Each Tuesday, The Heat Index digs into the players whose performances the prior week jumped out to us the most. Along with their stats (half-point PPR scoring) and positional rank for the week, we’ll rank their rest-of-season prospects on a scale of ?-to-?????.
Get a FREE 6 month upgrade with our special offer
Quarterbacks
Taysom Hill (QB – NO)
Stat-line: 19-41 passing for 264 yards and 2 TDs plus 4 INTs; 101 yards rushing
QB Rank: 4
Analysis: Much as he did in the four games he started last year, Hill produced substantial fantasy numbers in his first start for the Saints this season. Unfortunately, his real-life production wasn’t as good, considering he completed less than 50% of his pass attempts and threw four interceptions. He also injured his finger, though it sounds like he’ll be able to continue playing. The big question for Hill is whether his performance will send him back to the bench as a gadget / special package option moving forward. If he keeps his starting role, he is a borderline QB1 due to his outstanding rushing ability.
Heat Index: ???? if he’s the starter
Zach Wilson (QB – NYJ)
Stat-line: 23-38 passing for 226 yards and 2 TDs plus 1 INT; Rushing TD
QB Rank: 6
Analysis: Nobody is likely considering starting Wilson in a standard 1-QB league at this point of the season. But if you are in a 2 QB or SuperFlex league, should you be considering him coming off his strong performance vs. the Eagles on Sunday? His next four games come against defenses that have been vulnerable to the pass this season (Saints, Dolphins, Jaguars, Bucs), so it’s not out of the question. However, there are probably safer options out there unless you are incredibly desperate for a quarterback.
Heat Index: ??
Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)
Stat-line: 10 catches on twelve targets for 86 yards and a TD
WR Rank: 7
Analysis: The rookie WR for the Lions had a breakout game Sunday, highlighted by his game-winning TD catch as time expired. The absence of D’Andre Swift (RB – DET) due to a shoulder injury may have led to his massive bump in target share, as many of his catches were of the dump-off variety. Brown is an intriguing dynasty player, but it’s hard to imagine trusting him in your lineup down the stretch of the season or into the fantasy playoffs.
Heat Index: ?
Deonte Harris (WR – NO)
Stat-line: 4 catches on eight targets for 96 yards and a TD
WR Rank: 8
Analysis: Much of Harris’ production came on a slant that he turned into a 70-yard TD during the fourth quarter of the Saints game last Thursday vs. Dallas. He’s a speedy and shifty player who occasionally makes a big play happen. Unfortunately, those plays are few and far between, making him a risky fantasy play. Also, he’s appealing a potential three-game suspension from the league for violating the substance-abuse policy, which could sideline him for most of the remaining games this season.
Heat Index: ?
Running Backs
Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)
Stat-line: 102 yards rushing on twenty-three attempts; 6 catches on nine targets for 76 yards and a TD
RB Rank: 1
Analysis: Williams was just on The Heat Index last week, and we gave him ???. At that time, though, we didn’t think Melvin Gordon (RB – DEN) would miss any time. All Williams did Sunday night with Gordon sidelined was put up the best fantasy performance by a running back of the week. Williams looks like the real deal, and even if Gordon returns this season, it’s hard to imagine the Broncos returning to a 50/50 split between the two backs. Combine this with the Broncos having an extremely fantasy-friendly schedule for RBs, and Williams looks like a must-start the rest of the way.
Heat Index: ?????
Sony Michel (RB – LAR)
Stat-line: 121 yards rushing on 24 attempts and a TD; 3 catches on four targets for 8 yards
RB Rank: 4
Analysis: Darrell Henderson (RB – LAR) was active Sunday despite his thigh injury but never saw the field. He didn’t have to, as this one was a rout. Michel played well in his absence and was on the field for 97% of the offensive snaps. It sounds like Henderson’s injury isn’t too severe, though, so it’s likely Michel will return to more of a complementary/backup role soon – perhaps even this week. It would not be wise to start Michel when Henderson is healthy, but he’s worth rostering as a handcuff.
Heat Index: ??
Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)
Stat-line: 52 yards rushing on thirteen attempts and a TD; 9 catches on nine targets for 38 yards
RB Rank: 7
Analysis: Jacobs hasn’t been terrible this year, but he’s hovered as a low-end RB2 for the season. The change on Sunday was his usage in the passing game. His nine receptions were by far his most of the season. Sadly, the broken ankle suffered by Kenyan Drake (RB – LV) contributed to this increase in production. With Drake out for the rest of 2021, Jacobs could see an increase in touches which would boost his value going forward.
Heat Index: ????
Tight Ends
Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
Stat-line: 6 catches on six targets for 105 yards and 2 TDs
TE Rank: 2
Analysis: Goedert hadn’t done much this season before Sunday, even after Zach Ertz (TE – ARI) was traded to the Cardinals in October. It’s no small coincidence that his monster game came with backup Gardner Minshew (QB – PHI) under center. With Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) sidelined by an ankle injury, Minshew threw for 233 yards – the most for the Eagles since Week 4. Hurts should be back starting after the Eagles Week 14 bye; thus, it’s hard to expect more weeks for Goedert like this one going forward.
Heat Index: ??
Get a $5 bonus when you make your first deposit at FanDuel
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Whether you’re new to fantasy football or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Football 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with How to Manage Early-Season Injury Problems or head to more advanced strategy — like How to Effectively Assess the Quality of Your Team — to learn more.