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 or failure.
Based on the scoring system
established by Yahoo!'s Flames and Lames, Studs and Duds continued to spin its wheels in week 10. After
going 4-4 in last week's picks, S&D's season record now stands at 37-43.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
Matthew Stafford / QB / Detroit Lions - (vs.
Browns) Stafford has not had a stud-worthy game yet in '09, but
S&D thinks he's due. This week he'll face off against a Cleveland team that's basically as bad as his own, and that
will lead to some great fantasy numbers. The Browns have allowed 10 passing
touchdown while only reeling in four interceptions. That ratio bodes well for
Stafford who has had his most trouble when he throws picks.
This is likely to be a high scoring game since both defenses are pretty
terrible, so if you need helping hand from a QB this week then Stafford is your man.
Terrell Owens / WR / Buffalo Bills - (vs.
Jaguars) The Bills are a team in flux after the recent firing of head coach
Dick Jauron, but that might be just what T.O. needs to jumpstart his season. He's
been one of the biggest disappointments of the year for fantasy owners, but
you'll want to get your hands on him for week 11 for his match-up against the
Jaguars. Jacksonville has the 26th ranked pass D, so the idea
that Owens can rack up plenty of yards and a touchdown or two is not that
far-fetched.
Joseph Addai / RB / Indianapolis Colts - (vs.
Ravens) Although the Ravens have the fifth ranked rush defense, Addai is going
to have a solid game in week 11. Addai is one of the most versatile RBs in the
NFL, and that's the reason he'll make significant contributions to fantasy
teams this week. He won't rack up rushing yards, but he should be able to
reel in 4-6 catches to go with a decent amount of receiving yards. That will
lead to another solid overall game for the RB who has been one of the top backs
in the NFL the last few weeks.
Jeremy Shockey / TE / New Orleans Saints -
(vs. Buccaneers) Shockey has cooled off the last two weeks after posting three
straight stud-worthy performances. However, you can expect him to break out
once again against TampaBay. Although the Buccaneers have the 11th
ranked pass D they've allowed 19 receiving touchdowns. Shockey is a physical
player and he'll make his presence known on Sunday when the Saints get into the
red-zone.
Prediction: 6 receptions, 71 yards, 1 touchdown
Duds
Peyton Manning / QB / Indianapolis Colts - (vs.
Ravens) Manning has only posted three dud-worthy games this year, and all of
them were very close to being stud-worthy. However, week 11 will be the first
time all year that Manning really struggles. The Ravens will put pressure
on Manning all game and make it hard for him to be successful. As said above,
the Colts will have their hands full with a Baltimore defense that is likely to play inspired. Don't be
surprised if the Colts suffer their first loss of the season. That means if you
start Manning in week 11 you shouldn't be surprised if your team loses too.
Roddy White / WR / Atlanta Falcons -
(vs. Giants) Roddy White has continued to put up solid numbers week in and week
out. However, the Falcons have not been as consistent, as they're currently
sporting a 5-4 record. Since they're going to the Meadowlands to play the
Giants this week, it's not likely that they turn things around. New York is still in the playoff race in the NFC East, and
they will play hard and show why their defense was one of the top ranked squads
in the preseason. With Michael Turner nursing an injury, Atlanta's run game will be inconsistent at best which means
the Giants can focus on stopping the pass.
Steven Jackson / RB / St. Louis Rams - (vs.
Cardinals) Jackson has only three dud-worthy games on the year, but week
11 will see him put up number four. The Rams will take on Arizona and their eighth ranked rush D. That's not good for Jackson and the Rams who are coming off a well played game
against undefeated New
Orleans. Because
of that game, a lot of experts think St. Louis is turning a corner and will be much better the rest
of the year; however, that's not true. They'll continue to be unimpressive as
their offense and defense struggle, and that will directly affect Jackson's fantasy value moving forward.
Brent Celek / TE / Philadelphia Eagles -
(vs. Bears) Celek has posted three straight games with a touchdown, but that
streak will be stopped this week. The Bears haven't been too good against the
pass this year, but that won't lead to a good day for Celek. Philly is going to
be without RB Brian Westbrook, and their running game is suspect anyway. That
means Chicago can focus on stopping the pass. Also, the Bears need
to win this week if they hope to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Combine that with the fact that they're the Sunday night game and you can expect a pretty poor game from one '09's most effective TE's.