was much better in Week 14 against the 49ers when he threw for 348 yards and two scores while completing 73.5% of his passes. The hope here is that the Ravens offense can keep scoring points which will force the pace of the Bengals here. Baltimore's defense is not good right now with their coach John Harbaugh essentially saying that their defense is why they have been going for the 2pt conversion at the end of games instead of risking overtime. Burrow has all the weapons he needs to blow up this defense with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and even Tyler Boyd recently becoming a playmaker once again in this offense.
Matt Ryan, ATL - IF there was ever a time to possibly consider Matt Ryan this may be the week as the Falcons face off against the Detroit Lions. We have seen Ryan connect with Russell Gage in recent weeks and Kyle Pitts is still capable of being an impact player. Add in the unique skill set of Cordarrelle Patterson and maybe there is a path to 250 yards and two touchdowns from Ryan here.
Fade
Josh Allen, BUF - Allen really didn't look good against the Panthers this past weekend even if he still managed to throw three touchdowns. Buffalo heads into New England with revenge on their mind after being embarrassed a few weeks back by the Patriots in a game that Buffalo lost with New England attempting just three pass attempts. The issue here is really Josh Allen and his record against Bill Belichick, now sure, Buffalo really struggled against Tom Brady lead Patriot teams but Allen himself has struggled against New England defenses, completing just 55.3% of his passes with eight touchdowns and six interceptions and two fumbles over six career games. This is a big test for Allen and he will be going into it without Emmanuel Sanders or Cole Beasley who are both out of the lineup this week.