Patriots at Jets, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Typically Tom Brady has been better in his second go-round with the Jets than his first, and that should definitely be the case now that Rob Gronkowski is expected back. If that's the case, then his return cannot be understated: This offense has missed having a difference maker like him on the field and defenses have had an easier time slowing them down. Now, Gronkowski will force defenses to make a choice on defending him versus allowing other receivers to beat lesser coverage. With Brady beginning to gel with guys like Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson, this could get ugly quickly for the Jets.
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: My Projection: 22 FPTS
The Jets
aren't perfect vs. the pass -- three of the last four quarterbacks
they've faced have found their way to 21-plus Fantasy points. Brady's
numbers have been uncharacteristically low without Gronkowski -- just
two games with over 60 percent of his passes caught and three with one
touchdown or less. Gronk's addition should open everything up for Brady,
not to mention give him a reliable target. Now the expectation is that
Brady can take what the defense gives him and excel like he did in the
past.
I'd start him over: Aaron Rodgers,
Robert Griffin III, Matt Ryan
Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Ridley
did well against a Saints defense that entered last week allowing 4.8
yards per carry to running backs in their last three games. The Jets, on
the other hand, have allowed 2.6 yards per carry to backs in their last
three games and are among the stingiest vs. the run (the Falcons' three
total touchdowns notwithstanding). Ridley bounced back last week but
might only benefit this week if the Patriots find themselves with a big
lead late. Given how the Pats typically operate vs. the Jets, that's
possible.
I'd start him over: Maurice Jones-Drew, C.J. Spiller
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, Patriots: My Projection: 8 FPTS
Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Aaron Dobson, WR, Patriots: My Projection: 5 FPTS
The Jets'
defensive weakness is against the pass. A receiver has caught a
touchdown in four of six games against them this year.Though the return
of Gronkowski will take opportunities away from these guys, it also
lessens the safety coverage they'll face. Expect more one-on-one
chances, particuarly for the outside receivers. Thompkins nearly had a
touchdown against the Jets in Week 2 and is a candidate to score again
here, though Brady's long-range passes aren't exactly consistently on
target.
I'd start Edelman and Thompkins over: Harry Douglas, Kris Durham
I'd
start Dobson over: Stephen Hill, Robert Woods
Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: My Projection: 11 FPTS
I
don't foresee Gronk coming back and playing decoy. He's too valuable a
weapon to be wasted, especially in the red zone. New York has allowed a
touchdown to a tight end in three of its last four, but only two of
those tight ends were No. 1 options. We have seen No. 1 tight ends post
a minimum of seven Fantasy points against the Jets over their last four
with three catching at least five passes. The bottom line is that the
matchup is favorable and Gronk's been practicing for weeks. You didn't
sit on Gronkowski all this time for nothing, did you?
I'd start
him over: Everyone except Vernon Davis,
Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez
Geno Smith, QB, Jets: My Projection: 8 FPTS
The Patriots
are going to try and make Smith uncomfortable in the pocket while taking
away the deep ball and covering up the tight end. Three quarterbacks -- E.J. Manuel, Matt Ryan and Drew Brees -- have clawed their way to between 20 and 26 points.
Three other quarterbacks, including Smith, had a hard time collecting 10.
I'd
rather start: Mike Glennon, Chad Henne
Bilal Powell, RB, Jets: My Projection: 13 FPTS
Powell
could have a nice rebound game -- his last two contests were hampered by Mike Goodson taking over as a passing downs back. Goodson has since
torn his knee up and Powell has that job back for the rest of the year.
The Patriots have allowed 4.4 yards per carry and three total touchdowns
to running backs over their last two games. The Patriots also lost
linebacker Jerod Mayo to a chest injury,
so they're getting thin up the middle vs. the run. Powell's worth
starting.
I'd start him over: Fred Jackson, Joseph Randle
Bears at Redskins, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
What can the Bears do to fix their D-line? If they don't do much then this game will belong to Washington. It's pretty easy to take the cue from the Giants and run the ball here. Defensive tackle Stephen Paea should be back for Chicago, but he might not be enough to slow down Alfred Morris. Rookie Jon Bostic might be instinctive but is also a little too raw to be a trusted run stopper.
No-brainers: Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall; Alfred Morris
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: My Projection: 22 FPTS
Washington's
secondary has improved over the last two weeks, holding Matt Flynn and Tony Romo to two
touchdowns and 19 Fantasy points combined. The Redskins are sure
to blitz Cutler a ton -- which could be a problem -- but Cutler's been
red hot (under 20 Fantasy points once in six games), so it's tough to
sit him.
I'd start him over: Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears: My Projection: 8 FPTS
Jeffery
came back down to earth last week in part because he and Cutler couldn't
quite hook up on four separate deep pass attempts. The Redskins
secondary has improved but they still have allowed at least one score to
a receiver in four of five games. Jeffery could line up from rookie
cornerback David Amerson and find some success, especially if Brandon Marshall draws some double coverage.
Flow chart: Greg Jennings > Torrey Smith > Alshon Jeffery > Patriots WRs
Martellus Bennett, TE, Bears: My Projection: 8 FPTS
The
Redskins contained Jason Witten in Week
6 but have otherwise allowed a tight end to score in each of their other
games. Bennett hasn't found the end zone since Week 2 but does have five
or more catches in three straight.
I'd start him over: Kyle Rudolph, Greg Olsen
Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins: My Projection: 20 FPTS
It's
getting tough to trust RG3. He began the season collecting great numbers
in garbage time but hasn't posted any better than 16 Fantasy points in
three straight, and that includes some really good matchups. The Bears
have played mostly well vs. opposing quarterbacks; only two have touched
20 or more Fantasy points this year. With the Bears' run defense sure to
be tested it could limit Griffin's pass attempts -- or improve his rush
attempts.
I'd start him over: Eli Manning, Matt Ryan
Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins: My Projection: 12 FPTS
The
top receiving threat in four of the last six offenses the Bears have
faced has come up with 10-plus Fantasy points. Garcon has led the
Redskins in targets every week this season.
I'd start him over: Reggie Wayne, Hakeem Nicks
Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins: My Projection: 6 FPTS
You
don't have to start Reed but there are still signs of him being a
breakout candidate. He played 71 pct. of the snaps last week and tied
for second on the team with six targets and four catches. Bears have
been tough on tight ends -- only one has scored on them so far this year.
I'd
rather start: Brent Celek, Joseph Fauria
Chargers at Jaguars, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
You might think the cross-country trip on a short week for the Chargers would be a red flag, but they thrived at Philadelphia under identical circumstances earlier this season. In this case the matchup is even easier as the Jags defense is banged up and thin on talent. But it should also be easy for the Jaguars since the Chargers didn't exactly stifle the Colts passing game last week. Indianapolis incurred five drops and had the ball for less than 22 minutes, two huge factors in why the Chargers allowed just nine points. Jacksonville should score more.
No-brainers: Antonio Gates; Justin Blackmon
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: My Projection: 23 FPTS
There's
no getting away from Rivers this week. Jacksonville has allowed 14
touchdowns to quarterbacks this season, including two or more to five of
six opponents. They've also given up 20-plus Fantasy points to all but
two passers.
I'd start him over: Everyone not named Peyton Manning and Tony Romo
Danny Woodhead, RB, Chargers: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: My Projection: 8 FPTS
I actually
like how both players are being used and a matchup like this one should
give both a chance at some good stats. Mathews gets reps sprinkled in
games and can pick up some clock-killing handoffs too, while Woodhead
has continued to contribute at least 75 yards per game. The Jags have
allowed 4.4 yards per carry and four touchdowns in their last three
games.
I'd start them over: Zac Stacy,
Le'Veon Bell
Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers: My Projection: 10 FPTS
Vincent Brown, WR, Chargers: My Projection: 7 FPTS
In their last
four games, the Jaguars have allowed seven touchdowns to receivers and
an average of 183.25 yards to the position. That's good for the Bolts'
young wideouts, both of whom continue to soak up a ton of playing time
and in the case of Allen, a lot of stats. Allen has 27 targets in his
last three games, Brown has 21. Allen's the better bet for Fantasy, but
against Jacksonville both could play well.
I'd start Allen over: Eric Decker, Andre Johnson
I'd
start Brown over: Dwayne Bowe, all
Rams WRs
Chad Henne, QB, Jaguars: My Projection: 13 FPTS
Henne is
a desperation starter vs. a Chargers defense that has allowed 22-plus
Fantasy points to five of six quarterbacks they faced. San Diego held Andrew Luck to under 10 Fantasy points last week, but Indianapolis was
given just 22 minutes of game time and Luck was plagued by drops. Henne
will fare better, but not to the point where he's start-worthy.
Bye-week
QB flow chart: Ben Roethlisberger > Mike Glennon > Chad Henne > Carson Palmer
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars: My Projection: 9 FPTS
The
Chargers have allowed 4.6 yards per carry to running backs in their last
three but still have yet to allow a touchdown to a back all season long.
MJD has picked up at least 19 touches in three of his last four games, a
positive sign. If he could perk up his rushing average then he'd start
to become a safer No. 2 Fantasy running back.
I'd start him over: Ryan Mathews, Chris Johnson
Cecil Shorts, WR, Jaguars: My Projection: 6 FPTS
Shorts
sounds like he's going to play after two days of practice this week but
I'm not sure if he'll be near 100 percent. That makes me nervous about
starting him. Losing targets to Justin Blackmon
doesn't exactly help his cause either.
I'd rather start: Brian Hartline, Jarrett Boykin
Cowboys at Eagles, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
This should be a huge game for Fantasy. Of course, I said the same thing last week of the Redskins-Cowboys game and many Cowboys players underdelivered. Neither defense has a lot of studly talent and particularly the loss of DeMarcus Ware should work out nicely for Nick Foles, who was stunning in his win over Tampa Bay last week.
No-brainers: Tony Romo, Dez Bryant; LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson
Joseph Randle, RB, Cowboys: My Projection: 9 FPTS
The
matchup is pretty good. Philadelphia's run defense has allowed four
touchdowns and 126.8 total yards per game to running backs on the year.
The Eagles did all right daring the Bucs to throw last week and held the
Chargers duo out of the end zone back in Week 2, but have otherwise been
victimized. There's no way the Eagles should cheat their safeties up to
the line of scrimmage considering the Cowboys' receiving corps. Randle
is a versatile back with a big workload sitting in front of him at
Philly this Sunday -- Dallas running backs have averaged 19.0 carries
and 4.7 catches per game so far this season.
I'd start him over: Stevan Ridley, Trent Richardson
Terrance Williams, WR, Cowboys: My Projection: 8 FPTS
It
feels like we've been lucky with Williams the past few weeks. In his
last two he has just six targets, but he's made them count for an
improbable six catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns. If Williams was
playing a tougher opponent I'd be nervous, but the Eagles have given up
13 touchdowns to wideouts through six weeks. Nine receivers have posted
at least 10 points against them this year, though no one with fewer than
six targets in a game have done it.
No. 3 Fantasy receiver Flow
chart: Greg Jennings > Alshon Jeffery > Terrance Williams
> Harry Douglas > Brian Hartline
Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Witten's
been frustrating to own but the reality is that he's too valuable a
piece to the Cowboys puzzle to consider passing over in Fantasy. The
Eagles have done well vs. tight ends, holding all but one (Antonio
Gates) to under 50 yards per game. Witten has been under 80 yards in all
but one game this season and has scored in two. Witten's last touchdown
vs. the Eagles came in late 2011, but he did have over 100 yards in his
most recent meeting against them.
I'd start him over: Martellus Bennett, Heath Miller
Nick Foles, QB, Eagles: My Projection: 21 FPTS
Foles has
been amazing in Chip Kelly's offense, completing 67.8 pct. of his passes
for 8.8 yards per attempt with five touchdowns and no turnovers over his
last six quarters. That's flawless. The Cowboys defense has allowed four
of six quarterbacks to not just 20 Fantasy points, but at least 25 per
game with three getting over 30. I'm actually nervous I didn't project
Foles for enough Fantasy points.
I'd start him over: Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck
Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles: My Projection: 6 FPTS
I'm giving
Ertz the sleeper treatment -- he's worth a stash. He had a season-high
six targets last week, doubling his previous high. He also played 62
pct. of the snaps, also a season high. So far there's no sign of a
change. The Cowboys got by against Jordan Reed
last week but allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in their previous
two games against Julius Thomas and Antonio Gates.
I'd start him over: Greg Olsen, Joseph Fauria, Brent Celek
Bengals at Lions, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
The Bengals won't win unless Andy Dalton plays a flawless game. The Lions pass defense isn't deep on talent but they do a good job of bending and not breaking. They also have plenty of ballhawks, totaling 10 interceptions through six games. Dalton's been known to throw a pick or two (six on the year) and must do a better job running the show.
No-brainers: A.J. Green; Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals: My Projection: 18 FPTS
His big
game last week could be indicative of a hot streak like the ones he had
last year but Detroit's defense has held every quarterback they've faced
to 20 Fantasy points or less. Dalton had his first game with 20-plus
Fantasy points last week. Don't expect a Top 12 finish, making him a
borderline bye-week replacement.
I'd rather start: Eli Manning, Matt Ryan
Gio Bernard, RB, Bengals: My Projection: 13 FPTS
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Bengals: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Both
backs will take on a Lions defense that has allowed at least one running
back to post nine or more Fantasy points per game this season. The Lions
have afforded 12-plus Fantasy points to a back in five of six games.
They've especially been soft against running backs catching passes out
of the backfield, allowing 36.5 receiving yards per game to rushers with
three touchdowns on the year, including one last week. That benefits
Bernard (20 catches, 201 yards, two receiving TDs) in a big way.
I'd
start Bernard over: Knowshon Moreno,
Doug Martin
I'd start Green-Ellis
over: Chris Ogbonnaya, Brandon Bolden
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions: My Projection: 21 FPTS
Cincinnati's
defense has been extremely tough to get a grip on: Two weeks ago they
did a fantastic job against Tom Brady,
but couldn't do anything to slow down Thad Lewis.
Two of the Bengals' last three games have seen them allow a quarterback
to at least 22 Fantasy points. Looking at their metrics it seems simply
that a
quarterback can post a good Fantasy line so long as he totals at least
two scores against them. The only game Stafford didn't have
two touchdowns was when he didn't have Calvin Johnson at Green Bay in Week 5.
I'd start him over: Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III
Kris Durham, WR, Lions: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Check this
out: Durham has 21 targets for 11 catches over his last two games with
113 yards and a score. And more of his catches and yardage came with Calvin Johnson on the field last week. Durham is very much a real
threat and a nice bye-week receiver option.
Bye-week WR Flow
chart: Alshon Jeffery > Emmanuel Sanders > Kris Durham > Marlon Brown
Rams at Panthers, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
The Rams are on a three-game streak of containing opposing quarterbacks, doing a number on both Texans guys last week and the Jaguars the week before and Colin Kaepernick on the Thursday night before that. But Cam Newton stands as their toughest challenge to date, as the Panthers are coming off arguably their best overall performance of the season. It'll take rattling Newton with a big game from the defensive line for the Rams to have a chance.
Sam Bradford, QB, Rams: My Projection: 16 FPTS
Bradford
has posted 22 or more Fantasy points in four of six games, struggling
only at Dallas and vs. the 49ers on a Thursday. Last week's performance
at Houston was particularly impressive. But get this -- the Panthers
haven't allowed an opposing passer to get any better than 16 Fantasy
points in a game this season. This defense has at least two
interceptions in three straight and have allowed four passing touchdowns total.
It's getting tougher to doubt Bradford, but this it's probably for the
best this week.
I'd rather start: Ryan Tannehill, Josh Freeman
Zac Stacy, RB, Rams: My Projection: 8 FPTS
I've enjoyed
watching Stacy run the past two weeks -- he's proven to be big enough to
handle the rigors of the NFL and even fights hard for extra yardage. The
Panthers' tough run defense is somewhat of a misnomer, as they've
allowed 4.5 yards per carry over their last two games -- Andre Ellington and Adrian Peterson
both had excellent rushing averages against them, but neither had much
work. The Panthers have allowed just two rushing touchdowns on the year.
I'd call Stacy a borderline No. 2 running back.
I'd rather start: Danny Woodhead, Ryan Mathews
Austin Pettis, WR, Rams: My Projection: 6 FPTS
Tavon Austin, WR, Rams: My Projection: 5 FPTS
The Rams
receivers are becoming a headache to figure out because the offense uses
so many players. Austin played three snaps last week, Pettis had 26 of
42. Chris Givens had even more but no
Rams player had any more than four targets! The Panthers have
allowed two touchdowns to receivers all year and have limited the likes
of Victor Cruz, Larry Fitzgerald and Greg Jennings in
consecutive weeks.
I'd rather start: Mike Brown, Riley Cooper, Stephen Hill
Cam Newton, QB, Panthers: My Projection: 21 FPTS
I got
into why
I liked Newton this week, but here's the long and the short of
it: Defenses that can't consistently contain receivers give Newton's
receivers a chance to make plays. I suspect the Rams will try to bring a
lot of pressure to force some mistakes. While St. Louis has held three
straight quarterbacks to under 20 Fantasy points, all of them were no
better than decent, and in the case of the Jaguars and Texans, involved
the backup quarterbacks. I'd ride with Newton.
I'd start him over: Matt Ryan, Robert Griffin III
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: My Projection: 11 FPTS
The
Rams have allowed six rushing touchdowns to backs in their last five
games with an average of 135.6 rush yards given up per game. That makes
for a fantastic matchup for Williams, who has 17-plus carries in four of
his last five and over 100 total yards in two of his last three.
I'd
start him over: Brandon Jacobs, Stevan Ridley, Ray Rice
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Brandon LaFell, WR, Panthers: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Week 6 was
the first time this season the Rams didn't allow a touchdown to a wide
receiver. Before that game they had yielded eight touchdowns and 183.0
yards per game to receivers. Smith hasn't had more than 60 yards in a
game this year, but he's still probably the most reliable of the
Panthers' group. I don't mind LaFell (24 targets, 15 catches, 220 yards
and three touchdowns in his last five) as a Week 7 sleeper.
I'd
start Smith over: Rueben Randle, Terrance Williams
I'd start LaFell over: Brian Hartline, Anquan Boldin
Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers: My Projection: 6 FPTS
The
Rams' hot streak vs. opposing tight ends continued last week against the
Texans. In the 22 games since Jeff Fisher arrived in St. Louis, only
four tight ends have posted eight or more Fantasy points against the
team. Olsen has been above eight Fantasy points once in five games this
season.
I'd rather start: Charles Clay,
Scott Chandler
Buccaneers at Falcons, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
The once-stocked Falcons offense is expected to enter this game without at least two of their major weapons. Combine that with an offensive line that hasn't been quite as reliable as in the past and you've got a team that's going to go through some bumps. Tampa Bay continues to fight for its first win and could match up really well with Atlanta given the Falcons' injuries. Ryan is going to have to be spot-on with the players he has left to work with in order to pull out a victory.
No-brainers: Tony Gonzalez
Mike Glennon, QB, Buccaneers: My Projection: 15 FPTS
Every
quarterback to play the Falcons has thrown at least two touchdowns and
all but one has posted 24-plus Fantasy points. This is a list that
includes Sam Bradford and Geno Smith. The defense has 11 sacks in five games and doesn't
generate a strong pass rush, which should help Glennon tremendously. I'm
not ready to recommend Glennon as a sure-fire replacement for Drew Brees this week, but I will admit he hasn't played like a
typical newbie since getting the starting job.
I'd rather start: Brandon Weeden, Ben Roethlisberger
Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers: My Projection: 11 FPTS
Martin
has disappointed Fantasy owners because he hasn't scored since Week 1
and hasn't delivered 100 total yards since Week 3. He would have gotten
over 100 total last week if 22 yards of offense weren't called back by
Tampa Bay penalties, so it's not like he's a slug. In fact, he has at
least 4.2 yards per carry in three of his last four games and has seven
catches in his last two with Glennon under center. Two problems: The
Falcons haven't allowed a running back to top 100 total yards since Week
1 and only two running backs have scored on them through five games.
Expect Martin to deliver like a No. 2 rusher given the matchup.
No.
2 RB Flow chart: Knowshon Moreno > Bilal Powell > Doug Martin > DeAngelo Williams > Joseph Randle
Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers: My Projection: 12 FPTS
Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Not only
have the Falcons allowed at least one score per week to a wide receiver,
but they've given up eight 10-plus-point Fantasy games to the position,
including a minimum of one per week. That bodes well for Jackson and
Williams, both of whom have already connected with Glennon for a
touchdown (two in the case of V-Jax).
I'd start Jackson over: Pierre Garcon, Reggie Wayne
I'd
start Williams over: Dwayne Bowe,
Titans WRs
Timothy Wright, TE, Buccaneers: My Projection: 7 FPTS
In
two games with Glennon we've seen Wright get targeted 15 times, catching
12 passes for 132 yards. That's solid, and it's his work in the short-
and mid-areas that have opened things up for the rest of the Bucs
offense. The Falcons' defense against tight ends has turned gross --
they've allowed five touchdowns to the position including four in their
last three games with at least one per game. Wright is a red-hot sleeper.
I'd
start him over: Heath Miller, Greg Olsen
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: My Projection: 19 FPTS
No one's
quite sure what to expect from Ryan given his depleted receiving corps,
but a big game seems out of reach. Sure, Ryan's a fine quarterback but
his numbers really took off once he got Julio Jones. The Bucs were burned last week by Nick Foles, but no other quarterback had as much success as he had
against them (the previous four had 19 Fantasy points or less). Ryan's
going to have to make magic with Harry Douglas
and Drew Davis against a pretty decent
secondary in order to be helpful to Fantasy owners.
I'd rather
start: Nick Foles, Eli Manning
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Falcons: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Jason Snelling, RB, Falcons: My Projection: 6 FPTS
As of now
it looks like the Falcons will go another week without Steven Jackson. They'll do it in a tough matchup against the Bucs, who
haven't allowed a touchdown to a running back and gave up their first
100-yard game of the year to LeSean McCoy.
Sounds bad but the last time these guys played they both scored on a
very good Jets defense. They're low-end starters.
I'd rather
start: Joseph Randle, Lamar Miller
Harry Douglas, WR, Falcons: My Projection: 8 FPTS
Drew Davis, WR, Falcons: My Projection: 4 FPTS
I don't mind
holding on to Douglas for now but expectations must be in check. Not
only has Douglas underwhelmed over his career, but Davis is very raw,
even though he came out of the Oregon program a couple of years ago.
Receivers dominated the Bucs last week, particularly on deep passes, so
expect the Falcons to take some shots with these guys. Tampa Bay has
allowed six touchdowns to receivers, but only four have made it past 10
Fantasy points this year.
I'd rather start: Patriots WRs, Greg Jennings
Bills at Dolphins, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Thad Lewis might have been underrated before last week, but three touchdowns and a near victory against the Bengals have forced the Dolphins to pay attention. Lewis connected on two 40-plus-yard bombs, threw all over the field and even ran a bit, so he's proved he's a bit of a gamer. He and the Bills run game gives Buffalo a chance to steal a win on the road.
Thad Lewis, QB, Bills: My Projection: 16 FPTS
Don't
forget that last week Lewis totaled 216 passing yards with two passing
touchdowns without the benefit of Steve Johnson.
Miami's pass defense has only been torched by the Saints, so it's not a
guarantee that Lewis will have another good game, but it's still
possible. Enough to start Lewis as a sleeper quarterback? Probably not
given your alternatives, but he is one to watch.
I'd rather start: Sam Bradford, Brandon Weeden
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills: My Projection: 11 FPTS
C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills: My Projection: 9 FPTS
The Bills'
dynamic duo totaled 20 carries and six catches last week in basically a
50-50 split. Maybe a little more was expected but the Bills had a hard
time running against a defense that dared them to pass. The Dolphins
have been very giving to running backs in terms of Fantasy points,
allowing a rusher to post a minimum of 13 points in each of their last
four. Spiller had over 120 total yards in each game against Miami last
year (Fred Jackson didn't play in
either game). If he were healthier then such an outcome would be
expected.
Flow chart: DeAngelo Williams
> Fred Jackson > Joseph Randle > C.J. Spiller > Ray Rice
Steve Johnson, WR, Bills: My Projection: 8 FPTS
Johnson's
return deepens a receiving corps that did enough to keep the Bills in
the game last week. I'd expect a lot of targets for Johnson out of the
slot but it might not make for a lot of Fantasy points. The Dolphins
have allowed three receivers to top 100 yards, but they were all
speedsters. Johnson might have to catch seven or more passes to get to
that mark. No receiver has scored on Miami this season.
I'd rather
start: Alshon Jeffery, Terrance Williams
Scott Chandler, TE, Bills: My Projection: 7 FPTS
The
matchup screams success for Chandler. The Dolphins have allowed six
touchdowns to tight ends over five games, including at least one in
their first four games. Chandler totaled 47 yards and a touchdown on two
catches last week and has had at least six targets in four of his first
six games. If you're in a pinch he's someone worth looking into.
Sleeper
TE Flow chart: Timothy Wright > Charles Clay > Scott Chandler > Zach Ertz > Joseph Randle
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins: My Projection: 18 FPTS
Tannehill
should have a chance as the Bills have allowed multiple passing
touchdowns in all but one game this year. They've also given up over 300
yards passing in three of their last four, including last week when Stephon Gilmore and Jairus Byrd were in
the secondary. They're a weird defense because they should be strong,
but they're susceptible to the big play. Tannehill's part of the
bye-week replacement crew at quarterback.
Bye-week QB Flow chart: Andy Dalton > Colin Kaepernick > Ryan Tannehill > Josh Freeman > Sam Bradford
Lamar Miller, RB, Dolphins: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins: My Projection: 6 FPTS
Did the
Dolphins come out of the bye realizing they had to give Miller more
carries? Probably not. Expect to see some new wrinkles with the running
backs but since Miller hasn't earned more work he's not going to get it.
The Bills have allowed just two touchdowns to running backs this year
but they came in their last two games. Buffalo also has given up just
98.7 total yards per game to backs in their last three, not exactly the
easy matchup you might have thought.
Flow chart: Joseph Randle > Lamar Miller >
Falcons RBs > Daniel Thomas > Willis McGahee
Mike Wallace, WR, Dolphins: My Projection: 14 FPTS
Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins: My Projection: 7 FPTS
The Bills
defense against receivers has allowed 10 touchdowns through six games
including a touchdown to two different wideouts in three of their last
four. Five receivers have reached 100 yards against them and another
three have gotten past 70 yards. Wallace should start for most people
while Hartline serves as a potential No. 3 weapon.
I'd start
Wallace over: Josh Gordon, Pierre Garcon
I'd start Hartline over: Mike Williams, Dwayne Bowe
Charles Clay, TE, Dolphins: My Projection: 7 FPTS
The
matchup is tough for Clay as the Bills have allowed just one score to a
tight end -- Greg Olsen. Not only has
every other tight end not scored, but every other tight end hasn't even
had 50 yards receiving. That's a list that includes Jordan Cameron and the Bengals duo. Clay's involved in the Dolphins
offense and is a bright spot, so it could be tough to bench him.
Flow
chart: Timothy Wright > Heath Miller > Charles Clay > Greg Olsen > Brent Celek
49ers at Titans, Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET
I think it's going to be interesting to see how the Titans cover Vernon Davis. The unit has allowed four touchdowns to tight ends this season but the most dangerous receiving tight end they've had to tangle with is Antonio Gates. He had 55 yards and a touchdown on them in Week 3. Davis is crucial to the Niners' operation and it wouldn't surprise me if the Titans used a cornerback with a safety over the top to try and discourage Colin Kaepernick from throwing it to Davis.
No-brainers: Frank Gore, Vernon Davis
Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers: My projection: 18 FPTS
The
Titans' secondary is no joke -- they've allowed just six passing
touchdowns this season. Only one quarterback, Matt Schaub, posted over 20 Fantasy points against them. The rest
have had 16 or fewer. Kaepernick will need a big game from Davis in
order to have a big game himself -- I wouldn't count on it against this
defense.
I'd rather start: Matt Ryan,
Andy Dalton
Anquan Boldin, WR, 49ers: My Projection: 6 FPTS
Of the
six passing touchdowns the Titans have allowed, two have gone to wide
receivers. Through six weeks, only one receiver has posted over 100
yards against Tennessee. One other has 91 yards, the rest have 76 yards
or fewer. This is a tough matchup.
I'd rather start: Jeremy Kerley, Marlon Brown
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: My Projection: 7 FPTS
I would
expect some big games from Johnson after this week and the Titans bye in
Week 8. I wrote about how good he's been after slow starts each of the
last two seasons and why
he should be traded for right now, but this week should be a
tough go. The Niners' run defense isn't perfect -- they've allowed seven
total TDs and five 10-plus-point Fantasy games to running backs through
six weeks -- but Johnson is not only running bad right now, he's not
getting the same kind of workload we saw in the early going of the
season (37 carries in his last three games). He's gaining a little value
in PPR leagues as he has nine catches in his last three games but don't
expect a breakout from him this week.
I'd rather start: Zac Stacy, Andre Ellington
Browns at Packers, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
I came away impressed with the Packers defense last week. Without a couple of starters missing, they harassed Joe Flacco and held together for much of the game. This week they'll again be without Clay Matthews and fellow pass rusher Nick Perry, making life a little bit easier on Brandon Weeden. The Packers need to hold together again to contain the Browns' upstart offense.
No-brainers: Josh Gordon; Jordy Nelson
Brandon Weeden, QB, Browns: My Projection: 17 FPTS
It'll
take some guts to start Weeden, though the matchup is pretty darn
favorable. The Packers have allowed multiple touchdowns to quarterbacks
in all but one game this season and are fielding a thin defense,
particularly in the pass rush. It's especially their defense against
tight ends that gives Weeden a chance to have another good game.
Bye-week
QB Flow chart: Ryan Tannehill > Josh Freeman > Brandon Weeden > Ben Roethlisberger
Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Browns: My Projection: 6 FPTS
Willis McGahee, RB, Browns: My Projection: 4 FPTS
Ogbonnaya's
been the better back in his two most recent games, scoring a touchdown
in each. Heck, over his last three he's had 53, 48 and 85 total yards.
He's a gem in PPR because of his role as the Browns passing downs back
and he's a McGahee fumble or injury away from getting even more work.
The Packers have allowed 40.2 pass yards per game to running backs but
just 72.4 rush yards per. Bodes pretty well for Ogbonnaya. I like him
especially in PPR leagues.
Flow chart: Ryan Mathews > Chris Ogbonnaya > Roy Helu > Willis McGahee > Bernard Pierce
Jordan Cameron, TE, Browns: My Projection: 10 FPTS
Cameron
should have a pretty good game as the Packers were sloppy against Ravens
tight end Dallas Clark last week. He was
the third tight end to score on Green Bay in five games (four total to
tight ends). On a per-game average, tight ends are racking up 77.2 yards
against Green Bay, another sign for a bounce-back game for Cameron.
I'd
start him over: Jason Witten, Jermichael Finley
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: My Projection: 21 FPTS
Before
last week, the Browns had a three-game streak of zero passing touchdowns
allowed. That ended abruptly when Matthew Stafford threw four -- three to his tight end. Rodgers is going
to have to lean on his tight end with Randall Cobb and James Jones out. But
the Packers will also run a lot, and that's something that has robbed
Rodgers of big stats lately. Rodgers has one touchdown in each of his
last three games -- coincidentally three games his running backs have
posted 25-plus carries in. He's a bit of a risk.
I'd start him
over: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III
Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers: My Projection: 14 FPTS
There's
nothing to dislike about Lacy right now. His Fantasy points in the three
games he's finished: 11, 9 and 12. Not bad consistency. Running backs
have scored on the Browns in five of six games this season (seven total
touchdowns) and are averaging 101 rush yards per game against them in
their last three. With the Packers' air attack limited, Lacy's a fine
start.
I'd start him over: Reggie Bush,
Gio Bernard
Jarrett Boykin, WR, Packers: My Projection: 6 FPTS
Boykin
has some wiggle and acceleration to him but not a ton is expected here.
The Browns' defense against receivers has been really good -- even if Calvin Johnson had scored last week he would have finished under 10
Fantasy points. For now we're in speculation mode with Boykin.
I'd
rather start: Jerome Simpson, Brian Hartline
Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers: My Projection: 10 FPTS
The
Packers have to lean on him. No two ways about it. And while Joseph Fauria scored three touchdowns on the Browns last week it was
more due to his gargantuan size. Finley has good size but will take on a
Cleveland defense that, until last week, hadn't allowed a single tight
end to score. In fact, the Browns haven't allowed a tight end to tally
more than 54 yards in a game. The hunch here is that Finley not only
scores, but also gets around 54 yards receiving.
I'd start him
over: Martellus Bennett, Kyle Rudolph
Ravens at Steelers, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
These teams almost always play each other tough in low-scoring affairs. Seven of the last eight games in the series have been decided by three points. Pittsburgh has been a terrible place for Joe Flacco to play -- he's never had a dynamite game there for Fantasy purposes. With the Ravens run game hobbled this could be a tough spot for Baltimore.
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens: My Projection: 15 FPTS
Pittsburgh's
pass defense has remained strong so far this season. Only one
quarterback -- Matt Cassel -- has thrown
multiple touchdowns and finished with more than 18 Fantasy points
against them. Considering Flacco's
track record at Pittsburgh, this is a great week to sit him.
I'd
rather start: Josh Freeman, Brandon Weeden
Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: My Projection: 9 FPTS
I've made
the mistake before of doubting Rice against the Steelers but there's
some real evidence to do it this time. Rice looks less than 100 percent
healthy and it shows in his stats. He has one game with more than 3.0
yards per carry. A lot of that has to do with his O-line, but Rice
himself hasn't shown much breakaway speed. His longest play of the year
is for 14 yards; at this time last year he had six plays of 20-plus
yards. Pittsburgh's run defense came out of the gate cold but looked
really good last week against the run-heavy Jets. I'd lower expectations
for Rice this week.
No. 2 RB flow chart: Stevan Ridley > Trent Richardson > Ray Rice > Maurice Jones-Drew > Le'Veon Bell
Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens: My Projection: 8 FPTS
No
surprise, Smith doesn't have a great track record against the Steelers.
That's in part because of Flacco's inefficiencies. Only two receivers
have scored on the Steelers and other than a colossal meltdown against
the Vikings, there hasn't been a receiver to get more than 60 yards
against Pittsburgh this year. It feels like Smith's best possible
statistical outcome would have to involve him scoring, something he's
done once in four career games against the Steelers.
Flow chart: Greg Jennings > Andre Johnson > Torrey Smith > Steve Johnson
Marlon Brown, WR, Ravens: My Projection: 7 FPTS
I
wouldn't expect a big game for Brown, but you could tell last week that
the Ravens like trying to get him the ball. Brown led the Ravens in
targets with seven against Green Bay and has three red zone touchdowns.
He could make it four but it doesn't mean there will be big yardage to
go with it.
Flow chart: Kenbrell Thompkins > Harry Douglas > Marlon Brown > Brian Hartline > Jeremy Kerley
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: My Projection: 16 FPTS
The
Ravens have been excellent against opposing quarterbacks since Peyton Manning slapped them around in Week 1. Since then, no passer
has exceeded 18 Fantasy points or thrown for multiple touchdowns.
Roethlisberger hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns against the Ravens in
the regular season since 2007!
I'd rather start: Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannehill
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Another
tough matchup for Bell -- last week he went up against a great Jets
defense and struggled. This week he takes on a Ravens D that got gashed
by Eddie Lacy last week but has
otherwise averaged 3.8 yards per attempt and given up one score. Bell is
in the Flex conversation because of all the work he gets (16 carries and
three or four catches in each of his two games this season).
I'd
rather start: Danny Woodhead, Zac Stacy
Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Steelers: My Projection: 8 FPTS
Baltimore's
great pass defense has taken a couple of hits in their last two,
allowing two 100-yard receivers and a touchdown. In fact, they've
allowed a touchdown to a wideout in two of their last three. Lardarius Webb has been busted for big plays over those last two games
and we just saw Sanders strike on a deep ball on the same side of the
field Webb plays on last week. Figure the Steelers to take some shots
with Sanders, giving him some potential, but Brown remaining the
constant in the Pittsburgh offense.
I'd start Brown over: Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson
I'd
start Sanders over: Riley Cooper, Michael Floyd, any Rams WRs
Heath Miller, TE, Steelers: My Projection: 7 FPTS
We've
seen Miller pick up six receptions for at least 70 yards in each of the
Steelers' last two games. Like other weapons in Pittsburgh, he's always
a part of the game plan. The Ravens have tightened up against tight ends
-- only one has scored since Week 1 -- but they're still allowing 17.4
yards per catch to the position. I don't mind Miller as a starter.
Flow
chart: Kyle Rudolph > Timothy Wright > Heath Miller > Coby Fleener > Greg Olsen
Texans at Chiefs, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
The Texans will need a complete team effort to pull off the win here. Houston's defense has looked pitiful the last few weeks; they have to step up against the ball-control Chiefs offense. Houston's offense has to lean on its ground game. The Chiefs probably know the Texans will run at them a bunch to set up misdirection passes off play-action. With Kansas City allowing a pretty decent 117.5 total yards per game to running backs this year, it'll be a chore for Arian Foster to have a sensational game.
No-brainers: Arian Foster; Jamaal Charles
Andre Johnson, WR, Texans: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Obviously
Johnson's outlook would have been better if Matt Schaub was under center. Case Keenum
makes things dicey. Kansas City's secondary seems to hang on cornerback Brandon Flowers -- in the four games he's played, receivers have
averaged 138.3 yards per game with one touchdown and in two games
without him receivers have averaged 174.0 yards per game with two
touchdowns. Johnson will need to catch nine or more passes to rack up
enough yardage to be a solid Fantasy contributor this week.
Flow
chart: Steve Smith > Andre Johnson > Torrey Smith > Alshon Jeffery
Alex Smith, QB, Chiefs: My Projection: 13 FPTS
It's not
that shocking that the Texans defense allowed three passing touchdowns
inside the 5-yard line last week. It's more shocking that the Texans
couldn't get off the field, as the Rams drove at least 65 yards on each
of their touchdown drives. Expect Smith to keep doing a lot of his
dinking and dunking, making him tough to trust for Fantasy purposes.
He's due for a touchdown since he hasn't scored any in three of his last
four games.
I'd rather start: Thad Lewis, Mike Glennon
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: My Projection: 6 FPTS
Not only
is Bowe not getting enough opportunities to make plays but this week
he's in a tough matchup. Houston's allowed one touchdown to a receiver
in its last four games, a positive for the defense. Bowe and his four
catches shouldn't be counted on when there are so many more appealing
choices out there.
I'd rather start: Austin Pettis, Michael Floyd
Broncos at Colts, Sun., 8:30 p.m. ET
We've seen the Colts come up with some great game plans to slow down offenses. They held the Niners to 7 points and the Chargers to 19 points, so they could have some wrinkles to try and contain the Broncos, potentially by attacking the tackles in an effort to push Peyton Manning into some ill-timed throws. The Colts have allowed just five touchdowns through the air on the season and they'll get safety LaRon Landry back to stabilize the secondary. Maybe the defense gives them a chance to keep it close late.
No-brainers: Peyton Manning, Knowshon Moreno, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Julius Thomas
Eric Decker, WR, Broncos: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Indy has
allowed three touchdowns over its last two games, all to speed
receivers. Decker's more of a physical receiver than a speedster.
Decker's Fantasy point totals over his last five: 8, 19, 8, 14 and 5. At
the very least he's caught five or more passes per game, so the
opportunities will be there. Consider him a No. 2 receiver as usual.
Flow
chart: Keenan Allen > T.Y. Hilton > Eric Decker > Antonio Brown > Larry Fitzgerald
Andrew Luck, QB, Colts: My Projection: 21 FPTS
Through
the first six weeks, the Broncos have allowed quarterbacks to record 10
touchdowns while sacking them 17 times. The pass rush is only going to
get better with the return of Von Miller,
and that could complicate Luck's life. Chances are Luck will have to
throw a bunch -- quarterbacks against the Broncos are averaging 41.7
pass attempts per game. That should afford him enough chances to score a
couple of touchdowns and put up some good yardage, something he didn't
have a lot of time to do at San Diego last week.
I'd start him
over: Cam Newton, Matt Ryan
Trent Richardson, RB, Colts: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Richardson's
last six quarters have been encouraging as he's averaged 4.27 yards per
carry (22 carries for 94 yards), but he'll have to score to help your
team out. Because of the Broncos' track record there -- allowing one
rushing touchdown per week to running backs through the first six weeks
of the season -- Richardson has a chance to be good.
Flow chart: Brandon Jacobs > Stevan Ridley > Trent Richardson > C.J. Spiller > Ray Rice
Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: My Projection: 12 FPTS
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts: My Projection: 10 FPTS
The Broncos
have allowed seven touchdowns to receivers and 10 or more Fantasy points
to eight receivers this year. Over the last two weeks they've yielded
10-plus points to four wideouts. If the Colts end up throwing a bunch
then expect these two to be productive. Hilton especially has been solid
in his last two home games, catching 11 passes for 264 yards and two
touchdowns.
I'd start them over: Eric Decker, Steve Smith
Vikings at Giants, Mon., 8:40 p.m. ET
Both teams should go to some desperate measures to notch a win. The Vikings are doing so with quarterback Josh Freeman starting after signing with the team two weeks ago. The Giants are sticking with Brandon Jacobs, a dicey scenario to be sure, but it's not like they are full of alternatives. In a game with bad defenses and suspect quarterbacking, I'd give the nudge to the home team, which also happens to be the winless team. They're more desperate to make a statement than the Vikings, believe it or not.
No-brainers: Victor Cruz; Adrian Peterson
Josh Freeman, QB, Vikings: My Projection: 17 FPTS
I
wouldn't have big expectations for Freeman in his first start with the
Vikings. I'd expect a typical game plan where Minnesota leans on Adrian Peterson and uses play-action to trick the Giants. Freeman's
arrival could actually help Peterson as he completed anywhere from 23 to
28 percent of his passes per season to rushers while the full-time
starter in Tampa Bay. And the matchup is pretty darn good -- the Giants
have allowed multiple touchdowns and 20-plus Fantasy points to every
single quarterback they've faced.
Flow chart: Ryan Tannehill > Josh Freeman > Russell Wilson > Ben Roethlisberger
Greg Jennings, WR, Vikings: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Some
positives about Jennings: He's had at least a 20-yard catch in every
game, he had six catches last week and had two touchdowns the week
before. As the Vikings change quarterbacks, Jennings has gotten better.
I'd say Freeman is better than Christian Ponder
and Matt Cassel, and the Giants are
giving up 155.3 yards per game to receivers with eight touchdowns. I
just might start Jennings against this lousy defense.
Flow chart: Steve Smith > Rueben Randle > Greg Jennings > Andre Johnson
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings: My Projection: 8 FPTS
The
Vikings' interest in using Rudolph is very real. Last week he had 11
targets -- six in the first half. It's evident they want to get him
involved as a receiver and might get away with not having him block all
the time against the Giants and their overrated pass rush. The Giants
have allowed five touchdowns to tight ends this season. Rudolph should
be an easy target for Freeman in his very first game with the Vikes.
I'd
start him over: Heath Miller, Jordan Reed
Eli Manning, QB, Giants: My Projection: 19 FPTS
This has
to be the game Manning finally comes through. The Vikings have allowed
24-plus Fantasy points to four of the five quarterbacks they've faced.
Four of the five have also thrown for at least 290 yards and four of
five have notched multiple touchdowns. Also, the Vikings will play
without starting safety Harrison Smith,
one of their best defensive backs. Everything is setting up for Manning
to have a solid game, even if it means turning the ball over once or
twice.
Flow chart: Robert Griffin III
> Eli Manning > Matt Ryan > Sam Bradford
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants: My Projection: 11 FPTS
I
overlooked Jacobs' matchup against a depleted Bears defensive line last
week, and things got more favorable for him when the Bears lost a
starting linebacker. Well, the Vikings defensive line isn't much better
and they too just lost a starting linebacker. On the year, Minnesota has
allowed five rushing touchdowns and 83.4 rush yards per game to running
backs. Don't expect a ton of yards from Jacobs but an end zone trip
would not be out of the question.
I'd start him over: Trent Richardson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson
Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants: My Projection: 11 FPTS
Rueben Randle, WR, Giants: My Projection: 9 FPTS
The Vikings
have allowed 191.0 yards per game to receivers with five touchdowns
through five games. This includes a pair of 100-yard games and three
touchdowns to receivers in their last two. Hakeem Nicks has been running better over his last two games (13
catches for 212 yards) and Randle has started to emerge as a favorite
target of Manning's (nine catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns in
his last two).
I'd start them over: Torrey Smith, Patriots WRs, Steve Johnson
Seahawks at Cardinals, Thu., 8:25 p.m. ET
This matchup should fit into the typical Thursday night formula: The team with the best run game wins. That's should be Seattle but it might not be so easy. Marshawn Lynch ripped them up in their last meeting for three touchdowns and 128 yards but hasn't had 100 total yards in any other meeting with the Cardinals (he's come close) and has scored in just two of six contests vs. Arizona as a member of the Seahawks. The Seahawks will try to get Lynch going before using play action to have some success through the air.
No-brainer: Marshawn Lynch
Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks: My Projection: 17 FPTS
The
Cardinals have come alive vs. the pass, holding each of their last three
opponents to 19 Fantasy points or less. That's how much Colin Kaepernick posted on Arizona last week with a big assist to
tight end Vernon Davis. Wilson doesn't
have a threat like that and could have a hard time racking up numbers,
particularly if the Seattle run game doesn't get going.
Bye-week
QB flow chart: Ryan Tannehill > Josh Freeman > Russell Wilson > Brandon Weeden
Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals: My Projection: 7 FPTS
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Cardinals: My Projection: 3 FPTS
Ellington
is starting to take over for the Cardinals as more than just the passing
downs back. The matchup is difficult: Seattle has given up over 10
Fantasy points to two running backs all year. Maybe there's a little bit
of truth to the theory Seattle's defense is worse on the road, and
playing on a short week hurts them. But Ellington won't get every carry
and that eats into his potential despite averaging a staggering 7.0
yards per carry and 10.0 yards per catch. Still like him in a PPR though.
I'd
start Ellington over: Chris Johnson,
Falcons RBs
I'd rather start over Mendenhall: Joique Bell, Roy Helu
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: My Projection: 9 FPTS
Though
Fitzgerald scored on a 75-yard play at San Francisco it was due to an
aggressive defender trying to make a play on the ball and not on
Fitzgerald. There were many other deep pass attempts from Palmer,
suggesting that he will target Fitzgerald no matter what his coverage is
like. Seattle has allowed two touchdowns to receivers in its last five,
though three receivers did have 100 yards in that span. Fitzgerald has
scored once in his last four against Seattle in a game Richard Sherman was a backup in. Since then Fitzgerald has one game
with over 100 yards and two with under 70 yards. It's another week to be
nervous about starting him but Fitz showed you last week why you
shouldn't be.
No. 2 WR Flow chart: Antonio Brown > Larry Fitzgerald > Steve Smith > Alshon Jeffery
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