6) Bijan Robinson vs. Buccaneers
Bijan had a solid enough game last week if you consider the opponent and circumstances for the Falcons. Atlanta was absolutely creamed by Seattle, yet Robinson still managed to get 20 carries and two receptions for a combined 94 yards. We can forgive the lack of a score since the Falcons as a team were held to just three field goals. The Buccaneers are fairly stout against the run, but Bijan can make his day as a pass catcher, much like he did back in Week 1 against Tampa with six grabs for 100 yards and a score. There’s no way you can consider benching Bijan if you’ve made it this far with him.
7) Bucky Irving vs. Falcons
Coming right back in that same game, I love Bucky Irving this week against the Falcons. Bucky looks like he’s fully healthy, as last week he was able to take 15+ touches for the second week in a row for the Bucs. This week, he will get to do it against a Falcon defense that is ranked 24th in the league against the run in a game I fully expect Tampa to win handily. If you drafted Bucky and somehow managed to make the playoffs, you are in great shape since the rest of your team is likely very good. Get Irving in there and enjoy.
8) James Cook vs. Patriots
We were super high on Cook last week in a prime matchup against the Bengals, and we came away from that game feeling a bit underwhelmed. In the real world, an 80-yard rushing game is actually really good. Add in another 31 receiving yards, and we are talking about a player who is on pace to total almost 1,900 total scrimmage yards on the season. The problem with last week was the lack of a touchdown as Josh Allen wasn’t sharing with his top back last week. This week, they take on a Patriots team that is not only ranked #2 in the league against running backs in fantasy points allowed but also held Cook to just 49 yards on 15 carries in their first meeting. This isn’t a great matchup, but Cook is way too good to leave on your bench. You aren’t benching him for somebody like Trey Benson or Kyle Monangai.
