After a surprisingly stellar performance from the Philadelphia Eagles defence and a less than stellar performance from wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, The Journal lost last week’s contest and enters the mid-point of the 2021-22 NFL season at 4-4. With a new lineup and another slate of games on tap for this Sunday, however, the future looks bright.

Here are this week’s picks.

Starters: $95

Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen continued his phenomenal level of play last week, throwing two touchdowns and running for one more against the Miami Dolphins. Facing off against a terrible Jacksonville Jaguars team that will likely qualify for another top pick in the draft lottery, Allen should shine this week, too.

Darrell Henderson, Running Back, Los Angeles Rams

Darrell Henderson is a stand-out player on a team that’s clearly looking to contend for a Super Bowl after recently trading for veteran linebacker Von Miller. Facing off against the Tennessee Titans this week—a team with a poor defence—Henderson should find the end zone often.

Deebo Samuel, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

Deebo Samuel has quietly racked up four 100-yard games this season with an added five touchdowns on top. Playing against an Arizona Cardinals this week, a team known for putting up points, Samuel could easily find himself in the middle of a shoot-out with plenty of touchdowns on either side.

Darren Waller, Tight End, Las Vegas Raiders      

Darren Waller has been a consistent part of the Raiders’ offence this season, playing nearly every snap and recording an average of approximately 55 yards per game. Facing off against a New York Giants team with a porous defence, Waller should be set for a solid game.

Indianapolis Colts Defence

The Indianapolis Colts defence are facing off against the New York Jets after losing to the Tennessee Titans in overtime last week. Despite that loss, The Colt’s defence has remained relatively strong, while the Jets’ offence remains a work in progress entering the second half of the season.

Bench: $85

Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert remains inconsistent this season, evidenced by a mix of stellar performances followed by a slew of interceptions and poor protection efforts by his offensive line. As a result, Herbert’s meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles—who boast a surprisingly strong defence—should prove another challenge for him.

Ezekiel Elliot, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys     

Despite the success of the Cowboys’ offence over the past two games, Ezekiel Elliot has put up some poor individual performances recently. He hasn’t had a touchdown since week five against the New York Giants, and with the Cowboys playing against the Denver Broncos this week—a top-three defensive team—Elliot should have another quiet game.

Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings              

Adam Thielen’s yardage per game has stayed at a consistent low as the Minnesota Vikings continue to alternate between wins and losses. Facing an above-average defence in the Baltimore Ravens, Thielen should continue to struggle to repeat some of his earlier performances.

Noah Fant, Tight End, Denver Broncos

Noah Fant hasn’t had a touchdown since week six against the Las Vegas Raiders and only recorded four receptions last week against the Washington Football Team. Facing off against a Cowboys team with an above-average defence, Fant’s cold streak should continue this outing.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defence

The Steelers’ defence has been undoubtedly strong this season, but their opponents this week—the Chicago Bears—have shown consistent upward progress. While the Steelers’ last two victories came against backup quarterbacks. This could be an unexpectedly tight match-up against a potential Bears quarterback finding his rhythm.