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Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts: Fantasy QB Powerhouses This Week

No Doubt: Players You Want to Start in NFL Fantasy Football This Week

In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL fantasy football, making the right start/sit decisions can make or break your week. This week's analysis dives deep into the players who stand out as must-starts, backed by matchup advantages, recent performances, and underlying trends that fantasy managers should not overlook. Whether you're in a standard league, PPR format, or something more customized, these recommendations are designed to give you an edge. We'll break it down by position, highlighting why these athletes are poised for big outings, drawing from offensive schemes, defensive weaknesses, and injury reports that could influence outcomes.

Starting with quarterbacks, one name jumps off the page: Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Facing a porous secondary that's allowed the third-most passing yards per game this season, Mahomes is in prime position to exploit mismatches. His chemistry with receivers like Travis Kelce and the emerging Rashee Rice has been electric, especially after a bye week that allowed the team to refine their plays. Mahomes has thrown for over 300 yards in three of his last four games, and with the Chiefs' run game still finding its footing, expect him to air it out frequently. Another strong option is Jalen Hurts from the Philadelphia Eagles. Hurts' dual-threat ability makes him a fantasy goldmine, particularly against a defense that's struggled against mobile QBs. He's rushed for touchdowns in consecutive weeks, and his passing accuracy has improved with A.J. Brown drawing coverage. If you're debating between Hurts and a fringe starter, the upside here is immense—project him for at least 25 fantasy points in most scoring systems.

Moving to running backs, Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons is a no-brainer start. The Falcons have committed to feeding him the ball, and this week's opponent has one of the league's weakest run defenses, surrendering over 150 rushing yards per game on average. Robinson's elusiveness and vision were on full display last week, where he racked up 120 total yards and a score. Pair that with Atlanta's improving offensive line, and he's set for a top-five RB finish. Don't sleep on Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens either. At 30 years old, Henry is defying Father Time, leading the league in rushing attempts and yards after contact. Facing a front seven that's been gashed by power backs, Henry could easily hit 100 yards and multiple touchdowns. His role in the red zone is secure, making him a staple in any lineup. For those in deeper leagues, keep an eye on James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals. Conner's workload has been consistent, and with Kyler Murray drawing defensive attention, the ground game opens up. He's averaged 4.8 yards per carry recently and has a favorable matchup against a team that's allowed the most RB fantasy points over the past month.

Wide receivers offer some intriguing must-starts this week. Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins tops the list, especially with Tua Tagovailoa back under center. Hill's speed and route-running make him matchup-proof, but this week's defense has been torched by outside receivers, giving up deep balls at an alarming rate. Expect Hill to haul in at least 100 yards and a touchdown, reasserting his WR1 status. Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals is another lock. His connection with Joe Burrow is unbreakable, and with Tee Higgins potentially drawing coverage, Chase should see a high target share. He's on a tear with three straight games of 80+ yards, and the opposing secondary ranks near the bottom in pass defense efficiency. For a sleeper pick, consider Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons. London's size and contested-catch ability shine in the red zone, and with the Falcons likely playing from ahead, he'll get plenty of opportunities. He's quietly amassed 50+ yards in every game this season, making him a reliable flex option.

Tight ends can be tricky, but George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers is a standout. Kittle's blocking prowess often opens up his receiving lanes, and against a defense that's vulnerable to seam routes, he's due for a big day. With Brock Purdy relying on him more amid injuries to other weapons, Kittle could post 70 yards and a score. Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals is emerging as a top-tier option too. His target volume has spiked, averaging eight looks per game, and the matchup favors underneath routes where he excels. If you've been streaming tight ends, McBride is a step up from the waiver wire fodder.

On the defensive side, if your league starts team defenses, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a prime choice. Their pass rush, led by T.J. Watt, faces a quarterback prone to turnovers, and they've forced multiple sacks in recent weeks. The Baltimore Ravens defense also warrants consideration, with their secondary capable of shutting down mediocre passing attacks.

Beyond individual players, the article emphasizes broader strategies for success. Pay attention to weather reports, as wind could impact passing games in outdoor stadiums. Injury updates are crucial—monitor practice reports for players like Christian McCaffrey, who might be limited but still productive. The piece also touches on bye weeks, reminding managers to have backups ready for teams like the Chiefs and Dolphins resting next week. Advanced metrics, such as expected fantasy points based on usage, are woven in to justify starts. For instance, players with high red-zone touches are prioritized, as they correlate strongly with touchdowns.

In deeper analysis, the article explores why some popular names might underperform. For example, while Saquon Barkley is talented, his matchup against a stout defensive line could cap his ceiling, making him more of a sit candidate in tough decisions. Similarly, quarterbacks facing elite pass rushes, like those against the Dallas Cowboys, are flagged as risky.

Overall, this week's fantasy landscape is shaped by emerging trends: the rise of rookie receivers contributing immediately, the importance of backfield committees, and how coaching changes mid-season can boost certain players. By starting these no-doubt performers, fantasy managers can position themselves for victory. The key takeaway? Trust the data, but also your gut—fantasy football is as much art as science. With games kicking off soon, finalize those lineups and chase that championship.

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