This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
There's a first time for everything, and with a two-game Tuesday slate, this is one we've never seen. With teams not having to disclose activations off the COVID-19 list until 4 p.m. EST on gameday, there'll be more uncertainty than usual for players on each of the teams until that time. In addition to the skill-position players, inactive offensive linemen and defensive players might have a significant impact on production player potential.
QUARTERBACK
With Washington potentially playing a third-string quarterback, which could keep the game against the Eagles from being a shootout, the Eagles could lean on their rushing attack and Jalen Hurts ($8,200). Therefore, going with Matthew Stafford ($8,500) against a Seattle defense that's been a top-10 unit against the run but bottom 5 against the pass projects as a great option that has both a high floor and high ceiling.
Since Stafford could be the chalk, a high-risk, high-reward option would be Russell Wilson ($7,500). Should the Seahawks fall way behind in a game they can't afford to lose, Wilson could become more of a runner than we've seen lately, but otherwise, he'll face a top-10 pass defense that boasts one of the highest pressure rates in the league.
RUNNING BACK
There's definitely a double-edged sword if spending up on Antonio Gibson ($7,400), as he could be without three offensive linemen while possibly playing behind a third-string quarterback, which likely would ensure he'll see stacked boxes. On the other hand, with J.D. McKissic (neck) out, Gibson could see plenty of work as a receiver. I would lean on the side of trusting him, in the hopes he breaks off a big play or two while possibly finding the end zone as a volume-based play.
Otherwise, we're looking at three backfields with timeshares. After his explosive game last week, Rashaad Penny ($6,400) will be a popular play, but don't forget that his big game came against the Texans and now he faces an excellent run defense in the Rams, so fading him may be the way to go. It might be wise to pick from some of the role players at this position. With Jordan Howard ($5,600) the likely goal-line back for the Eagles, he makes for a reasonable dart throw, especially if the Eagles have a lead late and he also gets to grind out the clock. Then, Sony Michel ($7,000) would make sense if the Rams could run out to a lead, which could allow Michel to clean up in second-half garbage time along as Darrell Henderson is possibly still not quite 100 percent healthy in his return from injury and illness.
WIDE RECEIVER
Between the four teams on this slate, the Rams have the biggest advantage in the passing game, so stacking two of the receivers with Stafford is the way to go. Especially if Tyler Higbee (COVID) isn't activated, the concentration of passes to the receivers could be higher than usual. Although fading Cooper Kupp ($9,500) is never advisable, stacking Odell Beckham ($6,500) and Van Jefferson ($6,400) could be the best way to get heavy exposure to the Rams passing attack while fading Kupp. Based on your salary cap needs, I advise stacking whichever two of these receivers you prefer and can afford.
In addition, even though DeVonta Smith ($6,000) hasn't been targeted more than six times since Week 7, Washington has been a pass-funnel defense that's been top seven against the run but bottom 6 against the pass, and he could do significant damage on limited targets. If you're looking for a cheap long shot, even though he may not have a good QB situation, DeAndre Carter ($5,100) has been targeted at least five times in four of his last six games while scoring three times in that span, and with the defensive attention likely on Terry McLaurin ($7,300), Carter could see favorable matchups against the defense.
TIGHT END
Although he missed practice time this weekend with an illness, Ricky Seals-Jones ($5,000) seems likely to play, and now that he's healed from a previous knee injury, when healthy, the top Washington tight end usually plays every snap. Even with potentially a third-string QB in the lineup, the Eagles are one of the worst defenses in the league against tight ends, so Seals-Jones could see volume as an outlet in the passing game.
If you choose to stay away from the Washington passing game, Gerald Everett ($5,100) has been targeted 21 times the last four games, and although the Rams have been a top-4 unit against TEs, if the Seahawks fall behind, he could see enough volume to post a solid fantasy total.
DEFENSE
Unless you're punting the defense as a salary dump by using one of the two cheap options, the Eagles ($4,800) are the only unit on this slate that's been completely free of players with a COVID-19 designation. In addition, they're facing a Washington offense that could be down to its third-string QB and also could be without up to three offensive linemen.
