Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
Lambeau Field
|
Arizona Cardinals
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
John Skelton
|
|
Packers have allowed just 2 pass TDs over last three games.
Skelton's O-line makes him very vulnerable.
|
RB
|
LaRod Stephens-Howling
|
|
Forget it. Packers have allowed four rush TDs, two 100-yard RBs
through eight games.
|
WR
|
Larry Fitzgerald
|
|
After some shaky games, Packers pass D has allowed just two pass TDs
in their last four. Fitzgerald will draw tough coverage.
|
WR
|
Andre Roberts
|
|
Benefits from Fitzgerald's coverage. Has 20 targets in last two
games with 7 catches in each.
|
TE
|
Rob Housler
|
|
Only one TE has scored on the Packers over their last six games.
Don't like Lewis' chances.
|
DST
|
Cardinals
|
|
The 49ers, Bears and Texans DST have totaled 11 or fewer Fantasy
points vs. the Packers. Cards can't be trusted.
|
Green Bay Packers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Aaron Rodgers
|
|
Like you're sitting him. Alex Smith
threw 3 TDs vs. ARI on Monday, Rodgers has 30+ Fantasy points in 4
of last 5.
|
RB
|
Alex Green
|
|
Seems like he'll remain the Packers' primary rusher. Cards have
allowed 4 rush TDs & 118.2 rush yards per game over last five.
|
RB
|
James Starks
|
|
Desperation sleeper. Sounds like he'll see some carries this week.
|
WR
|
Randall Cobb
|
|
Have to like Cobb's chances to put up numbers after the Niners had
two WRs total three touchdowns last week.
|
WR
|
James Jones
|
|
Though his stats have cooled, he has 13 catches in his last two
games on 19 targets. Worth a look.
|
TE
|
Jermichael Finley
|
|
Easy week to sit Finley: Cards third-best in Fantasy points allowed
to tight ends.
|
DST
|
Packers
|
|
Obvious must start. Each of the last five opposing DSTs vs. ARI have
posted 15+ Fantasy points.
|
With Greg Jennings still awaiting
surgery and Jordy Nelson's hamstring
keeping his status up in the air, the Packers' passing game can't be
considered quite as explosive as normal. That's turned the attention to
the run game, which has struggled since Cedric Benson's Week 5 injury. Alex Green has received some compliments from the coaches but
there's nothing nice about the 2.4 rush average he's had over his last
three games. Worse yet, he's had 20-plus carries per game. Don't be
surprised to see the Packers become impatient and give James Starks more than the one carry he had last week against the
Jaguars. Either way, the Cardinals hung in there against the 49ers'
running backs on Monday and could find the going easier here, forcing
Rodgers to ultimately do what he does best and throw.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
Cleveland Browns Stadium
|
Baltimore Ravens
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Joe Flacco
|
|
Mixed success for Flacco in career at CLE. Browns have allowed 15
pass TDs this year but zero in last two vs. Luck & Rivers.
|
RB
|
Ray Rice
|
|
Browns haven't allowed a TD to RB in their last three, but 3 RBs
have totaled 100+ yards in Browns' last two.
|
WR
|
Torrey Smith
|
|
Burned the Browns for 97 yards & TD in Week 4 meeting, but that was
without Joe Haden. Might be tougher
this time.
|
WR
|
Anquan Boldin
|
|
Had nine catches vs. CLE in Week 4 for 131 yards but has never
scored at CLE. Browns allowing 132.7 yards per game to WRs over last
three.
|
TE
|
Dennis Pitta
|
|
Browns have cleaned up vs. tight ends (2 TDs allowed, no 70-yard
receivers), shut down Gates last week.
|
DST
|
Ravens
|
|
After allowing four DSTs to top 12+ Fantasy points, Browns have held
last four to 10 Fantasy points or fewer.
|
Cleveland Browns
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Brandon Weeden
|
|
Ravens have allowed back-to-back 250+ yard, 2 TD passers since CB
Webb's injury. Still nervous to trust Weeden after last week.
|
RB
|
Trent Richardson
|
|
Imagine BAL will aim to shut Richardson down, but Ravens have
allowed 15+ Fantasy points to RB each of last 4 games including
Richardson in Week 4.
|
WR
|
Josh Gordon
|
|
Still has value. Weeden will take shots at Gordon in end zone, just
missed on a score last week.
|
WR
|
Greg Little
|
|
Desperation option. Seems to have reclaimed big role despite case of
the dropsies.
|
DST
|
Browns
|
|
Only two teams have held Ravens to under 23 points this year. Browns
allowing 23.2 points per game.
|
The Ravens could be in for more than they bargained for in this one.
Let's start with Baltimore's troubles on the road: They're 1-2 and
averaging 15.0 points per game against the Eagles, Chiefs and Texans.
They also couldn't slam the door versus the Browns on a Thursday night
game at their place in Week 4. Since that game they've lost Ladarius
Webb and Ray Lewis and their offense has
averaged 263.3 yards per game. They're familiar with the Browns of
course but so are the Browns with them. The difference this time is that
the Browns will have cornerback Joe Haden
back for this game along with defensive tackle Phil Taylor, both of whom
could cause problems for the sluggish Ravens. The Browns have allowed
zero touchdowns to running backs and have held opponents to 24, 17 and 6
points over the last three weeks. That could spell a tough day for
Flacco if the pressure is on his shoulders at the Dawg Pound.
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, Reliant
Stadium
|
Buffalo Bills
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Ryan Fitzpatrick
|
|
Gunslinging QB the perfect type of player for HOU defense to harass
and intercept. Only 2 QBs have 20+ Fantasy points vs. HOU in 2012.
|
RB
|
Fred Jackson
|
|
Texans still have yet to allow rush TD to RB but Jackson could rack
up decent stats based on touches. Jackson has 17+ touches in each of
last two.
|
RB
|
C.J. Spiller
|
|
Spiller still getting 16+ touches per week since Jackson's returned
but HOU has allowed just two 100+ total yard running backs all year.
|
WR
|
Steve Johnson
|
|
Only elite passing teams have busted the Texans this year. Johnson
still has yet to top 90 total yards.
|
TE
|
Scott Chandler
|
|
Texans have allowed a TD to TE in four of last five, so there is
some hope for Chandler.
|
DST
|
Bills
|
|
No DST has posted more than 11 Fantasy points against the Texans.
Pass on the Bills.
|
Houston Texans
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matt Schaub
|
|
So what if HOU runs a lot? Schaub has 2+ TDs in 3 of last 4 w/ 30 or
fewer pass attempts. Little risky but still OK to start.
|
RB
|
Arian Foster
|
|
Obvious must start. BUF allowed 4 rush TDs in last game. Six RBs
have had 10+ Fantasy points vs. BUF.
|
RB
|
Justin Forsett
|
|
If Texans build a massive lead, here's the back who will eat up
yardage in garbage time.
|
WR
|
Andre Johnson
|
|
Receivers have 12 TDs in seven games vs. Bills. BUF has allowed 90+
yards to WR in 3 of last 4.
|
TE
|
Owen Daniels
|
|
Bills have allowed 10+ Fantasy points to Gronk and V. Davis, the
rest have 4 Fantasy points or less. Still like Daniels this week.
|
DST
|
Texans
|
|
Fitzpatrick has been intercepted in four straight, sacked in five
straight (7 INTs, 8 sacks). Loving the Texans DST as usual.
|
Before the bye the Bills had two games where they ran 26 times and threw
33 times on average. Both games were competitive and the Bills won one
and lost one. Ideally they'd like to roll out a similar attack against
the Texans but chances are their defense won't hold up its end of the
bargain. You could roll out any stat about the Bills' run defense and no
matter what it's bad news for them (example: They're allowing 5.5 rush
yards per carry on the season!). Expect the Texans to come out of the
gate with a run-heavy offense. With a decent second-half lead the Bills
will have to throw more than they have been and that's when Ryan Fitzpatrick gets them into trouble. Unless Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller make
big contributions as receivers (they have 307 receiving yards combined
through seven games) they'll only post nominal statistics and not
deliver monster stats.
Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
FedExField
|
Carolina Panthers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Cam Newton
|
|
QBs have 299+ yards passing in all but one game vs. WAS, all but two
have 2+ pass TDs. Cam is a must.
|
RB
|
Jonathan Stewart
|
|
Pretty good starter. WAS allowed 10+ Fantasy points to primary RB in
each of last four games.
|
RB
|
DeAngelo Williams
|
|
Can't be trusted. Doesn't play much, has 3 or fewer Fantasy points
in each of last three games.
|
WR
|
Steve Smith
|
|
Should have best game of season. Redskins have allowed seven
100-yard games & 10 TDs to WRs.
|
WR
|
Brandon LaFell
|
|
Good sleeper. Redskins allowing 195.0 yards per game to wideouts
over their last three.
|
TE
|
Greg Olsen
|
|
Must-start. Washington has given up seven scores to tight ends this
year including two last week.
|
DST
|
Panthers
|
|
Defense is improving but only two DSTs have posted 10+ Fantasy
points vs. WAS this season.
|
Washington Redskins
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Robert Griffin III
|
|
Interesting matchup. Panthers' pass rush has come alive, pass D has
allowed just one QB to throw 2+ TDs against them all year.
|
RB
|
Alfred Morris
|
|
ALF is a must. Panthers allowing 109.1 rush yards to RBs this
season, got hammered by Matt Forte
last week.
|
WR
|
Santana Moss
|
|
Panthers have allowed 4 TDs to WRs in their last five games with
four WRs topping 90 yards. Still not seeing even 50 pct. of snaps.
|
DST
|
Redskins
|
|
Panthers have yielded 10+ Fantasy points to 4 of last 5 DSTs but it
takes bravery to start this depleted unit.
|
The Cam Newton I watched at Chicago had
some good moments and some bad moments but still mostly resembled the
same quarterback I've seen all season -- with one exception. The
Panthers are willing to ride with Newton's arm for better or for worse,
but they seemed to be more focused on running the football and also
keeping Cam's rushing limited. Here's proof: The 11 carries he has over
his last two games are his lowest two-game total so far in his career.
And the more the Panthers ask Newton to hand off, the fewer stats he can
rack up. There's a silver lining in that his matchup at Washington will
be the easiest since he took on the Saints in Week 2. Only two
quarterbacks haven't thrown multiple touchdowns on the Redskins'
porous secondary and the matchups between receiver Steve Smith and cornerback DeAngelo Hall
have been priceless. Newton's passing stats should be enough to keep the
Panthers in the hunt for their second win, but whatever he can
contribute as a rusher will only make his Fantasy stats shine brighter.
Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, LP Field
|
Chicago Bears
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Jay Cutler
|
|
Fantastic matchup (Titans have allowed 17 pass TDs, five 250+
passers) but Cutler's had just three games with 16+ Fantasy points.
|
RB
|
Matt Forte
|
|
Titans have allowed 189.0 total yards & 4 TDs to running backs in
last three. Forte has 90+ yards in each of last three.
|
RB
|
Michael Bush
|
|
After getting 54 carries in first four games, Bush has 13 carries in
his last three with no TDs. Not worth the gamble.
|
WR
|
Brandon Marshall
|
|
A must. Titans have allowed 4 TDs to WRs in last four weeks.
Marshall snapped three-game TD streak last week.
|
WR
|
Earl Bennett
|
|
Bennett's a sleeper because of the matchup. Titans have allowed
152.7 yards per game to WRs in last three weeks.
|
TE
|
Kellen Davis
|
|
Worth considering. Tennessee has allowed 6+ Fantasy points to seven
TEs in 8 games.
|
DST
|
Bears
|
|
Titans haven't allowed double-digit points to DSTs since Hasselbeck
started, but the Bears should change that.
|
Tennessee Titans
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matt Hasselbeck
|
|
No QB has tossed 2 TDs vs. Chicago this year. Hasselbeck an easy guy
to avoid.
|
RB
|
Chris Johnson
|
|
Bears haven't allowed a rush TD to a RB since Week 1 or a
100-total-RB since Week 2. Heck, only two RBs have 20+ touches vs.
CHI.
|
WR
|
Kendall Wright
|
|
Averaging 6.8 Fantasy points/game over last five with 35 targets in
those games.
|
WR
|
Nate Washington
|
|
Has four 10+ Fantasy point games & averages 7.4 points/week. Bears
have allowed 10 WRs to 7+ Fantasy points including two last week.
|
WR
|
Kenny Britt
|
|
Has the most upside but is averaging the fewest Fantasy points of
Titans' big 3 WRs. Bears have given up just three 100-yard games to
WRs so far.
|
TE
|
Jared Cook
|
|
Low-end option. Bears have allowed just two TEs to top 40 yards
receiving.
|
DST
|
Titans
|
|
Low-end option. Chicago hasn't exceeded 300 total yards in each of
last two while allowing 11 sacks in those games.
|
The Titans offensive coordinator should be commended for ramping up Chris Johnson's carries. With a steady diet of 18-plus carries in
four of the Titans' last five, Johnson has at least 100 total yards in
all. For now, Fantasy owners will be delighted with that kind of
production, and the truth is that he's been able to rack up 100 or more
total yards in eight of his last nine games with at least 18 carries
dating back to the start of his troubled 2011 season. Keeping Johnson on
that workload against the Bears could be a problem -- only two rushers
had 13-plus carries against Chicago this year. That's mostly a function
of the Bears' defense typically slamming on the run and offenses trying
to throw. You can count on Chicago's front penetrating the gaps and
pushing Johnson back when he's not hitting the edges. Despite his hot
hand, it might be a wise idea to consider other running back options
before going with Johnson.
Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, Paul
Brown Stadium
|
Denver Broncos
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Peyton Manning
|
|
Only 3 QBs have passed for 2 TDs vs. CIN, but Bengals haven't faced
offense like Denver's yet. Manning should dominate.
|
RB
|
Willis McGahee
|
|
Bengals have allowed four rushing TDs in their last three games.
McGahee has 19+ touches in 5 of his last 6.
|
WR
|
Demaryius Thomas
|
|
Cincy has allowed a 90+ yard receiver in each of last two but has
been stingy giving up TD (just four to wideouts).
|
WR
|
Eric Decker
|
|
Has scored in four straight (five TDs) with 4+ catches per game.
Half of the 8 WRs with 4+ catches vs. CIN this year had 9+ Fantasy
points.
|
TE
|
Jacob Tamme
|
|
Could be frequent target for Manning with Cincy's deep CB unit.
Tight ends have scored in each of last two vs. CIN.
|
DST
|
Broncos
|
|
Dalton has been picked off at least once per game this year, sacked
2+ times in 5 of 7 games. Roll with the Broncos.
|
Cincinnati Bengals
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Andy Dalton
|
|
5 of 7 QBs vs. DEN have tossed 2+ TDs but none have 300+ yards (one
over 250 yards).
|
RB
|
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
|
|
Only two starting RBs have topped 100 rush yards vs. DEN this year;
everyone else has under 75 rush yards. That sounds like Green-Ellis.
|
WR
|
A.J. Green
|
|
You'll start him but DEN has held WRs to one 80+ yard game & one TD
over their last four & shut down Saints' WRs last week.
|
TE
|
Jermaine Gresham
|
|
Good Week 9 option. Broncos allowed 3 TDs to TEs in last two, six
total to TEs on the season.
|
DST
|
Bengals
|
|
No DST has more than 13 Fantasy points vs. DEN, only three have 10+
points. Bengals have one game with over 13 points.
|
The first cause of dysfunction in the Bengals' offense is in its running
game. BenJarvus Green-Ellis started the
season hot against the Ravens and has nosedived since, averaging roughly
3.0 yards per carry from Week 2 on. You'd think the Bengals will re-tool
the run game but they just don't have the talent to push Green-Ellis.
Making matters worse this week is the Broncos' run defense, which has
allowed just two 100-yard rushers and three rushing touchdowns.
Regardless, with the Cincinnati run game largely ineffective the offense
falls on the shoulders of Andy Dalton.
Against the Steelers we saw Dalton completely fold as they schemed to
contain A.J. Green and collapse the
pocket. The Broncos could follow a similar game plan and force
Cincinnati to either lean on their other targets or succumb to sacks and
turnovers. If the Bengals could find a third receiver, or solve
Green-Ellis' running issues, their offense would have a dramatic
turnaround.
Detroit Lions at Jacksonville Jaguars -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
EverBank Field
|
Detroit Lions
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matthew Stafford
|
|
Jags have allowed 2 TDs to QBs in each of last five. Stafford has
250+ yards in 6 of 7 games.
|
RB
|
Mikel Leshoure
|
|
Jags run defense has gotten tough (1 rush TD to RBs in last five).
Lions' run game might become two- or three-headed.
|
RB
|
Joique Bell
|
|
Might not be so bad in PPR formats since it looks like he'll work
passing downs.
|
WR
|
Calvin Johnson
|
|
The matchup is easy: Jaguars have allowed 6 TDs, 164.8 yards to WRs
in last four games. But Calvin's knee could keep him at half-speed,
if not out of the game entirely.
|
WR
|
Titus Young
|
|
Should have some easy opportunities in single coverage against weak
Jaguars pass defense. Good No. 3 WR.
|
WR
|
Ryan Broyles
|
|
Doesn't play in every three-receiver set for Lions but will get some
action. Five targets last week.
|
TE
|
Brandon Pettigrew
|
|
Jaguars have been surprisingly good vs. tight ends; Pettigrew has
yet to exceed 7 Fantasy points in a game.
|
DST
|
Lions
|
|
Each of last four DSTs to play Jaguars have had 11+ Fantasy points.
Even without Woodson they should play well.
|
Jacksonville Jaguars
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Blaine Gabbert
|
|
Desperation option. Lions have allowed 2 TDs in 4 of last 6 games,
Gabbert coming off of just his 300-yard game.
|
RB
|
Rashad Jennings
|
|
Lions have allowed at least 100 total yards to 3 of last 4 starting
RBs they've faced. Jennings has topped 100 total in each of last two.
|
WR
|
Cecil Shorts
|
|
Lions have given up 527 yards and three TDs just to WRs in their
last three games.
|
WR
|
Justin Blackmon
|
|
Can't trust him. Had a career-best 67 yards last week. Could match
it this week.
|
TE
|
Marcedes Lewis
|
|
Score by Zach Miller last week broke
a three-game scoreless streak vs. tight ends for Lions.
|
DST
|
Jaguars
|
|
Lions' offense starting to roar: 2 of last 3 DSTs vs. DET posted 4
Fantasy points. Lions avg. 407.6 total yards per game.
|
After a slow start, the Jaguars run defense has started to round into
form. I noticed their defensive line really stepping up at Oakland a
couple of weeks ago and they did the same thing at Green Bay last week.
So while they're ranked low against the run the reality is that they've
given up 309 rush yards on their last 74 carries by running backs (a 4.1
average). That's not great but it's an improvement. The Lions are
averaging about the same yards per carry over their last four games but
they've run the ball less than 20 times in three of those four games.
After Matthew Stafford's first great
game of 2012 it's not likely that the Lions will morph into a run-based
offense, especially against a Jags pass defense that's been beaten up by Jay Cutler, Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers in consecutive weeks. Throw in Joique Bell and Kevin Smith starting
to eat away at the passing downs and you can't expect Mikel Leshoure to have an outstanding game unless he breaks several
long runs.
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, Lucas
Oil Stadium
|
Miami Dolphins
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Ryan Tannehill
|
|
Can't use him but 5 of 7 QBs vs. IND have thrown at least 2 TDs,
four have 240+ yards.
|
RB
|
Reggie Bush
|
|
Colts run D has allowed 8 rush TDs & 147.6 total yards per game.
Despite limited production, Bush is worth another start.
|
RB
|
Daniel Thomas
|
|
Played much of second half last week, especially after Bush fumbled.
Could sneak a goal-line TD.
|
WR
|
Brian Hartline
|
|
Solid sleeper if he plays. Colts have allowed 8 TDs to WRs in their
last four, though no WR has topped 90 yards vs. IND since Week 2.
|
TE
|
Anthony Fasano
|
|
Desperation option. Only catch last week was for a TD, Colts have
been strong vs. opposing tight ends.
|
DST
|
Dolphins
|
|
Expect a number of sacks, maybe an INT, but only 2 DSTs vs. IND have
totaled 10+ Fantasy points.
|
Indianapolis Colts
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Andrew Luck
|
|
Though only one QB has 2+ TDs vs. MIA this year, Fins giving up
300.1 pass yards per game. Luck avgeraging 271.3 pass yards per game
at home with 2 TDs per game.
|
RB
|
Donald Brown
|
|
Expectations are low. Miami hasn't allowed a rush TD since Week 1,
allowed their first 100+ total yard RB last week.
|
RB
|
Vick Ballard
|
|
Sure to lose snaps with Brown back in the swing of things. Can't be
trusted for standard Fantasy use.
|
WR
|
Reggie Wayne
|
|
MIA has allowed 197.5 yards per game to WRs over last four games
with 5 TDs. Wayne has never scored on Dolphins.
|
WR
|
Donnie Avery
|
|
Has 4 catches in each of last three games for no more than 60 yards
& no TDs. Can't count on him.
|
TE
|
Dwayne Allen
|
|
Colts TEs have totaled 44 targets over last five games. No TE has
scored on Miami but four have had 60+ yards against them.
|
DST
|
Colts
|
|
Colts defense is weak, can't be trusted even though DSTs vs. MIA
have posted 10+ Fantasy points in four of last five weeks.
|
It's been a while since we've seen a big game from Reggie Bush or Brian Hartline, but the
Dolphins' formula for winning three straight has been to rely on its
defense. Miami's offense has totaled 17, 17 and 23 points during their
three recent victories all while Bush and Hartline have been rather
pedestrian (one touchdown scored between them in those games). While the
Dolphins might prefer to stick to that plan the Colts have been
dangerous at home, scoring nearly 22 points per game at Lucas Oil Field.
The problem for the Colts is that their defense is completely out of
whack and talents like Bush and Hartline should capitalize. Don't lose
sight of the fact that the Dolphins overcame matchups against the
Bengals, Rams and Jets, three teams with good defensive coaches that
likely focused on slowing down the Miami playmakers first. The hunch
here is that the Colts' brain trust won't come up with a good plan to
keep the Dolphins' fast men down for long.
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks -- Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET,
CenturyLink Field
|
Minnesota Vikings
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Christian Ponder
|
|
Seahawks have become shaky vs. QBs, allowing two 350+ yard, 2+ TD
passers in the last three. Not sure Ponder is worth starting but he
might be serviceable.
|
RB
|
Adrian Peterson
|
|
You'll start AP anyway but Seahawks have allowed 2 TDs and 109 total
yards per game to RBs.
|
WR
|
Percy Harvin
|
|
Lions used slot receivers to tear up Seahawks last week. Bodes well
for Harvin, who's a must start anyway.
|
TE
|
Kyle Rudolph
|
|
Might have to keep blocking to protect Ponder from pass rush, plus
SEA is strong vs. TEs.
|
DST
|
Vikings
|
|
Two of last three DSTs vs. SEA posted under 9 Fantasy points. Vikes
have scored under 4 Fantasy points in 2 of last 3.
|
Seattle Seahawks
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Russell Wilson
|
|
One-week sleeper. MIN secondary struggling, down a starting CB.
Vikings have allowed 19+ Fantasy points to QBs in each of 3 road
games.
|
RB
|
Marshawn Lynch
|
|
Must start. Vikes have allowed 134.0 rush yards per game over last
two with 3 total TDs to RBs.
|
WR
|
Golden Tate
|
|
Ride the trend: Vikings have done well vs. No. 1 WRs but awful vs.
No. 2s. Tate's a very sneaky sleeper this week.
|
WR
|
Sidney Rice
|
|
Sure to draw tough coverage. Has yet to score in consecutive games
as a Seahawk (17 games).
|
DST
|
Seahawks
|
|
Each of last three DSTs to play Vikings have had 13+ Fantasy points.
Seahawks should rebound this week.
|
Christian Ponder has two passing touchdowns in four games this
season. It might come as no surprise to learn that Kyle Rudolph has scored in each of those four games. Similarly, in
the games Rudolph hasn't scored in, Ponder has struggled. If we are
noticing it, you better believe NFL coaches are too, and we've seen
defenses force the Vikings to either keep Rudolph in as a blocker or
take Rudolph away with tight coverage. How many times did we see Ponder
throw in Jerome Simpson's direction
with Simpson in single coverage last week? Defenses will gamble on that
one-on-one matchup rather than leave the gigantic Rudolph against a
smaller defender. Enter the matchup at Seattle, which will already be
uncomfortable for a young passer like Ponder. The Seahawks have the
safeties and linebackers to cover Rudolph on pass routes as well as the
pass rushers to keep him on the line to protect Ponder. I've been a huge
proponent of Rudolph since the summer but I just don't see how he'll
contribute outside of a possible goal-line catch against Seattle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Oakland Raiders -- Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET,
O.co Coliseum
|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Josh Freeman
|
|
Freeman's hot but only two QBs have had 250+ yards and 2+ pass TDs
vs. OAK. The rest have struggled.
|
RB
|
Doug Martin
|
|
Raiders have been on-again, off-again vs. the run, haven't been
great two weeks in a row. Martin's hot and the Raiders are due for a
regression.
|
WR
|
Vincent Jackson
|
|
Familiar with Raiders from days with Chargers but never had a
monster game in Oakland. WRs have 1 TD in each of last 4 vs. OAK.
|
WR
|
Mike Williams
|
|
OAK has allowed 153.75 yards on average to WRs over last four.
Williams has 12+ Fantasy points in 2 of last 3.
|
DST
|
Buccaneers
|
|
Three of the last four DSTs to play OAK have posted 10+ Fantasy
points. Bucs have 13+ Fantasy points in 2 of last 3.
|
Oakland Raiders
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Carson Palmer
|
|
Bucs have allowed 250+ yards to 6 of 7 opposing QBs but only two
have 2+ TDs. Palmer has only one game with 2+ TDs.
|
RB
|
Darren McFadden
|
|
Tampa Bay has allowed rush TD to RB in 5 of last 6. McFadden has 11+
Fantasy points in 3 of last 4.
|
WR
|
Denarius Moore
|
|
Receivers averaging 200.3 yards per game in last 3 vs. TB with a TD
in each. Moore should keep up his hot streak.
|
WR
|
Darrius Heyward-Bey
|
|
Decent sleeper. Has 8+ Fantasy points in each of last two games,
Raiders should continue to throw a bunch.
|
TE
|
Brandon Myers
|
|
Bucs have allowed just three TEs to get 7+ Fantasy points. Expect
mediocre numbers from Myers.
|
DST
|
Raiders
|
|
Risky. Raiders have posted 11+ Fantasy points in each of last three.
But Bucs have scored 28+ points in each of last three.
|
The loss of Carl Nicks is a whopper for
the Bucs in every way imaginable. He provided experienced veteran
leadership in the huddle and was solid as a run blocker and pass
protector. The Bucs allowed the fifth fewest sacks with Nicks and Doug Martin ran especially well to Nicks' side over the last three
weeks. The roster shuffle might result in guard Ted Larsen rejoining the starting lineup after getting benched
earlier this season for poor play. This comes as the Bucs prepare to
play at Oakland against a Raiders defense that has done a nice job
attacking the line of scrimmage of late, totaling three sacks in each of
their two. Already down three starting linemen from the start of the
year, the Bucs' offense could look a lot different starting with this
matchup.
Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants -- Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET,
MetLife Stadium
|
Pittsburgh Steelers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Ben Roethlisberger
|
|
Every team has thrown for 240+ pass yards vs. NYG, five have 2+
total TDs. Giants have allowed 2+ pass TDs in every 2012 home game.
With run game in rough shape Big Ben is going to throw plenty.
|
RB
|
Isaac Redman
|
|
Wish Jonathan Dwyer was healthy.
Redman had horrible rushing average in every game he played
previously this year, might make more of a dent as a receiver out of
the backfield.
|
WR
|
Mike Wallace
|
|
New York allowing 193.0 yards per game to WRs in last four with 4
TDs. Wallace has 9+ Fantasy points in 3 of 4 road games.
|
WR
|
Antonio Brown
|
|
Should get more work with run game sputtering. Giants have allowed
eight WRs to land 7+ Fantasy points in last four games. Brown has 7+
Fantasy points in 5 of 7.
|
TE
|
Heath Miller
|
|
Giants have yet to allow a TD to a TE but gor ripped for 167 yards
last week by Jason Witten.
|
DST
|
Steelers
|
|
The last five DSTs to take on the Giants have averaged 4.7 Fantasy
points. Steelers D has had one good road game this year.
|
New York Giants
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Eli Manning
|
|
Good, not great. Steelers pass defense has held each of last three
QBs to 1 TD. Manning has 0 or 1 pass TD in each of last three.
|
RB
|
Ahmad Bradshaw
|
|
Primary RBs haven't scored on the Steelers since McFadden in Week 3.
Steelers allowing 78.3 rush yards per game over last three.
|
RB
|
Andre Brown
|
|
Steelers have allowed a short-yardage rush TD in 2 of last 3. Brown
might be a 'TD-or-bust' candidate.
|
WR
|
Victor Cruz
|
|
Steelers have allowed TD to WR in each of last three & 5 of last 6.
Cruz has TD in each of last three at home.
|
WR
|
Hakeem Nicks
|
|
Nicks has 53 or fewer yards with no TDs in 4 of 5 games. This isn't
the week to expect a huge breakout though he is on the mend.
|
TE
|
Martellus Bennett
|
|
Steelers haven't allowed more than 6 Fantasy points to a TE since
Week 1. Bennett has under 6 Fantasy points in 4 of last 5.
|
DST
|
Giants
|
|
Each of the last six DSTs vs. PIT have posted 9 Fantasy points or
fewer. See if you can find a better DST.
|
The Giants have won three straight but Eli Manning's
totals haven't been great in any of them. One factor is that he hasn't
thrown as much as he did in his first four games. Against the 49ers and
Cowboys, two teams with excellent pass rushes, Manning threw 28 and 29
times, respectively. Against the Redskins Manning attempted 40 passes
and came away with 337 yards but just one score. All three matchups were
tough for Manning. The games against the Niners and Cowboys meant lots
of pressure on Manning, which he avoided in part because he didn't drop
back too often (one sack in both games combined). As for the Redskins,
they've always found a way to challenge Manning and they did for most of
the game until Eli hit Victor Cruz on a
bomb for a long touchdown. Take that away and the Redskins would have
upended the Giants. Like the Niners and Cowboys, the Steelers boast a
menacing pass rush in a 3-4 front. They've played much better lately and
should come up with a scheme to contain Victor Cruz and a less-than-100 percent Hakeem Nicks. I would expect Manning to throw more than 30 times here
as the Steelers can put up points, but that doesn't guarantee big
numbers. One last thing: The Redskins' defense is supposed to be built
like the Steelers', except the Steelers have more talent.
Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons -- Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Georgia
Dome
|
Dallas Cowboys
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Tony Romo
|
|
Only one QB has thrown 2 TDs vs. ATL, only two have 250+ yards. Romo
can help or hurt by throwing all over the place.
|
RB
|
Felix Jones
|
|
Falcons have allowed 138.0 total yards per game to RBs with 3 TDs
over last three, but will Felix get enough touches?
|
WR
|
Miles Austin
|
|
Falcons have given up 100+ yards to a WR just once all season, only
four WRs have 80+ yards.
|
WR
|
Dez Bryant
|
|
Only four receivers have scored on the Falcons through seven games.
Dez has scored in just one game this season.
|
TE
|
Jason Witten
|
|
You'll start Witten but just one TD allowed to TEs in the Falcons'
last six games.
|
DST
|
Cowboys
|
|
Only two DSTs have posted 10+ Fantasy points against the Falcons, a
mark the Cowboys hit just once over last four games.
|
Atlanta Falcons
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matt Ryan
|
|
You'll start Ryan but Cowboys have held all but one QB to 1 pass TD
or less, only one has 250+ pass yards.
|
RB
|
Michael Turner
|
|
Positive for Turner: Each of last 5 rush TDs allowed by DAL have
been from 3 yards or closer from the goal line.
|
WR
|
Roddy White
|
|
Only 3 WRs have posted 70+ yards against Cowboys but two have been
big, physical WRs. It's Roddy's turn to put up numbers.
|
WR
|
Julio Jones
|
|
Cowboys have been stingy in allowing the big play (just six pass
plays of 30+ yards allowed all year). Jones hasn't scored 10+
Fantasy points in back-to-back games this year.
|
TE
|
Tony Gonzalez
|
|
Only two TE s have posted 7+ Fantasy points vs. DAL and none since
Week 2. Gonzalez has 5 Fantasy points or less in 3 of last 4.
|
DST
|
Falcons
|
|
DSTs have scored on the Cowboys in three of their last four with 6
sacks & 10 INTs in those games. Falcons look good.
|
Take one look at how the Cowboys have operated for the last two weeks,
and for much of Jason Garrett's tenure, and you can safely assume that
they'll throw the football whether they have to or not. Felix Jones was the rare Fantasy running back who had over 10 carries and
scored a touchdown and still didn't have even six Fantasy points last
week. Nobody fears either him or Philip Tanner.
Garrett knows that and unless the run game surprises everyone the Dallas
offense will fall into Tony Romo's hands. He nearly led Dallas to an
improbable come-from-behind victory last week against the Giants if not
for Dez Bryant being ruled out of
bounds on a long touchdown catch, so he has the chops to throw
effectively. However the Falcons' pass rush has been a nice surprise and
the secondary hasn't skipped a beat without Brent Grimes patroling a sideline. Playing in a loud Georgia Dome in
prime time against an undefeated Falcons team that will surely find ways
to put up points of their own, Romo could have another game with a lot
of yards and a lot of turnovers but not necessarily a lot of touchdowns.
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints -- Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET,
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
|
Philadelphia Eagles
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Michael Vick
|
|
Each of last 4 QBs vs. NO have tossed 300+ yards, all but one QB vs.
NO in '12 have 2+ total TDs. Vick should shine.
|
RB
|
LeSean McCoy
|
|
Saints allowing 182 total yards per game to RBs over last four
including a 100+ total yard RB in each.
|
WR
|
DeSean Jackson
|
|
A must. Saints giving up 214.1 yards per game to wideouts. Seven
receivers have 90+ yards against them on the year.
|
WR
|
Jeremy Maclin
|
|
New Orleans has allowed 11 TDs to wideouts in their last four games
including three last week.
|
TE
|
Brent Celek
|
|
Saints' TE defense beginning to crack as they've allowed 70+ yards
to TEs in each of last two.
|
DST
|
Eagles
|
|
Saints have been tough on DSTs, plus Eagles have 16 Fantasy points
in their last four combined.
|
New Orleans Saints
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Drew Brees
|
|
Four of last five QBs to play PHI have 2+ TDs against them. Brees
has 16 TDs in last five.
|
RB
|
Pierre Thomas
|
|
Should fill in admirably for injured Darren Sproles. Capable of
15-plus touches vs. Eagles' run D that allows 136.0 total yards per
game to RBs.
|
WR
|
Marques Colston
|
|
Seven WRs have 9+ Fantasy points against the Eagles in their last
five. Colston has 10+ targets in each of last four.
|
WR
|
Lance Moore
|
|
Back in the dome! Six WRs have 80+ yards vs. PHI in their last five
games. Should get more involved with Sproles out.
|
TE
|
Jimmy Graham
|
|
Tough matchup for Graham but you'll start him. Eagles have yet to
allow 9+ Fantasy points to a tight end. Graham should be the first.
|
DST
|
Saints
|
|
Five of seven DSTs vs. PHI have posted 11+ Fantasy points, but NO
has yet to exceed 11 Fantasy points.
|
The decision to stick with Michael Vick
was a wise one for Andy Reid. Benching him for rookie Nick Foles would have reeked of desperation and change for the sake
of change, two factors a team with playoff hopes should never have. The
best news is that Vick should put up some numbers so long as he doesn't
fumble the ball away. The Saints are allowing 317.0 pass yards per game
and have allowed multiple passing scores in all but two matchups this
year. Also helping the Eagles' cause is a battle of wits between Reid
and Steve Spagnuolo, who is the Saints' defensive coordinator. Vick
blasted Spagnuolo's defense in St. Louis last season for a couple of
touchdowns and a lot of rushing yards, and that defense might have been
as good as the one he's running now in New Orleans. Vick has completed
62.4 percent of his passes in his last four games but for just 6.5 yards
per attempt. That number should be significantly higher against a sloppy
Saints pass defense. With so much to play for, Vick should be counted on
to come up big.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers -- Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET,
Qualcomm Stadium
|
Kansas City Chiefs
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matt Cassel
|
|
Chargers have allowed 2+ pass TDs in 4 of last 5 but Cassel has four
2+ TD games in his last 15 games.
|
RB
|
Jamaal Charles
|
|
Charles has 14+ Fantasy points in games following each of his last
four when he had less than 12 carries & no TDs. Bolts got ravaged by Trent Richardson last week.
|
RB
|
Peyton Hillis
|
|
Not a safe bet: Chargers have allowed just 5 total TDs to RBs, none
from inside the 5-yard line.
|
WR
|
Dwayne Bowe
|
|
Nine WRs have posted 8+ Fantasy points on the Bolts this year; Bowe
has TD in 2 of last 3 vs. SD.
|
DST
|
Chiefs
|
|
Chargers posted 37 points on Chiefs in earlier 2012 meeting & 20+
points in 5 of 7 games. Can't trust this DST.
|
San Diego Chargers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Philip Rivers
|
|
Six of seven QBs vs. KC have 2+ TDs including Rivers in Week 4.
Rivers has 2 TDs in 3 of last 4 but his arm seems suspect.
|
RB
|
Ryan Mathews
|
|
Should do well after limited snaps in last game vs. KC (remember Jackie Battle?). Chiefs have allowed 177.6 total yards to RBs in
their last three.
|
WR
|
Malcom Floyd
|
|
Risky play but Chiefs have allowed 10 TDs to WRs this year including
five in their last two games.
|
TE
|
Antonio Gates
|
|
KC's coverage on tight ends has been solid over their last four,
starting when they shut out Gates in second half of Week 4.
|
DST
|
Chargers
|
|
Every DST vs. KC has posted at least 11 Fantasy points, three have
found the end zone. The Bolts are a sleeper.
|
There's a mix of trouble hampering San Diego's passing game. One key
factor is that the receiving corps hasn't panned out like Norv Turner
had hoped and it's not getting any better. Eddie Royal won't play, Robert Meachem
might sit out with a hamstring injury and that leaves Malcom Floyd, Danario Alexander and
ex-Charger Seyi Ajirotutu among the
wide receivers. If Meachem is out, expect the Chargers to run a lot of
two-tight end sets and get a guy like Dante Rosario more involved. Rosario had five targets on 29 snaps
last week after getting eight snaps in Week 6, seven in Week 5 and 16 in
Week 4 against these Chiefs. The second tight end helps the offensive
line block the Chiefs' pass rushers and provides a sneaky short-area and
red-zone target for Rivers, and we've seen Rosario do well in that role
before. Rookie Ladarius Green might
also get involved but chances are the Chargers will lean on veteran help
if their receiving cupboard is bare.
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