Byes for K.C., Rams make for tough calls

This is the final time you will have to deal with byes this season — but the most challenging. The Rams and Chiefs have a break after their historic Monday night game, two prolific teams with numerous fantasy stars.

Tough timing, with many owners vying for key victories to strengthen playoff positioning. Some other key injuries also make this a crucial waiver run with only two weeks left in many fantasy regular-season schedules. Running backs Gus Edwards, Ravens: The undrafted rookie surprisingly took hold of the lead role in the Baltimore backfield Sunday, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, and now he has an apparent opportunity to continue as the No. 1 RB as the Ravens take on the Raiders. Josh Adams, Eagles: Adams has yet to reach double-digit carries or 65 rushing yards in a game, but he was on his way to seizing the lead RB role Sunday before the Eagles were overwhelmed by the Saints. He provided Philadelphia’s only score on a 28-yard TD run. LeGarrette Blount, Lions: Kerryon Johnson is expected to miss Thursday’s game against Chicago with a knee injury and Blount should be the top ball carrier for the Lions. It’s not a good matchup against Chicago’s elite run defense and Theo Riddick is a better add in PPR leagues if available. Wide receivers Keke Coutee, Texans: He seems to be a preferred target over recently acquired Demaryius Thomas, who seems to be fading into the twilight of his career. Coutee already has three double-figure PPR performances in four relatively healthy appearances this year. D.J. Moore, Panthers: He previously showed some glimpses of his considerable promise before breaking out with seven catches for 157 yards and a TD on Sunday at Detroit. Like many first-year wideouts, Moore is a risky play and can follow up a big game with a quiet one. Tre’Quan Smith, Saints: After registering 10 catches for 157 yards and a TD in the destruction of the Eagles, Smith seems set to be New Orleans’ top pure deep playmaker for some time to come. Quarterbacks Jameis Winston, Bucs: He’s back as the starter again, but just like the man he replaced, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Winston has a lot of upside with big risk. Winston threw four TD passes against the Falcons in Week 6 and was intercepted four times by the Bengals in Week 8. The matchup against the 49ers on Sunday can inspire confidence, but he’s a roller-coaster ride against any opponent. Baker Mayfield, Browns: Mayfield is a very good replacement for Patrick Mahomes or Jared Goff, and might not melt like Winston when you need him to be stable. Mayfield has thrown nine TD passes in his past four games, with two TD passes in three of them and three against Atlanta before last week’s bye. He has a friendly matchup against Cincinnati on Sunday. Tight ends Cameron Brate, Bucs: O.J. Howard’s reportedly is out for the season because of foot and ankle injuries. Brate then could re-emerge as a prime TD threat for Winston, who has favored him often in scoring situations. Chris Herndon, Jets: The rookie caught TD passes in three consecutive games from Weeks 6 to 8 and then caught four passes for 62 yards in Week 9. Herndon might not hurt you this week and is obviously a threat to score.