In a year full of inconsistency at the receiver position, no one has been more up and down than DeVonta Smith. From highs of 20 points to astounding lows of 0.8 (all scoring is point per reception), he’s had problems building trust with fantasy owners. Coming off another low point performance in his team’s blowout win against the Cowboys, it’s easy to doubt Smith. After all, he’s a number two receiver in a low volume pass attack that relies heavily on the legs of running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles have become a run first team, and it’s been working. This week however, fortunes might turn for him. The Eagles will play division rival Washington this week, opening the door for a big game for a number of reasons. First, even before they were good, Washington has always played the Eagles tough, so expect a shootout and therefore more passes thrown by Philadelphia. Second, expect double teams on fellow Eagles receiver AJ Brown on the short week, opening up the field for Smith. Finally, Smitty has averaged seven catches a game versus Washington in their last four meetings. Expect a get back on track game for DeVonta Smith in this spot.

With a spectacular game against the Saints this past Sunday, Falcon’s star running back, Bijan Robinson, has proven why he has acquired the status as a top five running back in the League. In New Orleans, Robinson contributed more than what was expected on the ground, rushing for 116 yards, picking up two touchdowns in the meantime. Even though they lost, It’s tough to say that Robinson didn’t play his role. This week, they are going against the 20th ranked team in the league, the Denver Broncos, and if Robinson can continue to be as consistent and aggressive as he has been all season, then Denver better prepare their rush defense. 

I’m starting Rashod Bateman because of his recent performances in divisional games. In both games versus Cincinnati, Bateman had over 15 fantasy points. He dominated opposing corners opposite of Baltimore’s number one receiver Zay Flowers. He put together 112 yards and two touchdowns in those two games. Being the number two in an offense is a good thing for Bateman here as he faces, possibly, a backup corner with the status of cornerback Donte Jackson up in the air for Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh, because of a hamstring injury. Bateman, so far, is having a career year. He is now just 14 yards away from career high in receiving yards. I expect high volume from Bateman as Lamar looks away from throwing toward corner Joey Porter Jr.

It’s been a rough season for the high expectation Bears this year. The one (somewhat) redeemable piece so far for fantasy owners has been Swift’s mid-season turnaround from unplayable to an above average flex in most leagues. But, like the entire Bears’ offense, Swift is starting to regress. After firing their offensive coordinator earlier this week, it’s safe to say the Bears offense is in disarray. Against a rested Packers team this week, who boast a top ten run defense, it might be a struggle. Stay away from Swift until the Bears can fix their offensive woes.

Although I had the Texans upsetting the now 8-1 Lions in week 10, which came to the conclusion of a solid comeback from the Lions, what can be taken from that game is that C.J. Stroud isn’t as consistent as people expect him to be. Even though Lion’s Quarterback, Jared Goff, threw five interceptions, Stroud only threw for a touchdown, with two interceptions. After this game, I don’t expect the Texans to change much about their game and their playstyle in their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, regardless of them being highly favored to win that matchup.

I’m sitting Geno Smith because history shows struggles against San Francisco. He has thrown for two touchdowns and four interceptions versus the 49ers and is 0-5 versus the Niners. Geno has severely underperformed against pressure from Nick Bosa and Fred Warner and he can’t really fix problems with DK Metcalf’s status up in the air once again this week. Mike McDonald is “optimistic” again this week for his return, he also is expected to return to practice on Wednesday.

First off, the AFC North is a wild division in which any team can beat each other in the division. A prime example being the Ravens stunning loss to the Browns earlier this year. There’s a precedent here. The Steelers have been rolling as of late after their midseason quarterback swap. The Steelers need four things from their quarterbacks. Hand the ball off, make the occasional big play, don’t lose us the game, and let the defense do the rest. And Russell Wilson has fit that mold perfectly, leading them to an undefeated 3-0 record with him under center. These new look Steelers aren’t the inconsistent 9-8 team of the past, they look legit and ready to make legitimate noise in the playoffs, not just get there and lose. That brings them to a prime matchup with their main division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. As of late, they’ve owned Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, beating him in four straight matchups. This Steelers star-studded defense doesn’t play around when facing off against the MVP favorite, holding him to a passer rating of 66.8 with 870 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions in six matchups with a record of 4-2 against him. The Steelers should make that a 5-2 record against Jackson at home, and take control of the AFC North, for now. – Will (2-2)

 For this week, I’m going with the Cincinnati Bengals over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bengals played a close game against the Baltimore Ravens, who are considered a top team in the league. Their passing game played a big part in their motive to compete, with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase performing to his fullest abilities, putting up a whopping 264 yards in 11 receptions, with three touchdowns. Although they lost, the Bengals proved in this latest week of the NFL that they still have much left to show, especially against talented teams. If Joe Burrow can make better reads and make safer options when putting the ball in the air, then Cincinnati can pick up the pieces of where they once were two years ago when they fell short to the Rams in the Super Bowl. – Isaiah (2-2)

I have the Colts over the Jets due to a lot of inconsistent play on the offensive side of the ball for New York. Aaron Rodgers has decent numbers, but a lot of the offense is trying to gel with Davante Adams added in, as well battling injuries up front on the offensive line. For Indianapolis I see good upside this week, at least for a strong run game against a bad run defense. The Colts have a strong run game so far this season and I expect them to use it with, possibly, wide receiver Michael Pittman out again for the second straight week. The Colts have a ton of speed on defense and if they take away the run, a lot more pass situations will put a lot of eyes on Aaron Rodgers, which is going to hurt the Jets, even at home. – Wes (3-0)