Guru’s Fantastic Five, Week 9
QB: JALEN HURTS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)
The Eagles finally decided to lean on the ground attack in the drubbing against the Lions, which is why Jalen Hurts didn’t score as many fantasy points and threw just 14 passes. Philadelphia should again insist on ground against the NFL’s worst ground defense. However, the only time the Chargers have faced a quarterback with the ability to hurt with his legs this season was when they faced the Ravens, and in that game, Lamar Jackson averaged 6.4 yards per carry. In other words, while the Eagles should find space on the ground this Sunday, Hurts should have his role to play there as well. Of the quarterbacks without as much of a name, Hurts is probably the one that appeals to me the most, and a good option if you have your starter on a bye day.
RB: ELIJAH MITCHELL, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (vs. Arizona Cardinals).
The 49ers’ identity has always been on the ground and with Elijah Mitchell healthy again, San Francisco is returning to success down this route. In the last two games, Mitchell has topped 100 yards and has combined for 36 carries for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Even more important is the fact that he has averaged 6.7 yards per carry and will be facing a Cardinals defense that is the team that is allowing the second most yards per carry in the entire NFL. Despite not being talked about enough, Mitchell should be starting for all of his teams this week.
WR: DEVANTE PARKER, MIAMI DOLPHINS (vs. Houston Texans)
No one can question Parker’s talent, although his professionalism and ability to stay healthy has been questioned. After sitting out for three weeks, he returned for the Dolphins in their visit to Buffalo. And despite the offense looking anemic at times and scoring just 11 points, Parker managed to record eight receptions for 85 yards and was clearly Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite target. Unlike last week, Miami has a much more favorable matchup at home against Houston, whose defense is allowing the third-highest average of biggest plays in the league. Parker is not a receiver who generates a lot of separation, but he is someone who will win contested ovoids; I would start him in almost all of my leagues.
TE: TYLER CONKLIN, MINNESOTA VIKINGS (vs. Baltimore Ravens).
Minnesota was hoping for a springboard season from their tight end Irv Smith before he got hurt. Right away, they went after former Jets tight end Chris Herndon. However, the man who has emerged the most at the position in the last two weeks has been Tyler Conklin. The tight end has had 12 targets in the last two games, and 29 in the last five, meaning he is slowly becoming an integral part of this offense. The Ravens’ defense has had a lot of trouble defending the aerial attack, specifically when it comes to covering opposing tight ends.
Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen get the spotlight, but in a year in which not many tight ends have shined, Conklin is a good option this week.
DEF: CHICAGO BEARS (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
Just when rookie quarterback Justin Fields takes a leap in quality, the Bears’ talented defense disappointed against the 49ers at the most critical time. They were a sieve on the ground and didn’t get pressure as usual. This week they get Khalil Mack back and also have a more favorable matchup. While it is true that the Steelers offensive line is looking better and Najee Harris is evolving in front of our eyes, Pittsburgh’s offense has become almost one-dimensional due to Ben Roethlisberger’s lack of mobility. The Bears will look to bounce back from a disappointing performance by focusing on stopping the ground attack and should be able to get to Big Ben if they can be effective on the ground. Their stock is a little low, but it’s time to buy Chicago, which is one of my favorite defenses this week.
