RANKINGS UPDATE

D.J. Chark moves up to WR6 in this update. With Dede Westbrook questionable and the Texans secondary also questionable to show up. He has great upside in London. I’ve dropped Julian Edelman to WR12 with Jimmy Smith returning and Marlon Humphrey likely moving to defend the slot. Davante Adams moves up to WR16, as it looks like he will play. It’s tough to know if his snaps will be limited and he’ll face a tough matchup, so I don’t love his upside. Courtland Sutton gets pushed down to WR23 with Brandon Allen taking over behind center. I dropped Terry McLaurin to WR36 with Case Keenum out and a likely matchup with Tre’Davious White.

The Week 9 byes are taking away Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Thomas which, frankly, isn’t very nice of them. But we are fantasy football players. We are forged in the fires of late scratches and pre-game injuries. We will not let bye weeks break our spirit!

In standard leagues this week, I’m pushing Amari Cooper over DeAndre Hopkins as the top play. Cooper’s touchdown prowess is evident, and coming off a bye, he should be healthy as he takes on a weak Giants pass defense. He should see a lot of DeAndre Herndon in coverage, and Herndon ranks third-worst in Pro Football Focus’ grading. Hope for beautiful weather in New Jersey.

Tyreek Hill is a big play waiting to happen and gets a boost in standard leagues due to that ability. Matt Moore wasn’t slinging the ball downfield against the Packers last week, but Andy Reid gave him easy reads and explosive talent around him. The Vikings have given up 11 wide receiver touchdowns and the 12th most fantasy points to the position. Oh, and there is a slim chance that Patrick Mahomes might show up to play.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said that DeSean Jackson would return to practice this week. He isn’t currently in our rankings, but Jackson is a standard league star and an integral piece to the Eagles passing attack. The Bears aren’t slouches against the pass, but Jackson opens up that offense better than anyone, and the ripple effects would be felt in our fantasy rankings.

Julian Edelman isn’t what you would call your standard standard play, but his two-touchdown game last week is what you’re looking for in standard leagues. In Baltimore, he will again be the top target, including once inside the red zone. The Ravens best defensive backs man the outside while they’ve been more giving to slot receivers. The Ravens should be able to put enough points on the board to keep Tom Brady throwing the ball, and that should produce some fantasy gold for Edelman.

D.J. Chark found the end zone last week against the Jets after a dry spell of two games. Houston has allowed ten receivers to surpass 73 receiving yards this season, and they are hurting in their secondary. Chark’s six touchdowns are tied for the most in the league while he averages 16.9 yards per reception, making him a standard league staple this week.