Early Leading Candidates for the 2024-2025 NBA Season Awards

By: Mark Luo

Stats taken up to date as of December 19th 2024

As we near the midpoint of the NBA season, there has already been a ton of action in the league, with standout performances, rising stars, and plenty of surprise performances. This raises the question: which players have set themselves apart from the rest so far? While it's still very early, clear frontrunners are already emerging for the league’s major awards. Here's a breakdown of the leading candidates, their performances, and what sets them apart from the field.

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Nikola Jokić

Source: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Coming into the season, we all knew that Nikola Jokić was going to be in the MVP conversation. However, many speculated that voter fatigue would prevent him from reclaiming the award unless he produces an undeniable, all-time great performance this season. That’s exactly what he’s delivered so far.

Somehow, in some way, the Joker can level up his game even further every season. He is essentially averaging a 30-point triple-double with 30.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game while shooting an absurd 55.8% from the field and 48.9% from three. The numbers speak for themselves, but what’s more impressive is how he’s single-handedly keeping the Denver Nuggets afloat. With much of his supporting cast underperforming, Jokić’s ability to control the offense, grab rebounds, and hit clutch shots has carried Denver to key wins. If he wins his fourth MVP award this season, he will join a generational group including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Lebron James, cementing himself as one of the all-time NBA greats.

Honorable Mention(s):

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): After a 2-8 start to the season from the Bucks, Giannis has dragged them to a winning record, as they continue to climb the standings in the East. He is currently leading the league in scoring with around 33 PPG and is still a monster on the defensive end. Being the MVP of the NBA Cup is helping his case, but that still does not detract from the fact that the Bucks are still not off to an ideal start to this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): Shai continues to cement his place in the league as a superstar, putting up over 30 points per game while leading the #1-seeded Thunder in the West. His offensive output and his leadership have been great so far, but Jokić's historic production gives him the edge for now.

Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Victor Wembanyama

Source: Thearon W. Henderson. Getty Images.

In just his second year, Victor Wembanyama has already established himself as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the league. The 7’4” star leads the NBA with 3.5 blocks per game. Wemby is a perfect blend of size, athleticism, and defensive instinct. His skills and impact on the defensive end go beyond the box score. His height, absurd wingspan, and mobility allow him to guard both the rim and the perimeter effectively, making him the definition of a versatile defender. The Spurs' defensive on/off metrics significantly improve when Wembanyama is on the court. The Spurs with Wemby has had a 113.8 defensive rating so far this season, but in games that he has missed, the team’s rating drops to an abysmal 118.9 defensive rating, which puts them near dead last in the league.

Honorable Mention(s):

Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers): Mobley anchors the Cavaliers' defense, which currently ranks among the league’s best. He is also among the league leaders in defense metrics so far this season, and his presence is felt whenever he’s on the court. This in combination with the Cavs’ early success makes him another strong contender in the DPOY race so far.

Rookie of the Year (ROTY): Stephon Castle

Source: NBA.com

Despite an underwhelming rookie class this year, the Rookie of the Year race so far has been very interesting. Currently, Stephon Castle from the Spurs is the front-runner for the award, as he has shown flashes of brilliance with around 11.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. He has also shown to be a strong defender, with good defensive instincts and the ability to make plays in key moments down the stretch, which has helped keep the Spurs somewhat competitive throughout the season so far. While his shooting splits are less efficient, he has strong upside on the offensive end and has the potential to be a great player. There is still a lot of room for him to grow as a player for the rest of the season to come.

Honorable Mention(s):

Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers): Taken 16th overall in the draft, McCain has far exceeded expectations, averaging 15.3 points per game on impressive 46/38/87 shooting splits in just 26 minutes per game. His production has stood out among the rest of his draft class. Unfortunately, McCain’s recent torn meniscus has put him out indefinitely, which hurts his candidacy for the award.

Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers): Knecht brought his name into the race during his amazing stretch in the second half of November, where he averaged just under 19 PPG while playing over 31 minutes per game, stepping up in the absence of Rui Hachimura. His production has dropped off a bit since then, as he is now averaging around 10.8 points, but he has already established himself as a valuable piece for the Lakers’ rotation thus far already.

Most Improved Player (MIP): Jalen Williams

Source: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The OKC Thunder have faced a lot of injuries this year. With many players out since the start of the season, the Thunder needed someone to step up, and Jalen Williams has done just that. JDub’s numbers have gotten better and better each season, improving in virtually every statistical category. He is putting up career numbers this season with around 22/6/5 on a very efficient 50% FG and 38% from 3. Williams has also been very strong on the defensive end, ranking third in the league in steals per game. He is a huge contributing factor as to why the Thunder have the best record in the Western Conference. If Williams can maintain his production and stay healthy, he has a very strong case to take the award this year.

Honorable Mention(s):

Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic): Wagner’s breakout season has been a tremendous factor in the Orlando Magic’s strong start. The 23-year-old small forward has increased his scoring to 24.4 points per game, a jump of about 5 points from last year, while still maintaining great shooting efficiency. Wagner’s playmaking has taken a leap, as his assist numbers have gone up, and his on-court decision-making has improved from the eye test as well. Unfortunately, he was sidelined recently with a torn oblique, and like McCain’s case, hurts his candidacy going forward.

Sixth Man of the Year (6MOY): Payton Pritchard

Source: AP Photo/Steven Senne

Payton Pritchard has emerged as a key spark off the bench for the Boston Celtics. He’s averaging 16.5 points per game while shooting a very efficient 48/43/84. He isn’t just getting it done as a sixth man, he is one of the best volume three-point shooters this season. His 43% from three is the highest amongst players who have attempted over 200 threes. His sharpshooting and energy make him a frontrunner for 6MOY, and potentially even for MIP. This leap in production is even more remarkable considering that just two years ago, he was seeking a trade for a larger role.

Honorable Mention(s):

Amen Thompson has been essential to the Rocket’s strong defensive season. He has been one of the strong anchors of a top 5 defensive team so far this year. His athleticism and physicality give him the skills to stay in front of elite offensive players. Although his shot is still lacking, he has also slowly improved on the offensive end, making great cuts toward the basket and creating strong options for his teammates once they get into the paint.

Coach of the Year (COTY): Kenny Atkinson

Source: NBA.com

Kenny Atkinson has revitalized the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading them to a #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and the best record in the NBA so far. The Cavs are still a strong defensive team like last season, boasting a 112.1 defensive rating, but their biggest improvement has come from their offense, where they currently hold the best offensive rating in the league with 121.3. Since winning NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October and November, he has been widely praised for bringing the best out of the talented players in the team and building strong chemistry.

Honorable Mention(s):

Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets): Udoka has coached the team to a complete turnaround in Houston. The Rockets currently hold a 17-9 record and sit 3rd in the Western Conference, which is a massive improvement from the .500 record they had last year. Udoka’s emphasis on defense and discipline has turned the Rockets into serious playoff contenders.

Week 12 Fantasy: Who Should you Start and Sit?

Authors: Andrew Bennett, Heath Mckeown

Start: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be a strong week 12 fantasy start, especially given that they play the Cardinals who rank 21st in total defence, allowing 346 yards per game. The Cardinals passing defence is also ranked 21st, giving up approximately 218 yards per game. With this mediocre defence, it should be a good opportunity for JSN as he has constantly been involved in the Seahawks offense. Smith-Njigba is ranked 14th among wide receivers in PPR formats for week 12, showing his value as a fantasy option. JSN is averaging 67.8 receiving yards per game and is coming off a big week 11 performance, where he got 10 receptions and 110 yards. With the team leading 86 targets on the season, it is proven that Geno likes to find him. Although JSN only has 3 touchdowns on the season, he can rack up many receiving yards to balance his performance out, providing a good starter for fantasy owners. The Seahawks rank 2nd in passing offence, averaging 261 passing yards per game, which shows a throwing-heavy offense. Due to this, JSN is more likely to have opportunities to contribute, especially in a divisional matchup where the teams are fighting for playoff spots. With a struggling Cardinals defence against the pass, JSN will have opportunities to capitalize, making him a good week 12 fantasy start.

Sit: Rico Dowdle

Rico Dowdle should be on your bench in week 12 as the Cowboys are set to face the Commanders in a divisional matchup. While Washington’s defence has not been great this season, ranking in the middle of the pack in most categories, the Cowboys offense is not performing well right now making it hard to trust any of their players. With Cooper Rush starting at quarterback, Dallas has struggled to have good drives or establish a solid ground game, limiting Dowdle’s potential. Rico’s production has been lackluster, averaging 44.6 rush yards per game with 0 rushing touchdowns on the season. He also averages around 10 carries per game, which is not enough volume to produce meaningful fantasy points. Additionally, Dowdle is ranked 25th in fantasy ranking for running backs in PPR formats for week 12, again demonstrating his low ceiling compared to other running backs. His role in the passing game has given him a bit of a boost, but still not much because he averages approximately 19 receiving yards per game with 3 receiving touchdowns on the season through nine games. He is coming off two disappointing performances where in his last game against the Texans he had 10 carries for 28 rush yards and caught 2 of 5 targets for 6 yards, showing no sign of turning things around. Because of the Cowboy’s recent struggles, it is simply unlikely that Dowdle will have the opportunity to put up good fantasy points. Although the Commander's defence may not be elite, they should be able to stop this insufficient offense. Having Dowdle as a starter for week 12 is too risky with this disappointing Cowboys offense.

Start: Tyrone Tracy Jr

Tyrone Tracy Jr. should be a strong start this week as he comes off a bye week and is well-rested. Over his last six games, Tracy has averaged an impressive 14.87 points per game. He’ll face a Tampa Bay defence that ranks as the 5th worst against the run in the league, providing an excellent opportunity for him to continue his efficiency. Rookies often gain trust and show noticeable growth as the season progresses, and with the Giants releasing Daniel Jones and starting an inexperienced Tommy DeVito, the team is likely to lean heavily on the running game. Despite his consistent production, Tracy has only been started in 56% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, making him a sneaky good option for Week 11.

Sit: Xavier Legette

Xavier Legette should stay on your bench for week 12 as the Panthers are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the league’s best defences. The Chiefs rank 5th in total defencFe, allowing 297.5 total yards per game, and are ranked 8th in scoring defence, allowing approximately 19 points per game. The strong Chiefs defence creates a tough matchup for Xavier Legette, especially with the Panthers offensive struggles. Carolina is ranked 31st in the league in passing offense, averaging 170.7 pass yards per game. Legette’s production this season has not been great. In 10 games played, he is averaging 28.4 receiving yards and just 2.9 receptions per game, providing minimal chances to make a fantasy impact. Another concern for Legette’s fantasy performance is Bryce Young. Bryce Young is averaging 117.14 yards through 7 games and was benched earlier in the season, showing the instability of Carolina’s offense. In PPR formats, Legette is expected to put up 8.66 points and is ranked as the WR50.

Against a solid defence like Kansas City’s, Legette is better to stay on the bench for week 12.\

Start: Dallas Goedert

Dallas Goedert has been a reliable option at tight end this season, averaging 12.62 points per game despite missing four games due to a hamstring injury. Since returning, he has looked solid, scoring over 10 points in both games. Impressively, he has produced consistent fantasy numbers with only one touchdown this season, showcasing his ability to rack up points through volume and yardage. Goedert's 20.6% on-field target share is pacing for the best mark of his career, indicating that he is a key part of the Eagles' offense. This week Goedert faces the Rams, who rank 7th worst in the league at defending tight ends, making this a highly favorable matchup. Goedert has scored at least 10 points in each of his last four games, proving his consistency and reliability. Despite these strong numbers, he is only started in 54% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, leaving a major opportunity for savvy managers to take advantage. With his combination of volume, efficiency, and a great matchup, Goedert is a must-start for Week 11.

Sit: D’Andre Swift

D'Andre Swift faces a challenging matchup this week against the Minnesota Vikings, who boast the second-best run defence in the NFL allowing just 74.4 rushing yards per game. Swift has been dealing with a groin injury, which limited his participation in practice earlier this week. In the Bears' recent game, his carry share dipped below 60% to 58.3%, and excluding one significant run, he averaged just 2.46 yards per carry. With the Bears recently firing their offensive coordinator and new OC Shane Waldron calling plays, the backfield distribution was more evenly split. Given these factors, including the likelihood of the Bears relying more on the passing game if they fall behind, Swift may have limited opportunities to produce. Despite being started in 67% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, it would be beneficial to sit Swift this week.

MLB 2024 Award Predictions

Authors: Liam Robertson, Rohan Sankaran

AL MVP: Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge is likely to reel in his second AL MVP award in 3 years as the center fielder had another dominant year at the plate smashing 58 home runs with 144 runs batted in (MLB leader in both). Finishing a lowly third place in batting average prevented him from winning the triple crown which would have been the first since Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Additionally, he led the MLB in most advanced stats with 10.8 bWAR, 218 wRC+, and .476 wOBA. Despite hitting less home runs, many would argue that Judge was statistically better than his 2022 MVP campaign with a higher bWAR, wRC+, and OPS.

Honourable Mentions: Bobby Witt Jr., Juan Soto

Bobby Witt Jr. should be commended on a season that would likely win MVP in many other years, posting a .332 average, 211 hits, and 9.4 bWAR while winning the Gold Glove at shortstop. Juan Soto slugged a career-high 41 home runs winning a Silver Slugger and being a Gold Glove finalist for right field in his first year with the Yankees. While both had amazing years, they should come up short compared to Aaron Judge’s extraordinary season.

NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani

Finishing the regular season with the second highest batting average in the NL and posting an NL-leading OPS and slugging percentage, all while raking in 54 home runs and 130 RBIs (NL leader in both stats), Ohtani is the consensus favourite to bring home the NL MVP. Moreover, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to post a 50/50 season, and saw career highs in every major stat. On an advanced analytics front, Ohtani was among league leaders in wOBA, and wRC+ indicating immense offensive efficiency. Ohtani has brought home the 2024 Edgar Martinez DH of the year award, and won the NL Hank Aaron award, and we greatly expect him to be securing his 3rd career MVP award.

Honourable mentions: Fransisco Lindor, Ketel Marte

Despite not winning the MVP, Lindor and Marte were nothing short of exceptional this season. Lindor posted an impressive .273 AVG, 33 HR, 91 RBIs, and an impressive 7.0 WAR (3rd in NL). Ketel Marte, while posting strong numbers (.292 AVG, .932 OPS, 6.8 WAR, 36 HR, 95 RBI), only played 132 games this year, which is why we have him ranked 3rd in the NL MVP race.

AL Cy Young: Tarik Skubal

 The young southpaw Tarik Skubal was unknown to many coming into the 2024 MLB season. He far surpassed all expectations posting a 2.39 ERA, 18 Wins, and 228 strikeouts, all of which were leading figures in the AL. Skubal continued his dominance into the postseason where he threw 19 innings with a 2.37 ERA helping propel the underdog Tigers to the ALDS. He will take home the pitching triple crown and no pitcher since the turn of the century has lost the Cy Young after winning the triple crown. He did this with a workhorse level of innings, finishing 5th with 192 IP. Looking at advanced stats, Skubal continued to dominate, finishing with a 2.49 FIP (1st in AL) 6.51 K/BB (2nd in AL), and 30.03 Strikeout Rate (1st in AL).

Honourable Mention: Emmanuel Clase

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase put together an incredible season that was one of the best reliever seasons in the last decade. Finishing with an MLB-leading 46 saves, 0.65 ERA, and only allowing 5 runs all season, Clase locked down an excellent Guardians bullpen helping lead them to an AL Central division title. Skubal will take home the award as Clase does not have the workload or the strikeouts to compete, however, this was an incredible showing from him

NL Cy Young: Chris Sale

After being traded for Vaughn Grissom in the off-season, talks of Chris Sale even being a reliable MLB starter were brought into question. Sale proceeded to put up an MLB-leading 2.38 ERA through 177.2 IP, 225 Ks (2nd in MLB), 1.01 WHIP (6th in MLB), and winning a league-leading 18 games (.857 W-L%). There is no doubt that Chris Sale won’t take home the NL Cy Young award. With Sale winning the triple crown, Comeback Player of the Year award, being named to his 8th career All-Star team, and landing a spot on the 2024 All-MLB first team, Sale’s incoming Cy Young award is certain. On the advanced stats front, Sale posted a 6.4 fWAR and 2.09 FIP which both led the league as well as a 32.1% strike-out rate.

 Honourable Mentions: Zack Wheeler, Paul Skenes

Zack Wheeler was right behind Sale in ERA, strikeouts, had a lower WHIP (0.92), all in more innings pitched (200). Despite those figures, Sale posted superior stats in nearly all major categories and advanced stats trumped Wheeler's 22.8 more innings pitched, and 0.09 WHIP difference. Despite just making his MLB debut on May 11th, Paul Skenes has solidified himself as a top pitcher in the league. Posting a dominant 1.96 ERA 4.3 fWAR, 0.947 WHIP, and 170 Ks in 130 IP, Skenes proved himself as one of the most efficient and effective MLB starting pitchers. His 130IP will ultimately be the main reason why he finishes 3rd behind Wheeler, and Sale but he has sky-high potential in the future.

AL Manager of the Year: Matt Quatraro

 In a razor-tight AL manager of the year race between Quatraro (-135) and Vogt (-105), we have Quatraro edging out the victory over Vogt on the pretense of Quatraro accomplishing equal excellence to Vogt with a lot less. Despite the Guardians winning 6 more regular season games and winning the AL central over the Royals, no one expected Kansa City to be as dominant as they were. Going into the season the Royals had many overlooked signings. Players like Seth Lugo, Hunter Renfroe, Will Smith, and Michael Wacha, with the 2023 roster that did not have many turning heads had low expectations. Accomplishing an 86-76 record through consistently making excellent bullpen decisions (8th in team bullpen ERA), and executing phenomenal situational navigation, Quatraro reshaped people’s perceptions of the team.

Honourable Mention: Steven Vogt

 On the other hand, Stephen Vogt was nothing short of excellent this year, leading Cleveland to win the AL central, be 3rd in the bullpen ERA, and employ innovative and excellent lineups, situational navigation, and game management. The main difference between Vogt and Quatraro comes down to the rosters, the Cleveland Guardians were the favorite to win the AL Central, and already had cornerstone players in Jose Ramirez, Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan, and Emmanuel Clase to add complementary pieces around. Nonetheless, outbreaks from David Fry, Brayan Rocchio, Andres Gimenez, and leaps from Steven Kwan and Tanner Bibee were very impressive. These breakouts likely occurred due to the effectiveness of Stephen Vogt’s management

NL Manager of the Year: Pat Murphy

 Back in March, the Brewers looked to be ending their run of consistent playoff teams. The departure of many key figures including, longtime manager Craig Counsell, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, and the trade of former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes had us worried. Against the odds, first-time manager Pat Murphy led the Brewers to a comfortable NL Central Division title. He navigated injuries to significant players including former MVP winner Christian Yelich and reigning Reliever of the Year Devin Williams, and able to deploy the bullpen to perfection, finishing 1st in the NL in bullpen ERA.

Honourable Mention: Carlos Mendoza, Mike Schildt

Carlos Mendoza and Mike Schildt are very similar in their award cases as both were first-year managers on teams that overperformed. After a disappointing 2023, the Mets were expected to enter a retooling phase. They exceeded expectations in part due to the excellent managing of Mendoza. After trading Juan Soto and not making the playoffs in 2023, the Padres had minimal expectations. The strong management of Mike Schildt led them to win 93 games and challenge the Dodgers for the division. While all mentioned managers were impressive, Murphy contributed the most to his team’s winning in our opinion which is why we have him receiving the award.

Week 11 NFL Fantasy: Who Should you Start and Sit?

Authors: Heath Mckweon, Andrew Bennett

Graphic: Liban Rizvi

Start: Puka Nacua

Despite being out on the IR earlier this season, Puka should be ready to have a big game against the New England Patriots. His chemistry with Stafford has been evident, with Puka getting a good amount of targets along with Kupp. These targets have allowed for Puka to maintain a steady fantasy production. New England is allowing around 209 pass yards per game, but with the duo of Puka and Kupp, it should be hard on the Patriots defense to stop them. Puka has played in four games this season and has had 2 big games and 2 mediocre games, but with this struggling Patriots team, Puka should be in for another big game.

Source: CNN

Sit: Brian Thomas Jr

Brian Thomas Jr, the rookie out of LSU, should be on your bench for week 11 as the Jaguars go up against the Lions. The Lions have been decent defensively this season but with Mac Jones as the Jaguars starter for week 11, Brian Thomas Jr is in trouble. Mac Jones does not have much arm strength and was only able to put up 7 points for the Jaguars last week against the Vikings. Thomas Jr is questionable as of now for week 11, but if he plays, Thomas Jr should remain on your bench no matter what just because of Mac Jones as his quarterback. Last week Jones kept throwing short as his second longest throw was 18 yards. This is not a good scene for the Jaguars and Thomas Jr.

Start: Bo Nix

Bo Nix is in his rookie season at quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Surprisingly to some, Nix has been having a solid season. The rookie is averaging 197 pass yards per game with 10 passing touchdowns in ten games. Nix can rush as well as he is averaging 29 rush yards per game with 4 rushing touchdowns. Bo handled the Kansas City defense pretty well last week where he threw for 215 yards, 2 touchdowns and had a 73% completion percentage. Although Nix and the Broncos did not win the game, he showed a lot of promise. Nix has averaged 20.3 fantasy points per game in his last six games, showing signs that he is able to stay consistent and have another good game. Atlanta is averaging 223 pass yards per game, allowing for Nix to throw the ball this week, but also rush when needed as the Falcons ranked 24th in rush

Sit: Pat Freiermuth

Pat Freiermuth is not your best option for the tight end position in week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Freiermuth has been inconsistent this season, with a lack of involvement with the Steelers offense. He is averaging around 30 yards per game, which is not what someone needs as their TE position in fantasy. Even with Wilson joining the team and playing well, Freiermuth will not see as many targets because of George Pickens and Darnell Washington who is the other tight end on the Steelers. In this divisional matchup, there does not seem like there will be much success for Freiermuth against the Ravens defense.

Start: Calvin Ridley

Calvin Ridley has been a top-performing receiver over the last three weeks, averaging 20.1 points per game in PPR formats. This impressive production coincides with the trade of DeAndre Hopkins three games ago, which has opened up more opportunities for Ridley to shine. Facing a Minnesota secondary ranked third worst in the league against opposing receivers, Ridley is primed for another big game. While his first six games of the season were underwhelming at just 7.33 points per game, this recent surge highlights his potential as a must-start option this week. Currently starting in only 54% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, Ridley deserves far more attention in lineups.

Sit: Najee Harris

Najee Harris has been on a hot streak over the past four weeks, averaging 15.95 points per game. However, his momentum is likely to stall this week against a formidable Baltimore defense. The Ravens boast the 8th best run defense in the league, presenting the toughest challenge Harris has faced this season. His recent success has heavily relied on touchdowns, with three in his last four games. Prior to this stretch, he had zero touchdowns on the season, highlighting the unpredictability of finding the end zone. Given the strength of Baltimore's defense and Harris's reliance on scoring, it's a risky bet to start him this week. Currently started in 57% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, we recommend sitting Harris for week 11

Week 10 NFL Fantasy: Who Should you Start and Sit?

Authors: Heath McKweon & David Gold

Start: D'Andre Swift

The Patriots’ defense has been vulnerable this season against the run, ranking them 26th in yards allowed per game. New England’s front seven can be solid, but has had difficulty stopping better running backs, especially those who can run and receive like Swift. In particular, the Patriots have struggled with receiving running backs, allowing them to gain a lot of yards. Swift’s ability to catch gives him a higher floor in PPR leagues and will increase his chance of scoring many fantasy points, even if his rushing is lackluster this game. Swift is currently averaging around 63 rushing yards per game and 28 receiving yards per game making him very difficult to control. Over the past few weeks specifically, Swift has been playing well and very productively which allows for increased opportunity this game on top of the favourable opponent.

Sit: Michael Pittman Jr

Michael Pittman Jr. is going to be a risky start for week 10 seeing that he has not had a very good season thus far. Pittman Jr. has just two touchdowns in 9 games and is not putting up large numbers in the receiving yards column either. The Colts are set to face the Bills this week who have a solid defense, there is no advantage there for Pittman Jr. The Bills strong pass defense has just been allowing around 210 passing yards per game and are ranked 8th for points allowed per game where they average 19.2 points allowed. The Colts have struggled a bit offensively, switching QB’s this season and now Josh Downs poses threat to Pittman Jr. as Downs has been getting increased receptions recently. Given these factors it is best that Pittman Jr stays on your bench this week.

Start: Malik Nabers

Malik Nabers could be a very good start in week 10 as he and the Giants are set to face the Carolina Panthers. Nabers has been relatively consistent this season and he led the team in receptions and receiving yards last game against the Commanders. Although that was not Nabers' best game, he should be in for a great week as he faces the 25th ranked pass defense. Nabers is averaging approximately 80 yards per game this season and is now going up against the defensively struggling Panthers who are allowing 232.6 pass yards per game. Although the Giants offense has not been as explosive lately, this could be a big game for Nabers and the Giants offense to bounce back as they play a struggling team.

Sit: Javonte Williams

The Chiefs’ defense has been consistently solid against the run so far this season. The Chiefs rank 3rd for run defense proving that Williams will likely continue to struggle this week. Their run defense is excellent at containing physical backs like Williams, making this an even tougher match up. Kansas City can put up points on offense so this could mean that Denver might throw the ball more, limiting touches for Williams additionally. Williams is the lead back in Denver, but he still shares the backfield with Aurdic Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin which inhibits his role on offence. If Williams continues to not be efficient in the game, the other running backs will have the opportunity to step up and take over the RB1 position. Williams has the talent to have a good game, but he has not proven himself this year and the Chiefs run defense will be too good for Williams to have a big break out.

Start: Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins will almost certainly be a great week 10 fantasy starter as he goes up against the New Orleans Saints, who have lost their last seven games in a row. Kirk Cousins is averaging 258 passing yards per game which make this week an amazing matchup as the Saints rank 27th in pass defense, allowing 240 pass yards a game. Kirk and the Falcons are coming off a good week against the Cowboys as Cousins threw for three touchdowns. With the way Drake London and Darnell Mooney are playing lately, Cousins should be in for an even bigger performance than their game against the Saints earlier this year. The Saints have kept struggling since the last time they played the Falcons, and the Saints secondary is giving up big plays to wide receivers. Cousins will likely be able to put up some solid fantasy points with the opportunities that will surely arise in this match up.

Sit: Xavier Worthy

With the Chiefs adding DeAndre Hopkins to their offense along side Travis Kelce, they now have two elite pass-catchers who will take most of the targets. Kelce has always been a primary target for Mahomes, especially in the red zone and on third downs. Now, with D-Hop joining the Chiefs, one would anticipate he will be a frequent target, especially based on his abilities. This is not good for Worthy as he is likely to see much less involvement in the offense. Mahomes is known to trust his weapons and Worthy has not proven that he can be reliable for Mahomes yet this season. Worthy is averaging just around 30 yards per game, so he has not had that great of a season by any measure. Worthy is simply not a very trustworthy start anymore because his competition is so stiff on the team. Worthy has shown in his last game against the Ravens where he only received 2 touches compared to 8 in the game prior that this acquisition and roster will make him a fantasy bench.

Week 7 Game of the Week: Oregon vs. Ohio State – A BIG 10 Defining Battle

Graphic: Liban Rizvi

Author: Max Mcclean

After a week of stunning upsets, week 7 of the 2024-2025 college football season brings the most important matchup for the College Football Playoff race. Week 7 is headlined by a critical BIG10 showdown that sees the No.3 Oregon Ducks playing host to the No.2 Ohio State Buckeyes in what could be the year's most important game.

Both teams enter this game with their eyes firmly set on gaining separation atop the BIG10 conference. This is an even more coveted title this year as it carries a first-round bye in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. With both teams ranked in the top three, this clash has all the makings of a playoff preview, and the winner will have a significant edge in solidifying their postseason path.

Oregon 

For Oregon, their inaugural season in the BIG10 has already been filled with excitement. In week 2, they topped the Ashton Jeanty led No.17 Boise State in a 37-34 victory at home. Transitioning from the PAC-12, where the Ducks dominated in recent years, it is clear they have established themselves in one of college football's toughest conferences. With the new expanded 12-team playoff format, a BIG10 title would not only bring a trophy but a critical first-round bye.  

For Oregon to defeat Ohio State, Dillon Gabriel will need to have a Heisman-caliber performance. Gabriel has been everything he was hyped up to be when he transferred from Oklahoma, leading all of college football with a 77.8% completion percentage. His precision in the passing game is the reason the Duck's offence is one of the most efficient in the nation, averaging 35 PPG. 

Gabriel has effectively  been able to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers all season. Running back Jordan James is averaging 110.4 yards per game on the ground bringing a new component to the Oregon offense they are not used to seeing in Eugene. Receiver Tez Johnson has also been shining this year, racking up  395 yards and 43 receptions through the first five games of the season. Johnson brings excellent speed bursts and elite route running to the table, easily creating separation from defenders. 

The Ohio State secondary is likely the best Oregon will play all season. If Gabriel can maintain his high level of play, avoid turnovers, and continue to put the ball in the hands of his playmakers, Oregon will have a real shot at knocking off the Buckeyes and securing a critical win in their push for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State

Since Ryan Day was named head coach five years ago, Ohio State has been sixth in record against ranked opponents across college football. Ohio State has compiled an impressive 16-8 record, boasting a win percentage of 66.7% against these opponents. That being said, Ryan Day is missing a “signature” win, after dropping to Michigan in week 14 of the last three years. The pressure is certainly on for Day and the Buckeyes to secure this crucial victory. 

As per usual, Ohio State’s offense has been explosive averaging 46 PPG this season. They are led by Will Howard, a Kansas State transfer who has impressed the Buckeye faithful this season. Howard has completed 71.5% of his passes for 1,248 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions through five games this season. Howard has also impressively rushed for four touchdowns himself in that timeframe. 

Scarily for Oregon, this isn’t the strongest part of Ohio State’s game. To complement their impressive quarterback and wide receivers, Ohio State has arguably the best running back tandem in the nation. The Buckeyes great running game features Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins leads the team with 468 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Henderson isn’t far behind him with 337 combined with 8.0 yards per carry. This is critical to note as Oregon gave up 192 yards on the ground to the nation's top running back Ashton Jeanty earlier this year. The Buckeyes will hope to wear the Ducks down through their tough running game, raising their chances of a win. 

After three straight years of losses to Michigan in week 14, Ohio State is well aware of what’s at stake here. A victory in Week 7 would not only give them the upper hand in the BIG10 title race but also solidify their position as a top contender for one of the playoff byes. The Buckeyes thrive in big games, and they will arrive in Oregon ready for a fight.

The Stakes

This game is imperative for both teams. Not only is it the No.2 vs No.3 team in the nation, but the winner likely solidifies their position as the best team in the BIG10. A loss doesn’t necessarily eliminate either team from playoff consideration but leaves little room for error with difficult schedules remaining for both.

For Ohio State, a win would solidify their position as the best team in the BIG10, a title they haven't held in quite some time. For Oregon, a victory announces to the nation that they belong in the National Championship conversation and can hang with college football's elite.