This week, there are many great starting options across the league, and many of them under the radar. Orleans Darkwa and Robby Anderson should continue their proficient season’s, while rookie stud Christian McCaffrey will keep up the great start to his career. Learn more about them and other player’s with their advanced stats and metrics profiles.
Orleans Darkwa vs. San Francisco 49ers
The best way for the Giant’s to pick up their second win of the season this week is for them to copy the formula that got them their first win: heavy doses of Orleans Darkwa. In the Giant’s week six victory against the Broncos, New York attacked with power runs and slammed Darkwa between the tackles. Darkwa was able to turn in 130 yards off of 22 touches that night.
The 49ers have shown they are very vulnerable to power running attacks. Just last week the aging Adrian Peterson and the underwhelming Cardinals offensive line evidenced by a 57.7 (No. 23) Run Blocking Efficiency rating on PlayerProfiler, were able to turn in a big day against the 49ers. The Giants should be able to run as often as they want. The Giants offensive line is a sneaky great run blocking unit, earning a 107.5 (No. 4) Run Blocking Efficiency. Darkwa should grind his way into a productive fantasy outing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fDyfmcRYYg
Christian McCaffrey vs Miami Dolphins
Christian McCaffrey’s proficiency at catching the football is becoming too great to ignore. Only 9 games into career, and he’s already become arguably the best receiving back in the league. McCaffrey lead’s all running backs in Targets (72), Receptions (54), and is second among all backs with 406 receiving yards. Last week against Atlanta, he had a career high 20 touches and finished as the No. 6 running back in PPR league’s, his highest finish thus far this season.
Christian McCaffrey Advanced Statistics & Analytics Profile
The Dolphins have shown they are susceptible to pass catching backs this season. In week 7 against the Jets, New York’s duo of Matt Forte and Bilal Powell combined for 7 catches off 7 targets. McCaffrey is much more dynamic than either of those players, and seen by his metrics. Expect the electric rookie to keep rolling this week.
Jerick McKinnon vs. Washington
Jerick McKinnon has unleashed a wave of utter domination since being given a larger role in the Vikings backfield following Dalvin Cook’s torn ACL. The satellite back plus has finished as a top four PPR back in three of the last four weeks he’s played (Viking’s bye week 9). The fact that McKinnon is still flying under the mainstream fantasy radar is mind boggling. Fortunately, McKinnon is set up for another big day against Washington, and it should only help him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzAt8Mo4r70
Washington has shown signs of vulnerability against pass catching backs. Todd Gurley and Carlos Hyde both turned in good performances receiving against Washington earlier this year. McKinnon is a better pure receiver than both of the former two guys, averaging 5 receptions for 40 yards since Cook went down. McKinnon is the hottest running back in the league over the last month, starting him should be an easy decision.
Robby Anderson vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Robby Anderson’s hot streak should continue to roll against Tampa Bay this week. Anderson has been unstoppable as off late scoring touchdowns in three straight games. He has been extremely efficient in that span as well, converting 16 targets into 13 receptions. Across from him this week will be a Buccaneers defense that has allowed +9.87 (No. 1) Fantasy points above the mean to opposing wide receivers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC4J-EXN4a8
Buccaneers’ cornerback Vernon Hargreaves will have a long afternoon covering Anderson. The former No. 11 overall pick has struggled mightily in his second season. Hargreaves posts a -0.11 Coverage Rating (No. 57), and a cringe worthy 110.3 (No. 58) Passer Rating Allowed. Hargreaves also is overwhelmed in the height department, as his 5-10 frame is dwarfed by the 6-3 Anderson. Don’t be surprised when Anderson bullies Hargreaves all afternoon long.
Mohamed Sanu vs. Dallas Cowboys
Mohamed Sanu has been one of the best second fiddle’s in the NFL this season, and has a chance to truly shine against Dallas this week. Sanu brings his two game touchdown streak to a Cowboys defense that is allowing +5.17 (No. 5) fantasy points above the mean. Also working in Sanu’s favor is his matchup against Cowboys corner Anthony Brown.
Brown has struggled mightily this season, allowing a -0.11 (No. 58) Coverage Rating. Coincidentally, Sanu’s awesome 104.9 (No. 25) Passer Rating when Targeted is nearly identical to Brown’s unimpressive 105.3 (No. 54) Passer Rating Allowed. There’s no reason for Sanu to not dominate this matchup all game long.
JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. Indianapolis Colts
A recent shake up in the Colt’s defensive backfield will lead to a big day for JuJu Smith Schuster. After releasing Vontae Davis this week, the up and coming Rashaan Melvin now becomes the Colts top corner. Melvin has been the lone bright spot for an uninspiring Colts defense this year. Currently ranking as Player Profiler’s No. 11 Cornerback, Melvin has produced a +0.30 (No. 13) Coverage Rating and a 67.2 (No. 10) Passer Rating Allowed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSY6p5xqRHo
With numbers like that, the Colts would be foolish not to have Melvin follow Antonio Brown around for most of the game. This will leave JuJu Smith Schuster free to feast on what remains of a depleted Colts secondary. The Colts are simply out gunned in this match up, and Smith-Schuster should reap the rewards.
