WR Jordan Matthews, Eagles (11%) – I’ve had Matthews on this list for most of the season and have been predicting 2nd half fantasy value. Matthews got 11 targets last week and with teams focusing on Jeremy Maclin, the Foles / Ertz connection not clicking, and a struggling run game… The opportunity is there for the rookie to have a huge 2nd half. Get him now before he has another big game and gets expensive.
WR Davante Adams, Packers (14%) – He’s had 8 or more targets in two of the last three games and TDs in two of the last four. More importantly, Adams played all but 3 offensive snaps last week and has the WR3 slot locked down in GB. Adams is a decent FLEX play in deeper leagues right now, but should Jordy or Cobb get hurt his value would skyrocket.
RB Bobby Rainey, Bucs (25%) – I didn’t mention Doug Martin’s injury in the intro because he shouldn’t be starting anyway. Rainey has outplayed him this season with 4.6 ypc average compared to a paltry 2.9 from Martin. With Martin out, Rainey should get the start, but the potential return of rookie RB Charles Sims tempers my enthusiasm for Rainey’s fantasy impact. He’s an alright bye week fill-in, but I’m not starting him until I see how many snaps Sims gets in week 9.
WR John Brown, Cards (10%) – Over the last five games Brown is averaging 6 targets per and has scored 3 TDs. The Cardinals like to throw the deep ball and Brown has surpassed Michael Floyd as Carson Palmer’s preferred deep option. This week Cards HC Bruce Arians compared Brown to Marvin Harrison, so it’s clear they are high on Brown and will continue to get him touches.
WR Martavis Bryant, Steelers (8%) – Has averaged 6 targets per game since getting a chance to play in week 7 and has scored 3 TDs in just two games. I don’t think the TDs will continue, but Bryant is the Steelers best deep threat and Roethlisberger hasn’t been shy about airing it out this season. I woudn’t start Bryant quite yet but he’s worth a roster spot. Get him now because he will be expensive if he scores again this week.
RB Jonas Gray, Pats (6%) – I normally preach avoidance of any Pats RB, but Gray seems to have the Pats “big-back” job locked down until he fumbles at least. Gray was solid (5.1 ypc) in week 8 and should have the job in week 9, but you never know with Bill Belichick.