This recurring pseudo-start/sit article focuses on some of the players I feel are the safest or riskiest starts in fantasy football each week, especially relative to their ranking in the PPR Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR). It will mainly include more of the under-the-radar players. Always start your studs, as the big names will be omitted each week except in extreme circumstances. You can ask me start-sit questions on Twitter.
Safest Starts
Kadarius Toney (WR – KC)
Kadarius Toney made a mark in the Chiefs’ victory over Jacksonville in Week 10. With JuJu Smith-Schuster leaving the game with a concussion and Mecole Hardman sidelined by injury, Toney scored his first touchdown of 2022. Toney had four catches for 57 yards plus the score and added 33 yards on two rushing attempts while playing 44% of the snaps. QB Patrick Mahomes clicked with his new weapon, targeting the wideout the second-most among the receivers only behind TE Travis Kelce. In his two weeks with the team, Toney has flashed his contested catch abilities and impressive yards after the catch (YAC). He should become more of a focal point in this pass-happy offense moving forward. With Smith-Schuster questionable and Hardman now on Injured Reserve, Toney’s role becomes even more crucial against the Chargers.
Darnell Mooney (WR – CHI)
Since quarterback Justin Fields has been unleased, Darnell Mooney has been a benefactor. With Fields no longer restricted to the pocket, it has helped open up the passing offense. As a result, Mooney has shown signs of life lately. While he still lacks explosive plays, his targets have increased of late. Over the last seven games, he’s either gained 50-plus yards or scored a touchdown. Perhaps the flashy plays will come this week in Atlanta, as their defense is the most fantasy-friendly in the league against wide receivers. Mooney runs about 60% of his routes from the slot, where the Falcons are the most vulnerable. In the past five weeks, they have given up the fourth-most points to slot receivers among primary slot cornerbacks, according to Joe Dolan of Fantasy Points. As a result, Mooney is a WR3 who’ll have WR2 upside if TE Cole Kmet can’t suit up.
Brian Robinson (RB – WAS)
Despite splitting work with Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson saw a season-high in carries against the Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson produced 86 yards and a touchdown on 26 attempts for 14.6 fantasy points against their typically solid defense. More importantly, it appears he has leapfrogged Gibson in the pecking order. The rookie could have his best performance to date against the Texans. Houston has been a giant sieve against rushers this season, allowing the most yards and TDs (13) to runners. Start him as an RB2 ahead of this potential smash spot.
Riskiest Starts
DeVonta Smith (WR – PHI)
DeVonta Smith came through for fantasy teams last week, posting 14.9 points. However, his touchdown salvaged his day, as he only posted 39 yards on six catches. He hasn’t produced more than 44 yards in five of his last six games and only has three TDs on the season. The second-year receiver could get more looks with TE Dallas Goedert on IR, but this week could be a mixed bag for Smith. The Indianapolis Colts’ defense is the best in the league against receivers. The Eagles could rely on their run game in this one, especially if they are leading.
James Robinson (RB – NYJ)
James Robinson obtained a more significant role in his second week with the New York Jets. Despite receiving the most touches in the backfield, teammate Michael Carter outplayed him. While it is unclear how things shake out coming out of the Jets’ bye week, it will likely remain a close committee. Posing more of a problem is Robinson is facing the New England Patriots. Their stout defense is allowing the second-fewest points to running backs and limited this offense to just 51 rushing yards in Week 8. It is common knowledge Bill Belichick will look to shut down their ground game and make the Jets rely on their young QB, Zach Wilson. Furthermore, the Jets are implied to only score 17 points, the third-fewest in Week 11.
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Bonnie Robinson is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Bonnie, check out her profile and find her on Twitter @FantasyQueenB.