Don’t be spooked by a little Fitzmagic

It’s spooky season, and I’ve got a chill running down my spine. The NFL is filled with ghosts, ghouls and the paranormal. With every step, Devin Singletary is followed closely by an undead running back named Frank Gore. Mitchell Trubisky is seeing ghosts on every drop back, and the Patriots defense is scaring 31 different NFL teams at once. Austin Hooper has been possessed by an elite tight end. Every glance I take at Joe Mixon gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Now that we’re in the second half of the season, it’s time to start making important decisions. The trade deadline has passed, which means you should have been on red alert for updates. Teams on the playoff bubble are willing to make big trades in order to change their luck. At this point in the season, you should have a pretty good idea of who to start on a weekly basis based on matchups. This is where smart fantasy owners are separated from lucky fantasy owners. Make the right decisions and you won’t be haunted later.

QB – Ryan Fitzpatrick

Argh, matey. It’s everyone’s favorite NFL pirate, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzmagic and the Dolphins made some waves on Monday night football against the Steelers. They started strong, but the Steelers defense ultimately prevailed. Fitzpatrick finished with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The good news is that the Steelers defense, especially their pass rush, is actually really strong. The Dolphins are at home this week and they get the Jets. New York just lost LB C.J. Mosley for several weeks, and they traded DT Leonard Williams to the Giants. Other than Jamal Adams, the Jets are lacking a lot of power in their defense. Fitzpatrick should be able to use his weapons to exploit that in week nine.

RB – Frank Gore

Buffalo’s backfield is muddled at the moment, and I don’t think this week will clear anything up. If I had to choose between Gore and Singletary, I would choose Gore for this matchup. Singletary was far more efficient last week but received only seven touches. The Bills face the Redskins at home this week, which favors the running backs. Singletary is in his third week after recovering from a hamstring injury. I believe Singletary will be the guy long term, but this week will be Gory. I predict a rushing touchdown and about 15 rushes for the undead Gore in week nine.

WR – Robbie Anderson

It’s no secret that Sam Darnold has been spooked. He’s thrown seven interceptions in the last two games. He’s currently dealing with a sprained thumb but is expected to play. The Jets have patiently waited their turn, and they finally get their turn at the Dolphins this week. This is a different Dolphins defense, however. Xavien Howard, their only notable defender and the cornerback that would shadow Anderson, is scheduled for an MRI and might not play this Sunday. Furthermore, the Dolphins received CB Aqib Talib before the trade deadline. It’s difficult to say who will be covering Anderson this week. Robbie has been held back by poor quarterback play and by shutdown corners all year. He will be unleashed this week and his enormous big-play potential warrants a spot in your starting lineup.

TE – Dallas Goedert

Zach Ertz owners have been scared out of their wits this season. In fact, over the last three weeks, Dallas Goedert has more receptions, yards and touchdowns than Ertz. The SDSU product has increased his role in the offense this season. He’s on pace to score seven touchdowns this season, and his role is still increasing. The Eagles are at home vs. the Bears in week nine. Chicago has shown subpar defense against ends this year. Goedert is a weekly touchdown threat and has the upside to be something more this season.