John Hesterman

Jeff Wilson slides back into the primary ball carrier role from a positional standpoint this week. With Eli Mitchell sidelined due to a continued knee issue, Wilson will once again receive the first plodding opportunity. He has not shown much when given the opportunity this season, so expectations of a big game should be tempered. Most likely, it will mean more carries in a hybrid role for Deebo Samuel. Still, Wilson is a touchdown or bust RB3 for the week for those who do not have better options.

With Damien Harris sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Rhamondre Stevenson has another opportunity to operate as the lead-dog in the Patriots backfield. While the Colts defense is stout against the run, Stevenson possesses some wiggle and burst that when paired with the assumed volume could land him in low-end RB1/high-end RB2 territory this week.

Mike Gesicki has cooled off considerably after a hot start to the season. With Jaylen Waddle possibly out this week due to Covid protocol, Gesicki could benefit from a few more targets and remains a friendly red zone target for Tua. He has low-end TE1 upside this week.

Case Keenum is a very competent backup, but the situation is less than ideal. Missing Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt while Odell Beckham Jr. is also dealing with an injury lowers his ceiling. The Broncos defense is good enough to worry about. Keenum is a desperation start in two quarterback/superflex leagues for the Thursday night game.

Evan Engram is likely going to get more looks this week with Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton out. He is a volume plug-and-play against a solid NO defense.

After missing the last two weeks with injury, Firkser is returning at the same time the Titans' top two receivers will be out. While TEN may focus on the run, the targets that do get dispersed will likely be to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Firkser. At a position that is mainly looking for targets and/or a touchdown for fantasy relevance, managers could do worse than Firkser this week.

The Raiders are allowing the 14th-most fantasy points to running backs but have yet to allow a 100-yard game. With his dual skill set, Ekeler is set for another big outing for the Chargers high-powered offense. He is a top-five RB this week.

Westbrook-Ikhine secured four-of-four targets for 53 yards and one score last week after A.J. Brown left the game. Expect him to start and see an uptick in targets this week in a receiving core that will be sans Brown and Julio Jones. In deeper leagues, he is a stash play this week and widely available.