Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Start ‘Em
Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams: Cooper’s wrist injury is behind him, and weather will be far more conducive for passing success this week inside the open-air dome the Rams call home. Since Week 7, when the veteran produced 66 yards and a touchdown on his four grabs, an injured Cooper had no more than 55 yards in any of the three outings, totaling a lineup-killing six catches for 70 total yards. The Bills boast a quality pass defense, so it’s unlikely the Rams hoist a large number early, but that doesn’t mean Buffalo won’t be aggressive. The Rams have allowed big plays to the position of late, yielding the second-most PPR points per touch, fifth-highest yards-per-reception average (15.5), and a touchdown every seven catches — the highest rate in football since Week 8.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons: The second-year pro was trending in the right direction coming out of the midway point of the season, registering a TD in Week 9 — his first since Minnesota’s fourth game of the year. That decent outing was followed up with a 2-25-0 line on five looks. Addison shrugged it off by bouncing back with 15.1 and 30.2 PPR points over the next two games, respectively, before returning to mediocrity (9.4) last week. The matchup ahead is evenly distributed as one of the best of the week. Over the last five games, Atlanta has ceded the fourth-most catches, eighth-most yards, second-most PPR points, and a TD grab at the fifth-highest frequency in relation to receptions allowed. With all eyes on Justin Jefferson, coupled with a difficult matchup on the ground for Minnesota, Addison is poised for another strong display.
Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sit ‘Em
Garrett Wilson, New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: From Week 5 to Week 9, Wilson was one of the hottest things going at the position, racking up 24-plus points three times and at least 11.1 points in the other two appearances. Since, he has 9.1 points bookending a 5.8-pointer in Week 11 before the Jets’ bye. His target tally has increased in consecutive games without it translating to an uptick in production — all while receiving mate Davante Adams‘ production has improved. Miami certainly could (probably will) put New York in a negative game script earlier than not, but it shouldn’t matter. Aaron Rodgers is a shell of his former self, the injured-weakened running game isn’t likely to keep defenders honest, and WRs have been thoroughly owned by the Dolphins in 2024. This is the worst matchup on the year and 10th-toughest in the last five games.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles: Not too many gamers are starting the rookie on a weekly basis, but having six bye teams may compel you to give him a whirl. Legette faces a defense that has permitted a mere two touchdowns over the last 50 catches by wideouts, and the matchup is the toughest since Week 8. Carolina has shown some life on this side of the ball of late, and Legette has remained rather consistent with either three or four catches and between 33 and 56 yards in each of the last five games. However, failing to top 9.6 PPR points in three straight outings indicates too little upside to chance it in the face of a damning matchup.
