Each week Studs & Duds will take a look at the best and worst match-ups from around the NFL and choose four players that could mean the difference between fantasy success and failure.

Based on the scoring system established by Yahoo!’s Flames and Lames, Studs and Duds had its worst showing of the year in week 4. After getting only 50% of the picks right last week, S&D’s season record now stands at 20-12. Do you have some of your own Studs and Duds in mind? If so, put your picks and predictions (no explanation for picks necessary) in the comment section below and see if you can beat us at our own game.

Studs

Matt Cassel / QB / Kansas City Chiefs - (vs. Cowboys) The Chiefs will face a struggling Dallas team in week 5, and that’s good news for Cassel. The quarterback has put up very solid numbers the last two weeks against two very good defenses, the Eagles and Giants, and facing a Cowboys team this week that has allowed 256 passing ypg should help him continue that success. Although Dallas doesn’t look like that good of a team right now, they’ll probably win this one simply because Kansas City is that bad. That’ll mean lot’s of passing opportunities for Cassel as K.C. will most likely be playing from behind for most of the game.
Prediction: 26-40, 268 passing yards, 2 total touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 17 rushing yards

T.J. Houshmandzadeh / WR / Seattle Seahawks - (vs. Jaguars) Houshmandzadeh finally had a respectable fantasy day in week 4, and you can count on him carrying that success over into week 5. The Seahawks will square off against a Jacksonville team that is tied for last in the league in pass defense, and Housh will take full advantage of that situation. So far this year the biggest complaint by fantasy owners about the receiver is that the end-zone has eluded him, but this week will have his owners smiling as he’ll definitely reach pay dirt. If QB Matt Hasselbeck is able to play, Housh’s value goes up even more. That’s because the quarterback will most likely rely heavily on his best receiver to help him ease back into game shape. Don’t be surprised if T.J. puts up a career game this week as he continues a mission to show the rest of the NFL that he is an elite wide-out.
Prediction: 11 receptions, 107 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Jerome Harrison / RB / Cleveland Browns - (vs. Bills) Last week against the Bengals Harrison burst onto the fantasy scene by picking up 121 rushing yards on 29 carries. He’s opened the eyes of many fantasy owners, as he could wind up being the one who replaces Jamal Lewis as the Browns starting running back for the rest of the year. This week should only help to cement Harrison’s spot as the starter as he faces the struggling Bills. Last year against Buffalo Harrison rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown on just three carries! Imagine the kind of numbers he will be able to put up against them with a full workload. He won’t put up Adrian Peterson vs. San Diego numbers, but with the Bills allowing 150 ypg on the ground, you can be sure that Harrison will officially become a must own in all fantasy leagues.
Prediction: 27 carries, 136 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 29 receiving yards, 2 total touchdowns

Dustin Keller / TE / New York Jets - (vs. Dolphins) A lot of fantasy owners may think that Keller’s value has taken a hit with the Jets’ recent addition of WR Braylon Edwards, but at least this week that won’t be the case. The reason Keller should be highly valued this week is because Miami has been getting scorched by opposing TE’s all year. Through four games they’ve allowed 320 receiving yards and two touchdowns to the position, and that includes a game against the Bills who rarely utilize a TE in their passing game. Also raising Keller’s value this week is the fact that QB Mark Sanchez struggled last week and will want to get comfortable early. That’ll mean plenty of looks for Keller who has great size and hands.
Prediction: 8 receptions, 97 yards, 1 touchdown

Duds

Kurt Warner / QB / Arizona Cardinals - (vs. Texans) Warner has struggled to start the season, throwing only four touchdowns to go with four interceptions. Taking into account the fact that the Cards have only played three games those numbers might not sound too bad, but considering the offensive weapons he has around him, he’s definitely underachieved to this point. One of the main reasons could be his age. He’s 38 years old now, and his career may be getting closer to its end. This week's game against Houston won’t help him feel any younger either. The Texans pass D is only giving up 204 passing ypg, and have only allowed three receiving touchdowns. Unless Warner suddenly got better during Arizona’s bye week, you can expect his struggles to continue.
Prediction: 23-48, 211 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions, 9 rushing yards

Santana Moss / WR / Washington Redskins - (vs. Panthers) Moss has put up two stud worthy games in a row, and has some owners thinking he might be a solid fantasy contributor all year. However, this week’s game against Carolina will prove that for most of the year, his numbers will be inconsistent at best. The Panthers have the sixth ranked pass D, and you can be sure that the defending NFC South champions will want to prove they’re still a good team after starting the year 0-3. Another factor working against Moss is that Washington is just not a good team this year. So owners should definitely temper expectations for him this week, and possibly for the rest of the year.
Prediction: 3 receptions, 46 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns

Michael Turner / RB / Atlanta Falcons - (vs. 49ers) San Francisco has been the surprise defense of the year so far, turning heads by currently ranking as the sixth best D in the league. This week’s game against the Falcons will definitely be a tough test for the 49ers, but they should remain solid against the run. The reason Turner is likely to struggle is that San Fran has already faced the best RB in the league in Adrian Peterson, and they were able to hold him to just 85 rushing yards and no touchdowns. In fact, the 49ers have yet to allow a rushing TD on the year. That will mean the Falcons will have to stick to the air to win in week five. Turner may end up with decent yards on the day, but his inability to find pay dirt will cause him to be a dud.
Prediction: 19 carries, 83 rushing yards, 1 reception, 9 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns

Heath Miller / TE / Pittsburgh Steelers - (vs. Lions) Miller had a monster, two touchdown game last week against the Chargers, and plenty of owners rushed out to grab him for his easy match up this week against Detroit. However, despite the fact that Detroit has already allowed 12 receiving touchdown’s on the year, Miller will most likely not be part of the stat padding party. When QB Ben Roethlisberger throws the ball, he’ll more than likely look to his strong wide receiver core to get the job done. The Steelers should rely on a power running game anyway, which means there won’t be too many passing stats to go around. The Steelers defense will prove to be too much for the Lions and that will lead to Pittsburgh wanting to manage the pace of the game. A few third down receptions is about the most you can expect from Miller in week 5
Prediction: 4 receptions, 37 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns