- Troy Franklin scores twice for the Denver Broncos: Several waiver wire wide receivers had big games, but Franklin was the best of the bunch and has the best schedule for wide receivers the rest of the season.
Another week of the 2025 NFL season is in the books. These are the players to target in your fantasy football leagues, including options for smaller leagues and deeper leagues, and players to avoid.
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QB | RB | WR | THE
QUARTERLY BACKS
Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals (Recorded in 36.1% of leagues on ESPN)
- Competition size: 10
- Timeframe: Week 9, long term
Four NFL teams have byes next week, and fantasy managers who typically start Jalen Hurts or Baker Mayfield may be looking for a temporary quarterback. Joe Flacco can fill that role – both as a short-term replacement and as a potential long-term option.
Flacco joined the Bengals in early October and has quietly been one of fantasy football’s most productive quarterbacks in recent weeks. Over the last three games, he has scored the sixth-most fantasy points at the position, averaging 23.0 per game. He has done this thanks to sheer volume and a strong supporting cast of receivers. Flacco’s 126 pass attempts are the most of any quarterback during that span. While his 6.2 yards per attempt isn’t elite, he has thrown for seven touchdowns and added one on the ground during that stretch.
The Bengals have a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears next week and have the third-best remaining schedule for quarterbacks this season, including four games against defenses that rank in the top five for fantasy points allowed at the position – two of which come during the fantasy playoffs. Most of Cincinnati’s remaining opponents also boast high-powered offenses, meaning Flacco will need to continue throwing at a high pace. Given his volume and schedule, Flacco projects as a viable fantasy starter for much of the remainder of the season.
JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (25.7%)
- Competition size: 10, 12, 14
- Time frame: Short term, long term
JJ McCarthy hasn’t played since Week 2 due to an ankle injury. He was originally listed as doubtful Thursday night footballand there’s a good chance he’ll be ready to return in Week 9. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has confirmed that McCarthy will start for the Vikings if healthy. He has a favorable game against the Detroit Lions this week, though it’s understandable if fantasy managers are hesitant to start him immediately after the injury.
The Vikings also have one of the most favorable quarterback schedules in the league for the remainder of the season. Their toughest remaining matchup is against the Seattle Seahawks, who rank 15th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. During the fantasy playoffs Minnesota faces the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Detroit Lions – all favorable matchups. While there is a chance that McCarthy and the Vikings’ offense will struggle, if McCarthy can provide even average-level quarterback play, his scheme, supporting cast and offensive system could make him a viable fantasy starter down the line.
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