Alliance... » I know just the opposite could occur

I admit some of my recommendations this week are slightly influenced by the notion the Carolina Panthers will play inspired ball against the Atlanta Falcons after the firing of head coach Ron Rivera last week. I know just the opposite could occur Stephen Curry Jersey , but that is not what I’m predicting in spite of the Panthers’ four game losing streak. I just wanted to be transparent about that. If you are more bullish on the Panthers I understand, it’s playoff week. One bad play could end your fantasy season.Running back Christian McCaffrey is yet again an automatic start, just like every other week. He is once again the top ranked player in fantasy this week. RB Christian McCaffrey — StartThe Falcons give up the 13th fewest points to running backs: Nevermind the Falcons ranking against running backs, it’s not that high of a ranking anyway. McCaffrey is once again the top ranked running back and the third ranked player overall.QB Kyle Allen — StartThe Falcons give up the third most points to quarterbacks: Kyle Allen is averaging a paltry 13.25 points per game so normally I wouldn’t say to start him. But against the Falcons Fantasy Pros is projecting 17.3 points with a ceiling of 24 points. That is very realistic given he has totaled 23 and 24 points the past two weeks against stronger defenses. He is a decent alternative to some of the leading quarterbacks with tough match ups. For example, Josh Allen is facing the Baltimore Ravens defense and Drew Brees is facing the San Francisco 49ers.WR DJ Moore — StartThe Falcons give up the eighth most points to wide receivers: Moore is on a roll, having scored 14.6, 17.5, 13.5 Shaq Thompson Color Rush Jersey , 30.4 and 16.5points in his last five games. Moore has become an automatic start as Allen’s favorite target so start him with confidence.WR Curtis Samuel — StartSamuel’s production is based on scoring touchdowns, but he hasn’t put up as many big plays as we had hoped coming into the season (he has yet to crack 100 yards receiving in a game). Still, I like this match up indoors on the Atlanta turf where Samuel can display his exceptional speed. This is the week he goes for 100 yards.TE Ian Thomas — Sit The Falcons give up the 16th most points to tight ends: With Greg Olsen sitting out due to getting knocked out cold last weekend, Thomas will get the start. If you want to roll the dice Thomas has the talent to put up double digit fantasy points. I just don’t see it with so many other options to choose from. It will be interesting to see if Thomas is even in new offensive coordinator Scott turner’s game plan this week.Panthers DST — SitThe Falcons give up the ninth most points to team defenses: The Panthers defense has been gashed against the run is now the worst fantasy defense against running backs in the NFL. I do think the Panthers play inspired ball but that doesn’t mean the Falcons won’t score points. Plus they are getting back Julio Jones and Austin Hooper, two players that have crushed the Panthers in the past. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets defenses are probably on your waiver wire and they have better matchups. Enough said.K Joey Slye - StartThe Falcons give up the third most points to kickers: Slye suffered from a lack of opportunity last week against Washington, not getting a single field goal opportunity. The Falcons indoor stadium and turf surface benefits kickers. Plus the Panthers won’t hesitate to give him a 50 yard attempt at any point. Start him with confidence.Keep pounding!Cat Scratch Reader has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Cat Scratch Reader and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information Kawann Short Jersey , see our guiding principles. The race to lead the league in rushing appears set to go down to the wire this season, with the NFL’s top four running backs all projected to finish the season within 30 yards of each other.Vikings running back Dalvin Cook leads the league with 823 rushing yards, followed by Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette at 715, Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey at 618 and Cleveland’s Nick Chubb at 607. But the rushing race is a lot closer than those numbers suggest.The Vikings have played eight games this season, the Jaguars seven, and the Panthers and Browns six each. On a per-game basis, the four top runners have had virtually identical seasons: The difference between first and fourth is less than two yards per game.Here’s where the Top 4 runners would end up this season, if they all continue their current paces for 16 games:1 Vernon Butler Color Rush Jersey ,648 yards: Christian McCaffrey1,646 yards: Dalvin Cook1,634 yards: Leonard Fournette1,619 yards: Nick ChubbFournette, McCaffrey and Cook were the first three running backs drafted in 2017, while Chubb went in the second round in 2018. The four young runners appear poised to have a close race to the finish line this season, with the league rushing title at the end of it.