Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins (MIN) – My top QB on this slate. The Saints run defense has been solid whereas their pass defense has been getting better, but it’s still a weak spot.
Drew Brees (NO) – Brees is always in play and I like him to bounce back somewhat after a poor showing last week. Expect a productive, efficient day out of Brees, even if he doesn’t have the same volume that Cousins does.
Running Backs
James White (NE) – I love White in this spot with a banged up Michel. Even if Michel goes, White has seen enough volume in the passing game for me to feel comfortable rostering him in all formats.
Mark Ingram (NO) – With a substantial discount from Kamara, Ingram is where I would lean in this spot even in a tough matchup with the Vikings.
Alvin Kamara (NO) – Even though I prefer Ingram, there’s no way you can ignore some Kamara exposure in tournaments, especially paired up with Brees.
Wide Receivers
Adam Thielen (MIN) – You’re paying for Thielen if you roster him, but he’s been as sure of a thing that we’ve had in the league this season. His consistency at the receiver position has been unparalleled and he walks into a great matchup here.
Michael Thomas (NO) – Thomas’ target share is insane and his talent is off the charts. He’s discounted a great deal compared to what you’ll have to pay to get Thielen and the matchup against that loser Xavier Rhodes (Florida State) doesn’t bother me.
Stefon Diggs (MIN) – Diggs has seen double-digit targets in five of his last six games and his salary is the lowest it’s been since week two and week three on FD and DK respectively. Marshon Lattimore, who may be on Diggs for the majority of this game, has regressed a ton since last season making this a matchup I’m not afraid to go after.
Tre’Quan Smith (NO) – I love the upside of Tre’Quan with his big-play ability and the increased role he’s expected to see with Ted Ginn injured.
Josh Gordon (NE) – Gordon is probable and I’d expect him to be a factor here early on in the game. He draws a very tough matchup with Tredavious White, but we’ve seen that Gordon can hold his own with some of the best corners in the league. His targets have been going up as he’s become more acclimated to the offense with nine and seven targets over the last two weeks respectively.
Zay Jones (BUF) – Ideally Buffalo will be trailing early in this game and will have to air the ball out. Because Kelvin Benjamin sucks (Florida State), expect Jones to see some looks.
Tight Ends
Rob Gronkowski (NE) – Gronk is questionable but I expect him too play. He returns to his hometown where he’s killed the Bills over his last three games in Buffalo.
Ben Watson (NO) – He’s seen 10 targets in his last two weeks and is a viable salary saving option.
Kyle Rudolph (MIN) – Rudolph has seen at least four targets in every game since week 2 and should get some red-zone looks here.
Defense
Patriots
Vikings
My Core
Cousins – Ingram – Thielen – Patriots defense
